Runaways Star Virginia Gardner Gave Us All the Details on Her Ferragamo MFW Look
One of the most memorable characters in comic history can levitate and light up like a rainbow. She also happens to be the first openly gay superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who confirmed her sexuality on screen. "The response to my role has been super positive," Virginia Gardner says of her groundbreaking character Karolina Dean from Marvel's Runaways. "I think that's largely because for a very long time people from every walk of life have wanted to see people they could identify with on the screen." In the Hulu superhero drama, six teens learn their parents are the masterminds behind an underworld criminal organization. Karolina is the girl-next-door with kaleidoscopic powers and a not-so-secret crush on sorceress Nico Minoru (Lyrica Okano). Nicolina, as fans have dubbed the couple, became official with a kiss on the penultimate episode.
Karolina is already being praised for combating stereotypical depictions of gay characters onscreen. After Ellen wrote: "Not only is Karolina complex, but her characterization is refreshing, especially compared to the archetype of queer women that we constantly get in comic book-related media. Most of them are the typical badass, accompanied by a tough demeanor and tons of experience with weaponry. [...] Karolina is gentle, polite, and she doesn’t need a weapon to be empowering." That significance isn't lost on Virginia, who brings a tenderness and authenticity to the role. "I'm just happy that I've had the opportunity with my role as Karolina to be a voice for the LGBTQ community," she says.
As the actress behind such a pioneering character, Virginia is met with grateful and teary-eyed fans almost everywhere she goes, and that includes front row at Fashion Week. In Milan on Saturday, the 22-year-old Californian actress thrilled fans with an appearance at the Ferragamo show wearing a chic sweater dress and coat by the brand. One of the things she loves most about the Italian fashion house is its accessibility. "Ferragamo has done a really good job of maintaining its identity as a super luxurious brand," she explains, "but also translating that to a modern day young woman like myself who still wants to be cool, but sophisticated and well put together." Ahead, Virginia gives us all the details on her Ferragamo front row look.
Nick DeLieto1/7Virginia always makes sure to try on her red carpet look before she even sits in the hairstylist's chair. "Always, always try the look on before you start glam," she warns. "This way if there's anything that might've slipped or gone unnoticed, you still have time to fix before the big red carpet."
Nick DeLieto2/7For her makeup and hair look, she was inspired by the "somber palette of the outfit, which was very autumnal," she explains. "We decided since the show was first thing in the morning, we'd keep everything fresh — but with a strong lip and voluminous hair to balance the structure and fit of the look."
Nick DeLieto3/7Though she describes her personal style as "classic with a twist," Virginia's been inspired to take more sartorial risks as of late. "Since I've been working with my stylist [Zadrian Smith], with every look we do, we try to push things just a little bit more," she reveals. "It's all about having fun with fashion and taking risks, but keeping a steady and consistent narrative going that makes sense to anyone who might be watching."
Nick DeLieto4/7Virginia's appearance at the Ferragamo show — in a full look from the brand — was a long time coming. "I had the opportunity to meet Paul at the AMO Fragrance event in NYC and he was telling me about some of his ideas for the new collection," explains Virginia. "So, I was so excited to see what options I would have to wear."
Along with stylist Zadrian Smith, she narrowed it down to three looks at the fitting, including "a gorgeous velvet suit that was giving a '70s vibe and a jersey dress which took us to the '60s." Ultimately, she decided on the chic sweater dress and matching coat. "It fit me perfectly! We went down to show Paul and he loved it and added in the bag to make it a full look. I was in love with the look, because it felt like me."
Nick DeLieto5/7Virginia is a longtime fan of Ferragamo, often attending the brand's fêtes or wearing their sunnies for a day by the pool. "Ferragamo has done a really good job of maintaining its identity as a super luxurious brand, but also translating that to a modern day young woman like myself who still wants to be cool, but sophisticated and well put together," she says.
Nick DeLieto6/7Virginia is focused on the projects ahead (including Runaways Season 2 and the feature film Halloween) but she's still taking time out to process Karolina's impact in Season 1. "The reaction has been super positive and I think that's largely because for a very long time people from every walk of life have wanted to see people they could identity with on the screen," she muses. "I'm just happy that I've had the opportunity with my role as Karolina to be a voice for the LGBTQ community."
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