BBC’s new true-crime series The Serpent takes us on a journey of glamour, seduction, and murder. It follows the story of ’70s French serial killer Charles Sobhraj (played by Tahar Rahim) who goes by the name “Alain” and his menacing partner-in-crime girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc (played by Jenna Coleman) who goes by “Monique.” While the pair prey on Western tourists traveling in Southeast Asia, Monique uses her charm and fashion sense to lure in unsuspecting victims — and although we absolutely condemn her predatory behaviour, we know exactly how to copy her sultry French-bohemian style.
In the 1970s, the ideal fashion look included flared, high-waisted blue jeans or trousers secured with a wide belt. Oversize sunglasses were also very popular, as well as bright psychedelic prints. As depicted in The Serpent, some of Monique’s signature pieces are hair scarfs, aviator or large square-framed sunglasses, and gold drop-hoop earrings. She’s most often wearing high-waisted light-wash jeans with a raffia belt, multicolored geometric-printed blouses, and loose-fitting paisley-print maxi dresses. The viridian green suit she wears alongside Alain’s grey suit in episode one is the series’ most standout look, and we love the vintage peach evening robe she wears in episode two.
Monique’s fashion sense certainly helps to keep us mesmerised by the retelling of this troubling story, but what really pulls her outfits together is the hair and makeup that gives her onscreen presence a certain je ne sais quoi. Her beauty look has hints of late-’60s sensuality (think Brigitte Bardot), with heavy, face-framing bangs, and a simple, black cat eye that keeps you captivated. Ahead, take a look at seven of Monique’s most fabulous outfits on The Serpent and how to re-create them.
