French Renaissance meets modern romance in the timeless TV drama “Reign.” If you’ve watched “Gossip Girl,” “Gilmore Girls” or any time period drama on Netflix, you’ve probably seen “Reign” pop up in your Netflix recommendations. 

When I pressed play on the first episode of this fictional piece, I had no idea I was going to bask in cohesive and downright glamorous wardrobe sets. Who am I kidding? This is a show about the Queen of Scots living at French court alongside the highborn leaders of France; of course there is going to be jaw-dropping fashion choices!

“Reign” costume designer, Meredith Markwork-Pollack, crafted each elaborate outfit by mixing elements of 16th and 21st century fashion. Luckily for the actresses, the corsets they wore were custom measured to fit them precisely; no rib bending here!

Queen Mary’s ode to Athena

This costume choice is my absolute favorite of Queen Mary’s! Not only do I love the gold, glimmering gown, but also the veil! The leafy design in the crown is similar to Greek goddess Athena’s. The iconic crown symbolizes wisdom and strategy, which is key to a victorious outcome in war; all of which is what Queen Mary is fighting for at French court. I just love the symbolism.

Lengthy Robes Make for Great Dramatic Exits

Every princess movie I’ve seen always films the stereotypical scene of the royal fleeing down a grand staircase.“Reign” producers fuel this cliche and I love it. With Queen Mary donning beautiful lengthy robes, the cinematography is eye-catching. If Cinderella could do it, the Queen of Scots can too.

Queen Warrior in a Crop Top

Adelaide Kane, who portrays Queen Mary of Scots, looks fierce in this crop top that pointedly resembles chain link armor. As a queen on foreign soil, Mary is supposed to diplomatically make good relations with French royals, but as a Royal herself, she must keep herself guarded to treasonous drama; the TV show’s producers love implementing disloyal conflicts

Queen Mary’s Fiery Flow

Queen Mary is radiating fierceness through the black, sheared topped dress. The production crew even captured flames in the shot to show the Queen of Scots bringing political as well as fashionable heat to the throne room.

Sleek and Glamorous

This form fitting floor length masterpiece is sure to catch the wandering eyes of the French court. Mary looks as magnificent in this narrow silhouette as she does in her light, flowy robes earlier mentioned. My favorite thing about the dress is the beading,the torso embellishments flaunt natural beauty in the form of stems and flowers. Could this be a reference to Scotland’s famous Poppy flower? Or the foreshadowing of an episode to come? Probs both, honestly; Meredith Markwork-Pollack has a knack for symbolism through her costume designs.