Every color has a matter, and every piece of jewelry has a reason. Discover the meaning behind your all-time favorite movie costumes. We are sure you are going to be surprised.
Little Women
The 2019 version of this magnificent story hides a few little gems beneath some characters' costumes. There's alot hiding behind the checkered vests you see them in throughout the movie. Jo, played by Saoirse Ronan, and Laurie, played by Timothée Chalamet, have their own little romance story of sorts throughout the movie.
The two characters seem to swap a patterned vest between them, which is seen in different scenes on either of them. Greta Gerwig, the writer and director of the movie, explained that this was intentionally done as it symbolizes the fact that they were soulmates, connected at heart.
Little Woman Color Scheme
Little Women is an old-time favorite. The book was a huge success which led to an even greater movie, in more than one version. When watching the 2019 Little Woman movie, did you ever notice that each character has its own core color pallet? Beth is brown and pink, Amy is light blue, Jo is red, and Meg is green and lavender.
This is not something the modernized version of the story came up with. Jacqueline Durran, the film's costume designer, explained that the colors all exist in the original book, and are quoted in the notebooks Marmee gives the girls.
Black Panther
What we love about fiction movies, is that hidden secrets and messages can be represented with color. In "Black Panther," every character has its own color, and they stick to it throughout the movie. Okoye is red, Nakia is green, and T'challa is purple. The costume designer Ruth E. Carter explained that color enriches and strengthens characteristics that characters bring to the plot.
It's a great way of uplifting their uniqueness and showing off their own identity. Choosing a color for a character is drawn out of the comic world, where the characters always stay with as far as their shades can go.
The Black Panther's African Flag
In "Black Panther," like in many other movies, there are hidden messages. And if not messages, then maybe trying to make a statement or to show solidarity and emphasize a certain aspect. In the casino scene, Nakia, T'Challa, and Okoye are spotted wearing red, black, and green. These three colors are the colors of the Pan African Flag.
We are not sure if there is a specific saying behind this, but it's for sure something that cannot be ignored. Holywood takes advantage ( in a good way) of its position and implants its values and beliefs. The thing is, most of us are not even aware of them.
Game of Thrones — The Grand Finale
One of the greatest shows produced in recent years is without a doubt "Games of Thrones." It was a huge success all over the world. So many secrets lay beneath the boards of the throne's game, and here is one we are sure you never noticed. At the grand finale of the show, Sansa is crowned as queen.
Everyone has a face to pull when her outfit is revealed, not realizing what meaning it has. The gown carries a one-sided cloak for Arya, a black cloak for Jon, the crown for Robb, leaves for Bran, a scaly pattern for Catelyn, tufts of black fur for Rickon, and a sewing needle for herself.
Schitt's Creek
We love to recycle, and when our favorite TV shows and movies do the same, they surely gain more points on our side. The more we see characters in the same suits and outfits, in our opinion it makes the show more authentic and real. On Schitt's Creek, Twyla is shown in a classic small black dress at David's and Patrick's wedding.
What we don't all remember, is that, that black dress was passed down to Twyla by Alexis, when she was sorting out her clothes and gave her a bagful. So, what other dresses were shared between the show's women?
Knives Out — There's a Hole in My Sweater
"Knives Out" is an American mystery movie that came out in 2019. The process of making the movie was relatively very long and the investment in notable. It became one of the most successful movies of that year and grasped more than $300 million.
If you ever thought Ransom's sweater was accidentally in the condition it was on "Knives Out, "think again. According to costume designer Jenny Eagan, the holes were made intentionally, so the clothing emphasizes the characteristics of the character. It was supposed to give the viewer a feeling as if Ransom just threw something on him day after day after day.
Stranger Things — Who Are We Going to Call?
The first season of "Stranger Things" was released by Netflix in 2015. The show was so successful because it brought something to the screen that no other show had done before. It made the viewers nostalgic. The story behind this one is really heartwarming. Lucas, Will, Mike, and Dustin dress up as Ghostbusters for Halloween.
