Introducing Women in Fantasy: The future is female

Its official, the hottest new up-and-coming stars are to be found in the fantasy genre. In dark anxiety-inducing times, studies have shown we find comfort in looking to the past. The nostalgia of fairy tales, magical worlds and spectacular characters with supernatural talents. The moments that sparked our imagination and filled us with joy as children are always a good place to start.

Whilst getting lost in fantastical worlds is a respite that we're all seeking those fairy tales we enjoyed when we were younger are naturally a little more brutal (it's okay if you're still traumatised by the House of The Dragon finale) and human.

We create fantasy when we need it the most.

With more fantasy series than ever before, we sat down the new generation of talent from six of the most critically acclaimed and highly anticipated fantasy series from all the leading platforms.

Photographed by Kyle Galvin and styled by contributing fashion editor, Sarah-Rose Harrison. Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials, BBC), Emily Carey (House of The Dragon, HBO), Markella Kavenagh (Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Amazon), Lou Llobell (FOUNDATION, AppleTv), Erin Kellyman (Willow, Disney+) and Naomi J Ogawa (Wednesday, Netflix) share what the genre means to them, stories from set and their favourite co-stars.

It's so rare to get to play the part of a girl who isn't sexualized. Lyra is uninhibited, fun, intelligent, adventurous. I can go on and on. You really can't really pass on that opportunity.
Dafne Keen

Erin Kellyman wears: Organza top, £1,200; Double-breasted blazer, £2,200 and Crepe couture trousers, £980 all Valentino; The rose garden ring, £395, Bleue Burnham; 18k yellow gold and white diamond Berceau Cinq ring, £3,500, Almasika

With fantasy, it’s all about making it as believable as possible, and especially on the set of Willow.
Erin Kellyman

Emily Carey wears: Opposing forms earrings, £295, Bar Jewellery; Strapless bustier midi dress, £3,180, Carolina Herrera; Leather gloves, £169, Dents; Vale shoes, £554, Malone Souliers

I think with this genre it can be very easy to be put in a box or to be forever known as Alicent, I hope this is only the beginning for me and I can branch out and explore so much more.
Emily Carey

Lou Llobell wears: Savana earrings in 18k gold with Tsavorite garnet diamonds, £6,000, Emefa Cole; The rose pendant, £395 Bleue Burnham; A-symmetrical sculptural top, price on request, Halpern

I can’t quite believe I can say I’ve swum through a spaceship.
Lou Llobell

Markella Kavenagh wears: Mosaic Earrings, £520, Matilde; Printed velvet dress, £895, Loewe; 18k yellow and white gold bangle, £2,500, Emefa Cole; 18k Yellow Gold and White Diamond Pave Berceau Cinq Ring, £3,500, Almasika; Maureen shoes, £525, Malone Souliers

When I first read the script one line stood out: 'Evil does not sleep, it waits. And in the the moment of our complacency, it blinds us'. I love that line.
Markella Kavenagh

Naomi Ogawa wears: Flow earrings, £450 at Matilde Jewellery; Draped bustier mini dress over Mage flare jumpsuit, price on request, Halpern

Imagine, you're on Zoom and Tim Burton’s face pops up.
Naomi Ogawa

Photography, Kyle Galvin
Styling, Sarah-Rose Harrison
Videographer, Rodney Rico
Makeup for Dafne Keen and Emily Carey, Sara Hill at The Wall Group using Dior
Makeup for Markella Kavenagh, Zoe Taylor at CLM using Chanel Beauty
Makeup for Erin Kellyman, Carol Lopez Reid at Carol Hayes Management using Charlotte Tilbury
Makeup for Lou Llobell and Naomi Ogawa, Buster Knight at The Only Agency using Iconic London
Hair for Erin Kellyman, Lou Llobell and Naomi Ogawa, Nicola Harrowell at Premier Hair & Make-up using KEVIN.MURPHY assisted by Alyssa Kraus
Hair for Dafne Keen, Emily Carey and Markella Kavenagh, Ross Kwan at A Frame Agency using Amika products and Cloud Nine tools
Manicurist, Julia Babbage using Mii Cosmetics Nourish + Nurture Nail & Cuticle Oil and Care + Caress Hand Serum assisted by Sara Sorrenti
Casting and production, Sarah-Rose Harrison
Production assistant, Angel Brown
Features writer, Dionne Brighton
Editor-in-Chief, Andrea Thompson
Editor, Sunil Makan

Sarah-Rose Harrison is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire. A London based Fashion and Celebrity Stylist she works across commercial, editorial and advertorial projects as well as personal and red carpet styling. Don't miss her outfit's on Instagram @sarahroseharrison