Dockery & Carmichael Unveil Downton’s Grand Finale Legacy

The editorial is a striking study in contrasts, a visual conversation between two friends with impeccably distinct styles. Against a bold, dramatic red background, Michelle Dockery, with her sharp, knowing gaze, lounges in what the magazine describes as an “elegant array of elegantly cut garments”. Her look, a sweeping white chiffon top and wide-leg trousers by Alberta Ferretti, feels both minimalist and opulent, like a Grecian statue re-imagined for a modern gallery. This is classicism, yes, but with a palpable confidence, a quiet, refined power that mirrors her iconic character, Lady Mary.

And then there is Laura Carmichael. She is a perfect foil to Michelle’s pristine elegance, a study in a more decadent, artistic vision. Her black ensemble, a beautiful creation that includes an off-the-shoulder detail and what appears to be embroidered flowers, feels ambitious and a little more bohemian. The article notes the styling included pieces by Burberry and Roger Vivier, a beautiful testament to a sophisticated but always interesting point of view. It’s a look that feels deeply personal, as if she stepped out of a private studio in Milan.

But what truly captivates me is the humanity woven into every word of this feature. The text speaks of their long-standing friendship, how they have a bond that has grown through all the “ups and downs” of their lives. It’s not just a fashion story, it’s a testament to a deep, genuine connection—one forged over a “Downton costume and props” party and a casual listening session in a sprawling Capability Brown parkland. A far cry from the staged, robotic celebrity shoots we are so often subjected to, n’est-ce pas?

This September 2025 issue serves as both a beautiful retrospective and a glimpse into the future, celebrating the release of the final film, The Grand Finale, which debuts on Netflix on September 12th.