Unleashing a playful—yet sharply tailored—reimagining of classic menswear, Karen Gillan’s editorial for Numéro Netherlands is a masterclass in modern androgyny.
For her latest editorial coup, Karen Gillan leaves behind the costumes of her blockbuster roles, instead embracing a powerful, gender-fluid aesthetic for the August 2025 issue of Numéro Netherlands. The photoshoot, a vibrant study in contrast, fuses a sleek, urban sensibility with a wild, unrestrained energy—much of it emanating from her magnificent cascade of red curls.
The collection of images reads like a visual manifesto on power dressing. Gillan debuts a series of impeccably tailored looks, each one a fresh spin on sartorial staples. In one shot, she commands a room in a perfectly cut olive-green suit and bold red flats, a look that feels both classic and audacious. On a New York City rooftop, the lines blur even further as she layers a sharp gray overcoat atop a pajama-style burgundy romper, a juxtaposition that is nothing short of brilliant.
The city streets become her personal runway, where she walks in wide-leg trousers and oversized blazers, often paired with a loosely knotted tie—a subtle but potent reclamation of the traditionally masculine accessory. One standout moment captures her in a beige trench coat over a blue striped tie and fiery orange wide-leg pants. The entire styling narrative is intentional and cohesive, with each look framed by her famously voluminous hair, which refuses to be tamed by the formality of the clothing.
Is this not the ultimate expression of confidence—wearing the clothes, rather than letting them wear you?
Gillan’s poses—aloof, direct, almost challenging—only amplify the message. This isn’t just about a photoshoot; it’s about a conversation on fashion’s shifting identity and the sheer magnetism of an actor proving her range extends well beyond the silver screen.
