Costume design is an essential element of filmmaking, helping to bring characters to life and transport viewers to different worlds. In this post, we’ll celebrate 22 movies that elevated the art of costume design, with iconic outfits that have become part of pop culture lexicon.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Embodying the film’s audacious energy, Baz Luhrmann paints a captivating picture of the bohemian revolution. Catherine Martin’s designs, laden with ruffles, sequins, and feathers, deliver an intoxicating journey through fin-de-siècle Paris.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Sofia Coppola’s film offers a unique perspective on the notorious French queen’s life, presenting a visual feast of 18th-century opulence. Milena Canonero’s costumes merge historical accuracy with contemporary pop-cultural aesthetics, crafting an eccentric yet striking tableau.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller’s film serves as a testament to the transformative power of costume design, presenting a post-apocalyptic visual banquet. Jenny Beavan’s gritty, improvised outfits encapsulate the harsh reality of the Wasteland while defining the characters.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
A bygone era of European elegance gets a breath of life in Wes Anderson’s film. Milena Canonero’s costumes enhance the eccentric cast and the intricate storytelling, with color-coded uniforms and vintage attire.
Black Panther (2018)
An ode to Afrofuturism, Ryan Coogler’s film blends traditional African designs with superhero aesthetics in Ruth E. Carter’s extraordinary costumes. The result is a visually arresting landscape that effortlessly fuses tradition and future.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Exuding the extravagance of the roaring 20s, Baz Luhrmann’s film immerses viewers in a world of opulence. The depth of this visual spectacle is enhanced by Catherine Martin’s glittering costumes, which mirror the characters’ internal turmoil.
Amadeus (1984)
The grandeur of 18th-century Vienna is beautifully portrayed in Milos Forman’s film. Theodor Pištěk’s opulent costumes not only achieve historical accuracy but also amplify the complexities of Mozart and Salieri’s characters.
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
This opulent masterpiece from Peter Greenaway satiates the visual appetite even as it challenges the senses. Jean Paul Gaultier’s lavish, baroque-inspired creations, paired with a daring color-coded mise en scène, infuse unparalleled aesthetic richness into the screen.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
An iconic addition to queer cinema, this film stands out with its flamboyant and colorful costumes. The designs by Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappel extend beyond drag outfits, serving as character expressions.
The Favourite (2018)
A dark comedic interpretation of royal court life is presented in Yorgos Lanthimos’s film. The power dynamics and subverted gender norms come alive through Sandy Powell’s monochrome costumes, adding a distinct visual layer to this historical drama.
A Single Man (2009)
Tom Ford’s film underscores his deep understanding of fashion. Arianne Phillips’s minimalist, stylish designs echo the melancholic tone of the film and mirror protagonist George Falconer’s emotional journey.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
A grim fairy tale materializes in Guillermo del Toro’s film. Lala Huete’s costumes, bridging reality and fantasy, intensify the dark and haunting aura of the labyrinth where the protagonist faces her deepest fears.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Renée April’s costume designs play a vital role in shaping the dystopian world of this film. The futuristic yet aged clothing contributes to the cold, desolate atmosphere, visualizing a decaying world.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
The regality of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign is vividly showcased in this film. Alexandra Byrne’s elaborate costumes enhance the Queen’s resolve, reflecting the fortitude that defined her rule.
Cleopatra (1963)
This timeless classic endures, largely due to Elizabeth Taylor’s majestic portrayal of the legendary queen. Irene Sharaff’s opulent costumes, adorned with heavy jewelry, position Cleopatra as the epitome of royal elegance and glamour.
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
The essence of Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution is captured in David Lean’s film. Phyllis Dalton’s costumes traverse the various stages of the period, infusing authenticity and depth into this sprawling epic.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Hubert de Givenchy’s design – the little black dress – has become a fashion staple thanks to this film. This iconic attire encapsulates Audrey Hepburn’s charm and the timeless elegance of her character, Holly Golightly.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Walter Plunkett’s extravagant Southern Belle gowns define this Civil War-era drama. The designs underscore the era and the indomitable spirit of Scarlett O’Hara.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Shakespeare’s classic love story receives a 90s makeover in Baz Luhrmann’s film. Catherine Martin’s costumes, ranging from Hawaiian shirts to armor-themed suits, blend contemporary trends with Elizabethan elements, echoing the timeless tragedy of star-crossed lovers.
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
John Mollo’s costume creations define an entire universe in this film. The iconic white dress of Princess Leia and Darth Vader’s ominous black suit have become enduring symbols of the franchise.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
An exquisite portrait of geisha culture emerges in Rob Marshall’s film. Colleen Atwood’s intricate and symbolic costumes play a crucial role in building the beautifully crafted world in which the narrative unfolds.
The Shape of Water (2017)
In this adult fairy tale by Guillermo del Toro, the protagonist’s vibrant green coat designed by Luis Sequeira stands as a beacon of hope. The coat contrasts with the otherwise stark and clinical backdrop of 1960s Baltimore.
MORE FROM LOVED BY CURLS – 27 MOVIES THAT YOU’LL REGRET NOT WATCHING SOONER
With so many great movies out there, it can be tough to decide which ones to watch. A recent internet survey asked, “What’s a movie everyone should watch at least once in their life?” and here are the top 29 answers.
27 MOVIES THAT YOU’LL REGRET NOT WATCHING SOONER
19 MOVIES WHERE THE SUPPORTING ACTOR STOLE THE ENTIRE SHOW
While leading roles often get the most attention and acclaim, supporting actors can play an equally important role in making a movie memorable. Someone recently asked, “What is one supporting role that truly stole every scene they were in?” and we’ve listed the top 20 answers below.
19 MOVIES WHERE THE SUPPORTING ACTOR STOLE THE ENTIRE SHOW
23 MOVIE/TV CHARACTERS WHO SEEMED NICE BUT WERE ACTUALLY COMPLETE JERKS
Movies and TV shows can be biased and will sometimes make you root for a character that isn’t actually nice. A recent internet survey asked, “What movie/tv show character was made out to be nice but was actually a jerk?” Here are the top 23 answers:
23 MOVIE/TV CHARACTERS WHO SEEMED NICE BUT WERE ACTUALLY COMPLETE JERKS
20 MOVIES WE WISH WE COULD ERASE FROM OUR MINDS AND WATCH AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
Do you ever wish you could travel back in time to relive a favorite movie experience all over again? Reddit recently compiled a list of such amazing movies, and here are 20 of our favorites.
20 MOVIES WE WISH WE COULD ERASE FROM OUR MINDS AND WATCH AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
THE 38 MOST AWESOME ‘BAD GUYS’ IN MOVIE HISTORY
They’re the ones we love to hate, the characters that make our blood boil, and keep us on the edge of our seats. These are the 38 best movie villains of all time.
