Florence Pugh Dazzles in Silver-Beaded White at the ‘East of Eden’ New York Screening

Avatar photoHrvoje Milakovic
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Netflix’s highly anticipated fall drama has been generating excitement for months, and the promotional campaign is now in full swing. ‘East of Eden’ premieres on Thursday, with star Florence Pugh traveling around the globe to prepare audiences for the series. Her fashion choices have become a focal point of the tour.

This series is an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel by Zoe Kazan, featuring Pugh as the cunning antihero Cathy Ames. The cast also includes Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Martha Plimpton, and Ciarán Hinds, with filming taking place in New Zealand. All 7 episodes will be available on October 1.

The latest promotional event took place in New York, where Florence Pugh wore a stunning white gown adorned with silver rhinestones at a special screening at the Paley Center for Media on Sunday, September 27. The gown featured a corseted bodice with a plunging, embellished neckline, a full skirt, and drop earrings, complemented by her blonde hair styled in soft side-parted waves.

The white gown is just the latest highlight in a whirlwind promotional tour. Pugh began her appearances on September 17 in West Hollywood, where she donned an embroidered yellow tulle Rodarte ensemble paired with Bvlgari jewelry, alongside Kazan.

Next, she traveled to London, where she wore a dramatic black ruffled Rodarte gown at a BAFTA screening on September 25. This dress was part of Rodarte’s Fall 2026 collection, inspired by Dario Argento’s 1977 horror film ‘Suspiria’. Earlier that day, she showcased a more casual look in a Vivienne Westwood shirt and pants at BBC Studios.

The stark contrast between her London and New York looks is striking. The black gown embraced the gothic themes of the story, while the white dress exuded a light, almost bridal quality. Together, they illustrate how Pugh is using fashion to explore different facets of her character.

Her stylists have clearly embraced the series’ mood. The New York ensemble features sparkling crystal appliqués along the neckline and waist, presenting a softer choice for an actress stepping into the role of one of literature’s most infamous characters.

Pugh was joined by co-stars Abbott, Faist, and Lee in New York, along with co-showrunners and executive producers Kazan and Jeb Stuart. After the screening, the cast participated in a Q&A session before heading to a reception celebrating the series.

Such events provide audiences with a first glimpse of the completed episodes while allowing the cast to share their experiences in bringing this expansive family saga to life. For Pugh, who also serves as an executive producer, it’s another opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to the project.

During the London screening, Pugh shared with the Press Association that working on the show was a beautiful experience, despite the complexities of her character. She noted that the role challenged her as a performer and allowed her to have a say in her creative choices. She also expressed her enjoyment in being an executive producer, as she considers herself quite opinionated.

This perspective aligns with the series’ vision. Kazan has emphasized her desire for Cathy to be portrayed as a real person rather than a mere archetype. The show chronicles the Trask family across generations, shining a new light on its unforgettable antihero.

Steinbeck’s novel is an epic 600-page narrative that spans from the Civil War to the conclusion of World War I. The 1955 film featuring James Dean adapted only the final quarter of the book, which Steinbeck approved, followed by a three-part miniseries in 1981. The Netflix series aims to provide a more comprehensive adaptation of the entire novel.

This ambitious approach has sparked debate among readers. An article in the student newspaper Brig argued that depicting Cathy as a misunderstood antihero could alter the novel’s themes, given that she is fundamentally malevolent in the book. However, many viewers are eager for a fresh perspective, and screenings like this one will reveal whether the series resonates.

With just a few days remaining, the promotional campaign is nearing its conclusion. Pugh also made an appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’ on Monday and is set to feature on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’ on Wednesday. After that, the series will speak for itself.

If the fashion choices are any indication, this campaign has been meticulously planned. Each outfit has matched the event’s tone, with the white gown in New York adding a memorable new chapter. Now, viewers will have the opportunity to assess the performance.

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