Vogue Book Club Hosts Exclusive 'Sense and Sensibility' Screening and Q&A with Daisy Edgar-Jones

Vogue Book Club orchestrated an exclusive gathering at Metrograph, featuring a special preview of Georgia Oakley's fresh interpretation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Sense and Sensibility. The screening was followed by an engaging discussion with lead actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, moderated by Chloe Malle. The event brought together a distinguished audience, including fashion and literary figures, eager to immerse themselves in the classic narrative reimagined for a new generation.

Vogue Book Club Illuminates Sisterhood in New "Sense and Sensibility" Adaptation

On a recent Wednesday evening, Metrograph buzzed with excitement as the Vogue Book Club presented a private screening of Georgia Oakley's latest film, an adaptation of Jane Austen's enduring masterpiece, Sense and Sensibility. The event, co-hosted by Estée Lauder, attracted a diverse and notable crowd, including acclaimed designers, influential editors, esteemed writers, and renowned models such as Stella Hanan, Batsheva Hay, Coco Mellors, and Zoe Dubno. The highlight of the evening was a live interview with the film's star, Daisy Edgar-Jones, conducted by Chloe Malle for The Run-Through With Vogue podcast.

The evening commenced with a sophisticated cocktail hour, where guests savored gourmet sliders and indulged in bespoke cocktails named after the novel's characters: the "Dashwood Sisters Spritz" and the "Barton Cottage Brew." A delightful mocktail, "Margaret’s Sensible Sip," was also on offer. Attendees, many adorned in attire reminiscent of the late Georgian/Regency era—from elaborately embroidered dresses to plush velvet blouses, silky skirts, and even corset tops—embodied the spirit of Austen's world, albeit with a modern twist. The period-appropriate hairstyles, featuring flowing tresses, were impeccably styled with the assistance of Estée Lauder's beauty experts.

Leigh Batnick Plessner, creative director of the jewelry brand Catbird, known for its collaborations with figures like Phoebe Bridgers and Sofia Coppola, shared her enthusiasm, revealing she was wearing a nightgown beneath her dress, perfectly aligning with the thematic ambiance. As a devoted Austen aficionado, Batnick Plessner also showcased some of Catbird's Georgian-inspired jewelry pieces.

Following the captivating cinematic experience, Chloe Malle engaged Daisy Edgar-Jones in a fascinating conversation. They explored various aspects of the film, including the profound on-screen bond between the Dashwood sisters. Edgar-Jones shared insights into the director's unique approach to fostering genuine intimacy among the cast, which involved activities like drawing, ring-making, and even sleepovers. The discussion also touched upon the film's distinctive production rules, such as a strict "no phones and no makeup" policy on set, and Edgar-Jones's personal journey with Jane Austen's literary works.

Edgar-Jones, a self-professed enthusiast of romance and romantic comedies, recounted her initial encounter with Austen's world through the film Clueless. Her mother's revelation that Clueless was inspired by Emma led her to devour all of Austen's novels, ultimately sparking a deep affection for the author. She revealed that what particularly drew her to this adaptation was director Georgia Oakley’s singular vision, which positioned the love story not between romantic partners, but powerfully between the sisters Marianne and Elinor.

The spirit of sisterhood permeated the Metrograph venue, mirroring the film's central theme. Malle and Edgar-Jones mused about their own affiliations with the Dashwood sisters, both identifying as Mariannes in presentation but Elinors at heart. Model Stella Hanan noted her connection to all the sisters, recognizing a blend of their characteristics within herself. Adding a touch of personal celebration, the event also marked the birthday of Vogue's own Marley Marius.

For the grand finale of her press tour, Daisy Edgar-Jones graced the event in a stunning archival Rodarte dress from the spring 2017 collection, thoughtfully chosen by her stylist, Dani Michelle. The sheer garment, adorned with a prominent heart motif, symbolically concluded her tour with a "big heart for the Dashwoods." As guests departed, they were treated to delightful slices of Victoria sponge cake—eliciting an enthusiastic "Ooh, sponge!" from Edgar-Jones—and received thoughtful parting gifts from the Vogue Book Club and Estée Lauder, concluding an evening filled with literary appreciation and cinematic celebration.

The evening at Metrograph served as a beautiful testament to the enduring power of classic literature and the fresh perspectives new adaptations can bring. It highlighted the importance of sisterly bonds, both fictional and real, and offered a unique glimpse into the creative process behind bringing a beloved story to the screen. The enthusiastic participation of guests and the insightful discussion with Daisy Edgar-Jones underscored the timeless appeal of Jane Austen's work and its continued relevance in contemporary culture. This event not only celebrated cinema and literature but also fostered a sense of community among those who share a passion for these artistic forms.