Molly Goddard Knows She's Been Knocked Off. Here's Her Solution.

Molly Goddard's in a sticky spot. The designer created a signature look so good, it became a cultural moment — that sprawling pink dress from Killing Eve — and then got knocked off by every fast-fashion chain on the planet, plus a few big designers.

Now, the London mainstay has a loyal fanbase and a great retail presence at stores like Ssense and Net-a-Porter. But she also has the challenge of making pieces that reflect what people already love from her line, but feel unique enough that you can't H&M your way to her style. Tough, right?

For Fall 2021, Goddard has created some unexpectedly calm pieces — a utility trench coat, an oversized pink cardigan, a few nip-waist blazers — that are versatile enough to assuage the cautious shopper. She’s also got some clothes that look like they’re made from fuzzy metallic insulation and shredded floral upholstery, which are a little tougher to imagine out in the real world. (Lindsey Wixson pulled it off, but, like, she’s Lindsey Wixson.)

Between the two extremes emerged a viable and very cool way forward: a confident ruffle kerfuffle, grafted from party clothes onto elevated staples like a drop-waist topper coat, a cargo mini dress, and a black messenger bag knit to resemble a rose trellis. There were also some super cute hats and scarves, because Goddard’s younger fans might want a small piece of her genuine magic on a student budget.

Also, there’s a red froofy party dress that kind of looks like a cherry Sno Cone. I am very here for this, and I imagine several movie stars will be, too.

Molly Goddard

Faran Krentcil is a fashion journalist and critic based in New York City. She is the founding editor of Fashionista and a graduate of Duke University. Her work has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.

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