Not all costumes look alike, though, and if you pay attention, Will's costume looks slightly different. It looks more "homemade." The costume designer explained, that they wanted to give even the costumes, some characteristics, and who's mum was most likely to make her own costume if not Will's mum?
Stranger Things — FreeStyle Converse
This is one that, if you weren't reading it here, you would have never known existed. No matter how big of a fan you are, there are things that are so well hidden from the eye. The production worked so hard on these hidden elements, that we must show them respect. In "Stranger Things" Robin felt the urge to express herself through scribbling on her Converse shoes.
The writing includes the phrase "God likes you of course". The costume designer for Stranger Things said, that she let Maya Hawke, who played Robin Buckley, draw whatever she wanted. So God, apparently, was her thing at the time.
Get Out
This 2017 horror movie, covers the story of Chris, a black man who discovers disturbing facts about his white girlfriend's family. It came out in 2017 and immediately became the talk of the day. It was controversial and difficult to digest for some. In a party scene, all guests are in black or white, and there are a few drops of red amongst the guests.
The colors were not just randomly chosen or decided to make the scene look good. There is a reason for them. The black and white symbolize the issues of prejudice in the movie, and the red color is associated (apparently) with secret societies.
Booksmart
Beanie Feldstein, who played Molly on "Booksmart", which came out in 2019, arrived at school on the last day wearing a turtle neck, blazer, and a pair of tights. She obviously stood out as all of the rest of the class were in their summer clothes, ready to go down to the beach once school was over.
Olivia Wilde, who directed the costumes for this film, was an outsider when she first arrived in Los Angeles. She emphasized that feeling through the character's outfit, as she as well, remembers herself dressed in a West Coast outfit in an East Coast school.
Grey's Anatomy — The Sweater
Ah, Grey's Anatomy. There is so much we can say about this show, and just to make you feel a little important, one of the main reasons for its success and ongoing season, is fan loyalty. So many heartwarming stories, and here's one of our favorite ones. In the second season of this show, Denny passes away, leaving Izzie heartbroken and disturbed.
In one of the following episodes, while Izzie was grieving, she is spotted wearing the sweater she knitted for him, which she gave him while he was still in the hospital. The small little details only costume designers think of.
Harry Potter
Throughout the Harry Potter movies, all characters change their costumes slightly. Even if the change is not significant, it is there to emphasize the evolution of the character. Snape is the only one who remains in his iconic black outfit and cape. Professor Snape's costume sticks to its origins during all movies, and apparently not for any special reason.
The costume designer, Jany Temime, explains that it looks so good and so right that they decided to leave it as it was. There are eight Harry Potter Movies, all preserving Snape's never-ending black dress. Some things are better left alone.
Scandal
"Scandal" is an American political television series. Kerry Washington plays the role of Olivia, whose character is based on the former president's administration press aide. The show focuses on her magnet firm and the scandals and crises it experiences. Olivia goes through numerous changes.
One of the most significant changes that are visible to viewers (but not necessarily noticed) is the change in her color scheme. After leaving Fitz, she starts to wear more cheerful colors. She is suddenly seen in orange, purple, and yellow. The character is reinventing herself, and this is reflected in the costume chosen for her.
Spider-Man
There are three Spider-Man movies, released in 2002, 2004 and 2007. In all three Tobey Maguire played the leading role. So besides a childhood hero story, there are many things that we are sure you never noticed before. Have you ever noticed the colors of what Goblin and Spiderman wear during the Thanksgiving dinner? This is really clever.
Spiderman is in a green shirt, usually associated with Goblin, while Goblin is in red and blue, known as our superhero scene. We ask ourselves if this was accidentally done or maybe the costume designer is trying to say something. That villains and heroes are a matter of perspective? Perhaps...
This Is Us
"This is Us" has got to be one of the most heart-moving television shows produced in recent years. Anyone who watched could relate to the stories that were sprinkled into this wonderful show, we are so sad that it ended. When Jack and Rebecca first go on their date, Jack wears a green top, pictured here, under his plaid shirt.
No one pays any attention to this shirt, as there is really nothing special about it. However, during the first season, he gives Kate this same green top, referring to it as a magic top that can do magic. Amazingly, this regular, day-to-day green T-shirt does wonders for that little girl.
Widows
It's quite fascinating to see how simple items, like clothes, have such a significant meaning. How so many secrets and wonders lay beneath the character's costumes. In "Widows," as the film matured and developed, Veronica's clothes became darker and darker. As the story evolves, she eventually finds herself all dressed in black, symbolizing the nature of the secrets that were exposed.
The movie was released in 2018, and it was based on a British television series that carried the same name. It received various reviews; however, for us, the use of characters throughout the plot is what makes this movie unique and worth watching.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again — When I Kissed the Teacher
When Abba went on the Eurovision stage in 1974, the last thing they had on their mind was being mentioned in our costume secret list. The loved Swedish band had given us much more than DIY furniture stores and having a musical and movie based on their songs, says it all.
You know Mama Mia! sequel? You know the curtain in Donna's room? (we weren't expecting you to remember that detail, but there was a curtain, and it has two purposes. In "When I Kissed the Teacher," the material of the outfits in that it was made out of that exact curtain. This could only work in the 1970s, we think.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again — My Love My Life
So many songs and so much music decorate the movies scripted, and we have to admit that we love each and every one of them. We will add that "My Love My Life" has got to be one of our favorites. During "My Love My Life," Sophie wears a dress with a butterfly pattern. So far, so good.
In another scene, young Donna is seen wearing a butterflied necklace around her neck. This is no coincidence. This was all planned. The butterfly of young Donna is a tribute to Sophie and shows us how we are all linked in some way or another to our past and to our future.
Killing Eve
To many, "Killing Eve" is considered one of the best British spy thrillers. It follows an intelligent investigator who is tasked with capturing a serious criminal. One of the things we apriciate most about this show is that each episode was written by a different female writer, each giving their own unique touch.
Investigator Villanelle is a one-of-a-kind character with a one-of-a-kind story. In the first season of Killing Eve, she is known, amongst other features, for her scary crazy pink dress. Funnily enough, during the second season, thieves storm into her apartment and take off with that iconic pink dress. Apparently, not only Villanelle had sentimental issues with that dress.
Outlander
When Outlander was first broadcast, it brought innovation to our screen, as if that was all we were waiting for. This was a travel through time with the most astonishing cast and the most remarkable costumes. In the show, not only do the characters go back in time, but so do the clothing.
At some point, Brianna travels back in time to Lallybroch; she surprisingly wears some of the clothes Claire wore in the show's first season. An altered green dress was passed down to Brianna, and a green coat with a white fur hood also had its share of traveling between seasons.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Four seasons of this great show have been produced so far, so let us save you some Google time - there is not going to be a fifth season. The show was initially inspired by the animated show from the 1970s and never predicted the success it grasped. In the first season of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, she is seen in a red dress with a white laced collar in one scene.
There is s a lot that stands behind this choice of dress, as explained by the costume designer. This is a tribute to the same style of dress Mia Farrow wore in Rosemary's Baby. The dress definitely makes Sabrina stand out and colors her as a unique and sometimes weird character, very much like Rosemary.
The Queen’s Gambit
With only seven episodes, The Queen GAmbitt manages to grasp loyal fans and turn this show into one of Netflix's greatest successes. In the show, Beth is crowned queen, and as befits a queen, only the best will do. She is presented in a white coat and a white cap and remarkably resembles the white queen from the chessboard.
Gabriele Binder, the costume designer of the show, said in one interview that the idea was to emphasize the fact that Beth is the queen, not only on the chessboard. That and the idea that the chess game is not only on a board.
The Queen’s Gambit — Checkmate
Gabrielle Binder, the customer designer of The Queens Gambit, said that she used the character's clothing to make statements and to emphasize certain characteristics. Beth wears a lot of check clothes. This shows how the chess game plays an important role in her life. She could have worn any other pattern or plain color, however, the fact that she was literally wearing the game emphasizes what her life was all about.
Binder likes to show the viewers what is going on in the character's mind and tries to make her thoughts aloud, without using words, and by taking advantage of the elements the show provides.
The Office
The Office was first launched, and no one thought it would reach nine (!!!) seasons. Each episode is funnier than the other. In season two, during the Christmas party gift swap, Michael receives a pair of red-knitted mittens from Phylis. Years later, in season seven, Michael decides to leave for Colorado.
When he is seen walking through the airport, a heartwarming moment is revealed. Two red mittens are shown picked out of his pocket, highlighting the fact of how emotional everyone is leaving was. He didn't just lose the mittens in a random drawer; he literally kept them close.
Euphoria
Euphoria, Euphoria, Euphoria. When this show blasted through our screens, it immediately became a huge hit. It shows the darker sides of life without sparing any details. When the first season kicks off, Jules is dressed in relatively light colors and in a feminine manner. Pink ornaments decorate her clothing, and a fluffy backpack is carried on her back.
As the story progresses and matures, so does Jules. She finds it hard to adapt to her new identity, and eventually, she is seen in darker and harsh clothing. The costume designer kept the changes Jules went through aligned with the plot's development.
Jane the Virgin
What is it with women (well certain women) and yellow dresses? In "Jane The Virgin," Jane Gloriana Villanueva, played by Gina Rodrigues, makes bad decisions about her love life throughout the show. And every time this happens, she is in a yellow dress. In the first season, she was in yellow while she was expressing herself to Michal.
In the fifth season, she yet again was in yellow when she was telling Rafael that she wanted to be with him. And in the final season, again, the yellow color ruled when Rafael shared his feelings. Bet you never noticed that, huh?
Riverdale — And Breakfast
In 2017, "Riverdale" was first launched, and since then has aired seven marvelous seasons. The show is based on the Archi Comic characters, and it became so successful thanks to its diverse cast and flowing and interesting storyline. Saying that, the last season was not a huge hit as expected, so it was decided to end the show with it.
In the third season of Riverdale, the group is transferred back in time to characterize their parents. The scene's scenario is inspired by a very well-known scene taken from the cult movie The Breakfast Club. Betty (Riverdale) seems to take after Bender (The Breakfast Club) with a pair of distinguishing gloves.
The Haunting of Hill House
Throughout the show, Olivia's mental health goes downhill. As her mind declines, so do the outfits she wears. She starts off wearing regular clothes that suit the character, however, as the ghosts take a major part in the plot, so do their robes and gowns, which gradually become Olivia's preference.
"The Haunting of Hill House" is a streaming supernatural horror drama that was aired on Netflix and was the kickstart to The Haunting Anthology series. It received critical acclaim following its producing, acting, and directing values. "The Haunting of Bly Manor" was another series that followed, which started with the same cast and crew.
The Big Bang Theory
What can we say (and write) about "The Big Bang Theory" that hasn't been said before? That the nerds are hilarious characters and brought to the screen their real-life insecurities? Instead of focusing on a storyline, the show focused on the characters which made it a huge hit.
In season one of The Big Bang Theory, Penny is introduced wearing a turquoise t-shirt with a pink floral print. Ten years later, Penny is seen again, in the final episode, wearing the exact same t-shirt. The only thing that crosses our mind is, how on earth did she stay the same size after ten years?
The Handmaid’s Tale — The Sweatshirt
Based on the book which carries the same name, "The Handmaid's Tale" disturbed many viewers when it was first aired. In our opinion, this is a must-watch show, not only for the story but the acting is phenomenal. Not only are the handmaids in "The Handmaid's Tale" in red throughout the entire show, but they are in red robes, as nothing else is allowed to be worn.
