Keira Knightley's most beautiful blue dress of all time in Atonement is making a comeback

Keira Knightley - Ảnh 1. — The blue dress is the result of the talented hands of Jacqueline Durran - a costume designer who has been honored many times at the Oscars - Photo: Alex Bailey/Focus Features

Nearly 20 years since Atonement was released in the US, the film still leaves an indelible mark on audiences, from its faithful yet creative adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel, Saoirse Ronan's Oscar-nominated breakthrough performance as Briony Tallis - a 13-year-old girl who often interferes in adult matters, to its stunning set design and cinematography.

But if there is one image that viewers cannot forget, it is the gorgeous blue dress that Cecilia (Keira Knightley) - Briony's sister - wears in the most important scene of the film.

Although this ranking was created in 2008, until now, on fashion and film discussion forums, fans are once again buzzing about this legendary blue dress.

Many viewers commented with praise: "I see many people remaking this dress but it feels stiff and not poetic"; "Keira Knightley is an elegant lady, can make anything beautiful. The dress is great, but not everyone can wear it"; "I'm not very interested in the movie, but oh my gosh, I'm crazy about that dress"...

Trailer Atonement

Classic movie fashion icon

According to Entertainment Weekly, the dress was voted "the best movie costume of all time" in a survey by Sky Movies and InStyle magazine when the film was first released.

The blue dress even surpassed many classic icons such as Audrey Hepburn's legendary black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), Marilyn Monroe's sexy white dress in The Seven Year Itch (1955) or Vivien Leigh's outstanding red dress in Gone with the Wind. (1939).

Keira Knightley - Ảnh 2. — The backless emerald green silk dress was designed by director Joe Wright (Darkest Hour) and cameraman Seamus McGarvey with sophistication and charm - Photo: Alex Bailey

The outfit blends perfectly into the visual canvas of the film, appearing just as the pace of the film speeds up and emotions become intense.

The design is both 1930s London inspired and surprisingly modern: from the signature blue colour, the way the materials are treated to the cuts and shoulder strap details.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran admitted she was completely surprised by the dress's lasting impact: "We knew it was a pivotal scene and director Joe Wright made it clear from the beginning that the dress had to be memorable.

But no one expected it to be such a big hit. Keira Knightley's other costumes in the film were barely mentioned." A copy of the dress was even auctioned for charity for more than $30,000.

Keira Knightley - Ảnh 3. — The dress seems to contain a layer of misty memories, just like the spirit of a film immersed in nostalgia and things that are not clearly stated - Photo: Alex Bailey

Director Joe Wright requested that the dress move at the hem, be very light, have a striking blue color, have an open back, be both sexy and modern. "This is the hottest day of the year, design a dress that makes the audience feel that" - he said.

Jacqueline Durran immediately researched the fashion of the 1920s and 1930s, while searching for the ideal material to enhance the figure and temperament of the character.

Keira Knightley - Ảnh 4. — The emerald green silk off-the-shoulder, backless dress that Keira Knightley wore in the movie Atonement made the fashion world go gaga when it first appeared on screen in 2007 - Photo: Alex Bailey

The crew scoured London for the perfect blue fabric, but none met the standards.

Ultimately, they chose to combine three layers of fabric: two sheer layers and one thick layer, and hand-dyed each layer. The result is a shimmering emerald green that is both classic and seductive, and hints at hidden sadness.

Every cut and every movement of the dress is carefully calculated to match the atmosphere of the scene. A sophisticated design, worthy of being called a legend.

Other notable items on the list of "best movie costumes of all time" include: