While the standards for a good TV show or movie primarily depend on things like an enticing plot and on-screen chemistry, the costume design carries a lot more importance than an average viewer might think. Each character’s clothing communicates the essence of their personality to the audience and often hints at hidden meanings. Whether it was the designers’ intent or not, even detailed choices in costume can lead to a larger conversation and discussions surrounding the plot. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie started an entire aesthetic and world of pink collaborations, even before the film was out in theatres. A simple white T-shirt worn by Jeremy Allen White in The Bear started an online frenzy. (It’s from Merz B. Schwanen and it’s $95.) When Succession delivered the “ludicrously capacious bag” line, a plethora of handbag-related memes were quickly made.
Costume choices also have an impact on how characters’ legacies are carried on to future audiences. There’s a reason even in 2022, fashion folks are still making wardrobe references to Rachel Green and Dionne Davenport. There’s more to great entertainment than A+ actors and an intriguing script. From the quiet luxury pieces worn by the Roy siblings to the decadent Regency looks in Queen Charlotte, keep scrolling to see the best on-screen moments of the year. End scene.
The spectacular fashion from Barbie didn’t just cause a frenzy on-screen. It became a normal occurrence to walk into the theatres this past summer and see a wave of movie-goers all dressed in pink. My fellow editors and I were always on the lookout for which Barbie Margot Robbie’s outfit would reference next, and couldn’t help but zero in on all the vintage Chanel in the film.
You might have heard the term “quiet luxury” this year more than you can count, and while a lot of the conversation came from the minimalistic direction of the latest runway collections, many people were also deriving their opinions from the wardrobes of the Roy siblings.
Another year, another binge-worthy season of Bridgerton! While the other seasons were primarily set in the Regency era, viewers this season got a look into the Georgian period. Wide hoop skirts, ruffled embellishments, and voluminous gowns were some of the highlights.
When Princess Diana and Kate Middleton are involved, people are going to be paying attention. This season of the Netflix series shed more light on the latter, showcasing the now Princess of Wale’s style when she first met Prince William.
It’s been years since The Hunger Games trilogy was released, but the buzz over the world that Suzanne Collins created is still going strong. One couldn’t help but be enamored by both the extravagant Capitol fashion (Hunter Schaffer’s character, Tigris, was a fan favorite) and the multi-colored dress Lucy Gray, played by Rachel Zegler, wore for a large duration of the film. Each intricate costume was able to perfectly portray the backstory of the character.
Who knew a family-owned restaurant in Chicago would draw so much attention to the clothing? GQ even went ahead to call it a menswear show. Everyone was quick to start discussing Carmy’s vintage denim collection, the Thom Browne chef jackets, and Sydney’s now sold-out Madewell and Paloma Wool jackets.
