The world of Doctor Who may bring striped scarves and sonic screwdrivers to mind, but Millie Gibson, who plays Ruby Sunday, the latest assistant in the beloved series, brings a fresh perspective and style to the role.
‘I think it is such a pinch me moment to be here [in LA],’ she explained whilst getting ready for the US premiere of the show, where Gibson, 19, stars alongside the 15th Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa. ‘I wanted to take this moment to really feel like the best version of myself. And this dress certainly makes me feel that way.’
On style notes, it seems Millie’s character Ruby is not the only time traveller. In fact, playing with decades, particularly the 1960s and 1970s, is a key aspect of not just her on-screen character’s wardrobe but also her off-screen wardrobe.
The look, a white one-shoulder Fendi gown with sparkling beadwork, suits the LA location well, with Gibson set on ‘taking you back in time’. A Dietrich-esque shoulder train paired with a modern take on a 20s pin-set hair wave speaks to early cinema glamour and captures the old Hollywood energy the actress felt inspired by. Complete with a spray tan with Dolce Glow. ‘I knew it just worked for this special moment - it looked like the type of dress to hold a memory and I’m so excited to wear it, it’s like nothing I’ve ever worn before.'
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When it comes to getting premiere ready, she works with stylist Jenny Kennedy, who, in the flurry of season two filming schedules, arranged the fitting appointment with Fendi, and dress magic happened. ‘It’s such a great partnership to find styles and to branch out to Fendi to capture that Vintage and timeless image I want to achieve.’
For Gibson, working alongside Kennedy allows her to play with her style on and off the red carpet. Explaining that different locations and audiences inspire her choices and that Kennedy is a vital collaborator in this. ‘For my own style, it’s whatever I feel my best in… I’m learning and growing as a person - so is my style. It’s ever changing and that’s exciting to me,’ she adds.
Though the premiere gown marks a more hyper-elegant departure from Gibson’s recent press appearances, which took a more 60s-inspired turn, complete with bows, quaffed hair (see her Instagram post set to Ruby Tuesday), and crystal-collar mini-shift dresses.
The US leg of the Doctor Who press tour has further blurred the lines between Gibson’s off-duty looks and red carpet moments. ‘I’m constantly learning and finding out new ways of styling myself in things I wouldn’t have thought about doing before,’ she explains. ‘That's why it’s so much fun; clothes are about expressing your personality and suiting what feels right in your body.’
‘The Doctor isn’t the only one to regenerate; the show and audience does, too,’ says Gibson, on what the latest season brings to the much loved show, which has now aired more than 800 episodes. ‘The dynamic me and Ncuti have is very platonic and best friend vibes that brings a youthful element we haven’t seen before, there’s a lot of humour and cheekiness and the fashion almost expresses that side of our relationship too.'
As an actress, Millie Gibson spent four years in the Coronation Street cast playing Kelly Neelan. So she is used to costumes helping her get into character, but as the doctor’s assistant, this symbiotic relationship has reached new heights.
Gibson cites Pam Downe, the show’s costume designer, as essential to helping her connect with Ruby’s character: ‘her musical side or her fierce bubbly nature all comes together in these bright red palettes of colours and her sassy doc boots or leather jacket.’
It’s so fascinating to me how much make-up, hair and style changes you as a person and makes you feel more like your character.’ she explained. Though, as she notes, she can quickly become herself again, ‘as soon as I take my Ruby Sunday costume off, it’s an immediate disconnection from the day, and I am me again’.
The new season of Doctor Who will premiere simultaneously for the first time on BBC iPlayer and Disney+. In the UK, the first two new episodes of the season will premiere at 00:00 on May 11 on BBC iPlayer, and then on BBC One at 1820. Outside the UK, Doctor Who begins streaming 10 May at 7pm ET on Disney+ where available.
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