The hidden meaning behind Carey Mulligan’s T-shirt in Promising Young Woman
Red T-shirt was designed by Emerald Fennell’s sister
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Now that the Academy Award-nominated film Promising Young Woman has been released in the UK, fans are fawning over every detail, including the characters’ clothes.
But one item in particular stands out: a printed baseball T-shirt with an illustration of a deer and a child on the front underneath a rainbow.
The T-shirt is worn by actor Carey Mulligan, who plays the protagonist, Cassie, in the film.
But there is a special meaning to this particular item of clothing, because it was designed by none other than Coco Fennell, whose sister, Emerald Fennell, directed Promising Young Woman.
The film tells the story of a young woman who is seeking revenge on predatory men following an incident from her past.
The T-shirt, which costs £65 and can be bought online here, was a collaboration between Coco Fennell and the artist Ceal Warnants.
Speaking to Grazia, Coco explained the symbolism behind the design.
“At first glance the illustration looks like it’s from a 1950’s children’s book,” she said.
“Then you look closer and the child has a gun on their back and the deer is bleeding. I think it echoes Cassie’s character - sweet and harmless but when you look closer she has a darker side.”
Promising Young Woman has already picked up countless awards, with Emerald Fennell taking home the BAFTA for Best British Film at last weekend’s virtual ceremony.
The film was also awarded Best Original Screenplay.
At the Oscars, which takes place on Sunday 25 April, Promising Young Woman is up for three awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director for Fennell.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments