5 Movie Characters with Memorable Costumes
What makes costume design memorable? Is it the actors that wear them? Is it the colours and patterns of the fabric? Is it the characters that inhabit them?
Or is it simply the audience that remembers it?
The term ‘memorable’ is very subjective and memory is a very personal thing. But even so, there are instances where taste and preferences align, and the work of an artist is deemed; ICONIC.
Even that term is incredibly subjective, but here are our top 5 picks for the most memorable costume design.
1. Wonder Woman - Wonder Woman (2017)
Image Source: CLAY ENOS/WARNER BROS.
Few words can describe the impact that this film had on the superhero genre. There are even fewer words to describe the pure elation I felt when seeing Wonder Woman’s armour for the first time on the big screen. The red, blue and gold accents shine and pop right off the screen, but the best part is that it looks like practical armour! Unlike the skin-tight bodysuits that we’ve seen in the past.
The armour, designed by Lindy Hemming, is perfect for the Amazonian warrior and it’s one we likely won’t forget in years to come.
2. Princess Leia - Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Image Source: Lucasfilm
Princess Leia is another name that comes to mind when you think of “Most Memorable Costume Design”. Over the years Leia has donned many memorable costumes, but I think the most impactful one is the white dress that she wears when we are first introduced to her.
The first time we see her on screen she is hiding in the darkness about to attack some stormtroopers. The long flowy, royal, robes she wears indicate that she is a person of importance and makes her stand out.
She is the light in the darkness—the personification of HOPE. Designer Jonh Mollo does a great job of depicting that.
3. Jack Sparrow - Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Image Source: Disney
When you think of a pirate, Jack Sparrow likely is one of the names that come to mind. The vest, the worn-in white shirt, the red bandana, they’re all staples of a pirate’s wardrobe. Jack is a pirate, through and through, after all. And unlike some of the other characters in this film and throughout the series, his costume doesn’t evolve or change much. Jack knows who he is and doesn’t need or want to change that.
He’s just a good old classic swashbuckling pirate, and his costume, by Penny Rose, really reflects that.
4. Lorelei Lee - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Image Source: 20th Century Fox
If you’re looking for a classic Hollywood icon, then look no further than Marilyn Monroe. Her star power alone made all of her characters memorable, but the crème de la crème has to be Lorelei Lee from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Designer Travilla brought us showstopper after showstopper but none more iconic than the gorgeous hot pink dress for the musical number “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”.
This dress itself is as iconic as Monroe herself and has been recreated time and time again across Film, TV and Music Videos.
5.The Addams Family - The Addams Family (1991)
Image Source: Paramount Pictures
There is no family that rocks the spooky aesthetic better than the Addams Family.
They are a family like any other. They love, support and encourage each other to pursue their passions. Each member of the family has their own individual style but they all come together to form a cohesive whole. The costumes, done by Ruth Myers, communicate this notion perfectly.
From Gomez’s pinstriped suit to Wednesday’s collared dress, they all stand out from a crowd but blend together perfectly. As any family should.
Each of these films has many memorable moments and costumes, but they aren’t the only ones. Your list may have completely different characters or films on it, maybe even some TV shows or stage plays. Like I said in the beginning, ‘memorable’ is subjective.
So, what are some of your favourite costumes?
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