So, here’s the thing about Margot Robbie. Most people see a "sexy photoshoot" and think it’s just about a pretty face in a high-fashion gown. They’re wrong.
If you’ve been paying attention to her career—from the high-octane saturation of Barbie to the moody, rain-drenched vibes of her January 2026 British Vogue cover—it’s clear that Margot doesn’t just "pose." She builds worlds. She uses her image like a chess piece. Honestly, she’s probably the most calculated (in a good way!) visual storyteller we have in Hollywood right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Wolf of Wall Street Era
Think back to 2013. Naomi Lapaglia. The pink dress. The blue dress. The scene in the nursery. Everyone called her a bombshell overnight. It’s an easy label, right? But the reality is way more interesting.
Margot has actually talked about how she pushed back on Martin Scorsese during filming. He offered to let her wear a robe in that famous "nursery" scene to make her more comfortable. She said no. Why? Because she realized Naomi’s body was her only form of currency in that hyper-masculine, Wall Street world. By choosing to be fully nude, she turned a "sexy" moment into a power move. It wasn't about being a pin-up; it was about character integrity. Basically, she was in control of the gaze, even then.
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The Chanel Evolution and "See You at 5"
Fast forward to now. She’s been with Chanel since 2018, but the 2024/2025 "See You at 5" campaign for N°5 really shifted things. Directed by Luca Guadagnino (the guy behind Challengers and Call Me by Your Name), the shoot feels less like an ad and more like a fever dream.
You’ve got Margot in a red tweed suit, then diving into the ocean in a red swimsuit. It’s a direct homage to Carole Bouquet’s 1986 campaign. But notice what’s missing? There’s no hard sell. No product shot shoved in your face. It’s all about anticipation. It’s "sexy" in a way that feels independent. She’s driving the convertible, she’s making the plans, and when the guy (Jacob Elordi) misses the connection? She doesn't care. She goes for a swim.
That Viral Barbie Method Dressing
We have to talk about the Barbie press tour because it changed the SEO game forever. Working with stylist Andrew Mukamal, Margot didn’t just do "photoshoots"—she did historical recreations.
They looked at actual dolls from the 50s and 60s.
- The 1960 "Solo in the Spotlight" Schiaparelli gown in LA.
- The 1960 "Enchanted Evening" Vivienne Westwood in London.
- The 1959 "Original" striped swimsuit look.
It was brilliant. Every single photo that hit the internet was a headline. By the time the movie came out, you couldn't separate Margot from the brand. It was the ultimate "pink" photoshoot, but it was also a masterclass in marketing. It wasn't just about looking good; it was about being unmistakable.
Why the January 2026 British Vogue Shoot is Different
Recently, Margot’s been leaning into what critics are calling "Pure Drama." For her January 2026 British Vogue cover, shot by Mikael Jansson, she ditched the Barbiecore entirely.
The shoot took place in the English countryside. It’s moody. It’s grey. She’s wearing a Chanel piece from Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection. In one shot, she’s literally drenched in the rain wearing a sheer pink skirt and a silver top. It’s a complete 180 from the polished, "perfect" image we saw during the Barbie era.
It’s evocative of her upcoming role in Wuthering Heights. She told the magazine she was three months postpartum when they started, and she wanted to be "in her body, not her head." You can see that shift in the photos. There’s a certain weight to them. A maturity. It’s not about being "pretty" for the camera; it’s about being present.
The Takeaway: How She Built a Visual Empire
Margot Robbie has basically cracked the code on how to be a "sex symbol" without being a "starlet." She’s a producer (LuckyChap Entertainment) first. She picks the photographers. She understands the archival references.
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If you're looking at her career for inspiration, here’s how she does it:
- Consistency over Trends: She stayed with Chanel for seven years before becoming the face of N°5. Longevity beats a viral moment every time.
- Context is Everything: She matches her photoshoot "vibe" to the project she’s selling. She’s a chameleon, not a brand-bot.
- Control the Narrative: Whether it's the slap she gave Leo in her audition or the decision to go vintage Mugler for a premiere, she’s the one making the call.
The next time a new Margot Robbie photoshoot drops, don't just look at the clothes. Look at the story she’s trying to tell. Chances are, she’s already three steps ahead of the audience.
To keep track of her style shifts, you can follow her stylist Andrew Mukamal’s work or check out the Barbie: The World Tour book, which archives every single look from that iconic run. It’s basically a textbook on how to use fashion as a weapon of mass promotion.