The Gentlemen Season 2: Theo James and Kaya Scodelario Break Down Eddie Horniman’s 7 Rules of Bespoke Style
A Netflix Tudum feature dives into the wardrobe that defines the criminal-aristocrat look of the hit series
As anticipation builds for the return of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, Netflix has lifted the curtain on the show’s most polished asset: its wardrobe. A new feature on Netflix Tudum presents Eddie Horniman’s “7 rules” for living well, using the character’s bespoke suits and luxury accessories as a window into the upcoming season’s elevated world of aristocratic crime. Star Theo James, actress Kaya Scodelario, and costume designer Loulou Bontemps all weigh in, revealing how the clothes tell their own story.
The series, a spin-off of Ritchie’s 2019 film, follows Eddie Horniman (James) as he inherits his family’s estate only to discover it’s part of a sprawling cannabis empire. Season 1 established a certain sartorial flair—sharp tailoring mixed with streetwise grit—but Season 2 promises to double down on that aesthetic, with a focus on precision, power, and old-money rebellion. The Tudum piece positions Eddie’s personal style commandments as a blueprint for the show’s visual identity, blending high-end fashion with underworld edge.
The 7 Rules of Eddie Horniman’s Wardrobe
While the full list lives in the official Tudum breakdown, the guidelines orbit around the idea that clothing is armour. Theo James explains that Eddie’s suits are not merely decoration; they’re a strategic tool. “He’s a man who understands the weight of a first impression,” James notes in the feature. From the cut of a jacket to the sheen of a shoe, every detail communicates control. Costume designer Loulou Bontemps, who joined the series for its second season, honed in on what she calls a “sartorial power language” that distinguishes Eddie from his rivals.
“We spent weeks sourcing the right fabric for Eddie’s key suit. It had to move with him, yet hold its shape when he stood still — like a second skin that commands respect,” Bontemps says in the piece.
The rules, as teased, include the primacy of bespoke tailoring, the importance of a signature shoe — think Italian boats, those sleek, elongated loafers that have become a symbol of effortless wealth — and the art of accessorising with a pocket square that hints at danger rather than decorum. The feature underscores that Eddie’s style is a deliberate rebellion against the shabby-chic of the old aristocracy; he’s a new breed of gentleman, one who wields a pinstripe like a weapon.
Kaya Scodelario’s Susie Glass: Sharp, Chic, and Unpredictable
No discussion of The Gentlemen’s style is complete without Susie Glass, the criminal lynchpin played by Kaya Scodelario. In the Tudum feature, Scodelario describes her character’s wardrobe as a reflection of her razor-sharp intelligence. “Susie doesn’t wear clothes to blend in; she wears them to stand out — even when standing out is the most dangerous thing she could do.” Bontemps reveals that Susie’s looks draw from 1990s power dressing, with a modern twist of leather and silk. The contrast between her structured blazers and Eddie’s fluid tailoring speaks to their dynamic: two apex predators circling each other.
Behind the Seams with Loulou Bontemps
Bontemps, whose previous credits include period dramas with impeccable craftsmanship, brought a cinematic eye to the series. She explains that every character’s arc is mapped through their clothes. For Season 2, Eddie’s descent (or ascent, depending on who’s watching) into the criminal underworld is marked by darker tones and looser fits. “He’s becoming more comfortable in his own skin, and the clothes reflect that — less rigid, more dangerous,” Bontemps says. The Italian boats, a recurring motif, are made by a small atelier outside Naples, each pair taking weeks to produce. That level of detail, she insists, is what separates a costume from a character.
Meanwhile, the supporting cast also benefits from the sartorial upgrade. From the glassy London crime families to the rural gentry who populate the Horniman estate, Bontemps has built a cohesive visual world where money talks and style is its accent. The Tudum feature highlights several key looks, including a charcoal three-piece worn by Eddie during a pivotal negotiation scene — a suit that reportedly required seven fittings.
Netflix’s Style-First Promotional Push
This deep-dive into fashion isn’t just for fans of tailoring. It’s a strategic move by Netflix to position The Gentlemen as a cultural touchstone, not just another gangster drama. By framing Season 2’s publicity around a listicle-style “7 rules,” the streamer taps into lifestyle audiences — those who devour content on luxury, grooming, and the aesthetics of power. It’s a page taken from the Peaky Blinders playbook, where flat caps and overcoats became a global trend. The inclusion of actor commentary alongside designer insights humanises the process, making the style aspirational yet accessible.
The series, which first premiered in March 2024, is expected to return later this year. While plot details remain under wraps, the style preview suggests a season that’s even bolder and more visually opulent than the first. For those who love crime, class warfare, and a perfectly knotted tie, Eddie Horniman’s 7 rules might just be the essential viewing prep.
