The art of costume design is a crucial element of filmmaking, as it helps to bring characters to life and transport viewers to different eras and worlds. A great costume designer not only has to be able to create visually stunning and unique outfits, but also has to have a deep understanding of the characters, their personalities, and their motivations.
In this article, we'll be taking a closer look at eleven
Movies with insanely accurate costume designs. These films not only showcase the talents of their costume designers but also add depth and authenticity to the story being told. From historical epics to futuristic sci-fi adventures, these movies transport viewers to different times and places, immersing them in the intricate details of the costumes and the worlds they represent.
So, get ready to be amazed by the incredible skill and attention to detail that went into these movie costumes, and discover how they helped to make these films unforgettable.
#1 Sex and the City and And Just Like That…
Source: © Sex and the City / HBO and co-producers, © And Just Like That... / HBO and co-producers
Sex and the City became a real guide to the fashion scene of New York in the 2000s. When it was revealed that the cult series will be renewed, many fans were excited to see the characters' updated appearances. To illustrate the link between the original series and its sequel, the costume designers chose to put on Carrie's renowned tutu skirt again — but slightly tweaked, as if those 18 years had not passed and we were seeing our old pals on the screen again.
#2 West Side Story
Source: © West Side Story / The Mirisch Corporation and co-producers, © West Side Story / 20th Century Studios and co-producers
Steven Spielberg's new musical is based on the 1961 film of the same name. Maria's outfit turned out to be one of the most well-thought-out in both films. Her purity and freshness are emphasized by the white lace dress she wears to the dances where she meets Tony. It does, however, have one distinguishing feature: a crimson belt. It foreshadows Maria's impending transition to adulthood and acts as a sign of Maria's maturation into a woman.
#3 Dune
Source: © Dune / Warner Bros. and co-producers
In the case of Rebecca Ferguson — Lady Jessica, her movie attire was always changing to express her fragility and power. She starts off wearing a black, modest garment that appears like a protective shell, keeping hẻ hidden from the outer world. Later, her clothing grows more exquisite, but Jessica still conceals her face with masks and veils, emphasizing her role as the concubine. Finally, when she understands she must adapt to the new environment, she dons a unique outfit and exhibits her physical power.
#4 Squid Game
Source: © Squid Game / Netflix and co-producers
This South Korean series became an international hit in the blink of an eye, owing mostly to its distinct visuals. The guards' green tracksuits and pink uniforms have become two of the most identifiable characteristics. This shade of green was instantly identifiable to Korean audiences since it was inspired by the nostalgic tracksuits worn by tiny kids at Field Days in 1970s Korea. The colors were also picked in concert for a reason that is part of color science and part symbolic.
#5 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Source: © The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel / Amazon Studios and co-producers
The main character of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel series wowed audiences not just with her sense of humor, but also with her lavish costumes. The costume designers were tasked with recreating the elegant era of the 1950s on television while also adapting the clothing to the narrative. Midge's various multicolored coats serve as her armor.
#6 Eternals
Source: © Eternals / Marvel Studios Inc.
This film has not just stunning visual effects and a star-studded cast, but also some odd outfits for the characters. According to the costume designer, it was critical to her that the characters appear organic and that their clothes do not appear to be uniform. Furthermore, each "Eternal" has its hue that accurately symbolizes its special abilities based on the element they control: Earth, Air, Water, and so on. Different colors are also used to emphasize each character's uniqueness.
#7 Don’t Look Up
Source: © Don't Look Up / Hyperobject Industries and co-producers
In the satirical comedy Don't Look Up, Meryl Streep's costume was one of the most lavish. In the plot, she is the President of the United States, but the filmmaker portrayed her to the costume designer in a somewhat different way. As a result, the designer determined that Janie Orlean should be clothed entirely in red at the opening and conclusion of the film. By the way, Armani created all of her clothing, which highlighted her riches in the film.
#8 Spencer
Source: © Spencer / Shoebox Films and co-producers
The costume designers did not set out to completely replicate Princess Diana's clothing for this film. They meticulously examined her fashions from 1988 to 1992 to determine the core collection of apparel, color combinations, and style gimmicks. The costumes were designed to express the character's moods. Bright colors with dismal backdrops represented Diana's sadness. While her bright dress and formal wear would contrast with the somber neutral colors of the other family members' apparel, it was the Princess's brilliant clothing and formal wear that distinguished her from the rest.
#9 House of Gucci
Source: © House of Gucci / BRON Studios and co-producers
Throughout the film, the clothing also acted as an indicator of Patrizia’s mental condition. Patrizia is cute and innocent at the start of the narrative, before her marriage to Maurizio Gucci. She dresses in polka-dot dresses and light trench jackets. Following their wedding, Patrizia radically modifies her style to include exposing dresses from expensive companies. As the film progresses toward the end, she begins to wear jeans and a dark leather motorcycle jacket.
#10 The Last Duel
Source: © The Last Duel / 20th Century Studios and co-producers
The costume designer faced a difficult challenge in bringing viewers to the 14th century. The director instructed the designer to utilize neutral and even faint colors to make the outfits and décor appear organic. The group achieved a remarkable outcome, with certain frames resembling true classical artworks from the Renaissance era.
#11 Death on the Nile
Source: © Eternals / Marvel Studios Inc.
In Death on the Nile, the costume designer intended to highlight not just Linnet Doyle's affluence, but also her weakness and fragility. He picked flowing garments in lovely pastel colors for this. The theft of a piece of jewelry, which is linked to the major crime, is also an essential part of the plot. The film's director increased the ante by replacing the pearls with a 128.54-carat
Tiffany yellow diamond necklace. The business also made a high-quality replica of the necklace for the movie.