By Jia Lissa 
The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 1998 film Practical Magic, now officially titled Practical Magic 2, has marked its initial major red carpet appearance with a striking sartorial homage. Maisie Williams, stepping into the significant role of Antonia Owens, a new generation of the magical Owens family, captivated onlookers by channeling her on-screen mother, Sandra Bullock, a.k.a. Sally Owens. Williams’s chosen ensemble and hairstyle at the premiere were a deliberate and sophisticated nod to Bullock’s iconic ’90s aesthetic, underscoring the enduring influence of the decade on contemporary fashion and the film’s own nostalgic appeal.
The enduring resurgence of ’90s fashion has been a dominant force in popular culture for several years, with celebrities consistently drawing inspiration from the era’s distinct trends. Williams’s red carpet look for Practical Magic 2 was a prime example of this phenomenon. Her dark hair was artfully styled into an "undone cool updo," a look characterized by its relaxed yet structured silhouette. The hair was gathered at the crown of her head, twisted and pinned with an intentional looseness, allowing strands to artfully escape and create a sense of effortless movement. This hairstyle is reminiscent of popular updos seen on red carpets and at formal events during the late 1990s, evoking a sense of playful sophistication.
The Genesis of the ’90s Homage
The creative vision behind Williams’s ensemble was a collaborative effort between the actress, her stylist Dino Bonacic, and hairstylist Jillian Halouska. According to Halouska, the goal was to achieve a hairstyle that felt "effortless, messy and more than a nod to a ’90s updo." She elaborated on the deliberate duality of the look, stating, "Something that was structurally interesting, yet felt on the verge of falling out at any moment. The juxtaposition of the corset waist and undone hair, it’s as if you undid the corset and tie of the outfit – the reverse of that is undone hair with the ties and corset laces falling out." This commentary highlights a conscious design choice to blend structured elements with a sense of controlled disarray, mirroring the aesthetic sensibilities of the ’90s.
The broader styling concept, as explained by Bonacic, was deeply rooted in a specific moment from Sandra Bullock’s past. The inspiration was drawn from Bullock’s appearance at the 1999 premiere of Forces of Nature. In that instance, Bullock sported a rust-colored outfit and complementary reddish eye makeup. Williams’s premiere look echoed these elements, reimagined for a contemporary audience. While Bullock’s hair at the Forces of Nature premiere was styled poker-straight and short with a subtle zig-zag part, Williams’s interpretation embraced the ’90s updo trend, creating a dynamic contrast and a clear link to the original.
Bonacic further articulated the overarching theme for the styling: "In terms of styling, I think there’s a lot of conversation around method dressing, but instead of looking super witchy, we wanted to focus on the 1990s as a decade, and Sandra Bullock as this epitome of 1990s chaos (complimentary)." This statement reveals a strategic approach to not just replicate but to interpret the spirit of the ’90s through the lens of Bullock’s iconic presence. The intention was to capture a sense of "1990s chaos," interpreted as a vibrant and perhaps slightly untamed energy, rather than a literal or overtly themed costume. The seamless execution of this vision was facilitated by the immediate understanding and creative input of makeup artist Elaine Lynskey, who, alongside Halouska, "instantly read the vibe and knew exact references."
A Legacy Continues: The Significance of Practical Magic 2
The development of Practical Magic 2 has been a subject of considerable interest since its announcement. The original Practical Magic, released in 1998, starred Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as Sally and Gillian Owens, two witch sisters who grapple with a family curse that dooms any man they fall in love with to an untimely death. The film, while not an immediate box office smash, has since garnered a significant cult following, celebrated for its blend of magical realism, sisterhood, and distinctive aesthetic. The announcement of a sequel, nearly three decades later, signaled a desire to revisit this beloved narrative and introduce it to a new generation, while also appealing to the established fanbase.
Maisie Williams’s casting as Antonia Owens is particularly noteworthy. Williams, best known for her transformative role as Arya Stark in the globally acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, has demonstrated a remarkable range as an actress. Her transition from the gritty, medieval world of Westeros to the whimsical, magical realm of the Owens family suggests a deliberate career move towards diverse and compelling roles. As Antonia, Williams is expected to embody a new facet of the Owens lineage, potentially exploring the evolution of witchcraft and family dynamics in a modern context.
The red carpet debut for Practical Magic 2, therefore, serves not only as a promotional event for the film but also as a symbolic bridge between the original and the sequel. Williams’s homage to Sandra Bullock’s ’90s style is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a visual cue that connects the legacy of Sally Owens with the new characters and narrative of Practical Magic 2. It suggests that the sequel will embrace and celebrate the foundational elements that made the first film so enduring, while forging its own identity.
The Enduring Appeal of ’90s Aesthetics in Film and Fashion
The persistent popularity of ’90s fashion and beauty trends is a complex cultural phenomenon. The decade, often characterized by its grunge, minimalist, and maximalist elements, continues to inspire designers, stylists, and celebrities. The "undone" aesthetic, as seen in Williams’s updo, reflects a broader trend towards relaxed yet polished looks that prioritize individuality and comfort. This contrasts with some of the more structured and overtly glamorous styles of previous decades, offering a refreshing alternative.
The ’90s also saw a rise in distinct makeup trends, including the use of earth tones, subtle shimmer, and a focus on defining features. The mention of Bullock’s rust-colored eye makeup in Forces of Nature is a specific example of a palette that has seen a resurgence in recent years. The ability of makeup artists like Elaine Lynskey to draw upon these historical references and adapt them for contemporary red carpet events underscores the cyclical nature of beauty trends and the enduring impact of iconic looks.
The "chaos" referenced by Bonacic can be interpreted as a rejection of overly curated perfection. In the ’90s, there was a growing appreciation for authenticity and a certain nonchalance, which translated into fashion and beauty choices. This sentiment resonates strongly today, as consumers and celebrities alike often gravitate towards looks that feel genuine and expressive. For Practical Magic 2, this approach allows the film to tap into a sense of timeless magic and relatable character, even within a fantastical setting.
Broader Implications and Future Expectations
The successful red carpet debut of Maisie Williams in Practical Magic 2 sets a promising tone for the film’s promotional campaign. The deliberate engagement with the original film’s aesthetic and the iconic presence of Sandra Bullock suggests a thoughtful approach to storytelling and character development. This attention to detail in styling and thematic resonance can significantly influence audience perception and anticipation.
As the press tour for Practical Magic 2 progresses, it is reasonable to expect a continuation of these ’90s-inspired references. This could manifest in further sartorial nods to Bullock and Kidman’s original looks, as well as explorations of other defining trends of the era. The interplay between the original cast and the new additions, such as Williams, will likely be a key narrative thread throughout the promotional cycle, highlighting the generational aspect of the Practical Magic saga.
The film’s success hinges not only on its magical elements and plot but also on its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional and aesthetic level. By embracing the nostalgia associated with the original film while introducing fresh perspectives, Practical Magic 2 has the potential to capture both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers. Maisie Williams’s premiere look serves as a compelling indicator that the sequel is poised to deliver a blend of familiar charm and contemporary relevance, ensuring that the magic of the Owens sisters continues to enchant audiences for years to come. The strategic use of fashion and beauty as storytelling tools, as demonstrated by Williams’s debut, is a testament to the power of visual narratives in the modern entertainment landscape.