However, there is one small fact that not everyone knows. Before entering the service, each handmaid is entitled to bring one personal piece of clothing, as long as it's red. This is where June's red sweater comes in, as this is the piece she chose to bring with her.
Bridgerton — Color Time
Bridgerton takes us back to past-century London, and the costumes play a big part. The colors in this show are not there to make the screen look bright. There is a meaning and thought behind every chosen shade. The colors of the dresses represent the ranking in society.
Ellen Mirojnick, a respected costume designer, explains that in Bridgerton, when members of a family are in calm and pleasant pastels, this indicates a comfortable position in society. On the other hand, the Featherington family is presented in bright citrus shades as they spend all of their time trying to make an impact on society and not just blend in.
Game of Thrones — The Queen Of Ice
Daenerys' white coat is on her, not just to keep her warm. When the costumes were picked out, Michele Clapton, who designed the costumes, said that Daenerys comes to the rescue when she saves Jon, and she wanted to emphasize this with clothing. The white coat symbolizes that she is seen as an angel. She is considered the angel of mercy and a savior.
Game of Thrones is one show we cannot get enough of, and if we marveled at this piece before, once we realized there was a hidden meaning behind so many elements, we admire it even more.
Friends — The One Where No One is Ready
We are all familiar with this scene from the third season of Friends. Joey comes barging into Monica's apartment, dressed in all of Chandler's shirts. Now, at the time, we thought the production just got a load of xxx large shirts. Surprise, Surprise, that was not the case.
Apparently, pieces of shirts were cut up and laid on top of each other and then sewn together. The back part was simply velcroed together. So there are thinking character Joey had to suffer through the filming of the scenes when all along he was having a ball. Hidden are the ways of costume Design.
Wild at Heart
In 1990, Nicolas Cage was cast to play in Wild at Herat. He specifically went and purchased (with his own money) a snakeskin jacket and insisted this jacket become part of the character he was playing. Cage insisted on this jacket as he wanted to honor and pay tribute to his all-time idol, Marlon Brando, who wore the same kind of jacket in the 1960 movie The Fugitive Kind.
Over the years, Nicolas Cage became a respected and demanded star, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s when many American action movies were made. As for the jacket, who knows where it is today?
Anna Karenina
Such beauty is poured from Keira Knightly when she played Anna Karenina ( as if she is not stunning all of the time). Jacqueline Durran, the costume designer of the movie, explains that this movie was an opportunity for her to emphasize through the costumes the unique characteristics the role had throughout the movie.
Knightly first appears in luxurious costumes and a feather-adorned with a diamond on her hat. This all symbolizes her glamour and prestige. On the other hand, the costumes manage to create a new role, when Keira is wearing a headdress with a veil, which symbolizes her grief and agony.
Drive
When Ryan Gosling was given the opportunity to choose his own wardrobe for Drive, he didn't have to think too far. He knew exactly what jacket he wanted. At first, the jacket didn't have the scorpion on the back. This was all down to the costume designer. The designer was inspired by a military uniform, usually associated with eagles, however, eventually, the scorpion was chosen, turning this into a revealing moment.
Actors, no matter how big they are, do not usually get to choose what they will wear. Gosling knew this, so when the opportunity came his way, he had to take full advantage.
Sex Education
Sex Education is a British television series. It follows the fictional lives of teenagers and their adults with their life dilemmas, many of which are related to intimacy and relationships. The show grasped many positive reviews, saying that this was the first time real teen obstacles were presented understandably.
On the show, the costume designers were challenged. They had to make adults look like teenagers. They were inspired by comic characters, which explains why the characters look so lively and bright. At first, they imagined them as cartoon heroes and gradually composed their final appearance. The viewers of the show would remember the characters just by one small detail, such as a jacket or hairstyle.
Emily in Paris
Wild guess. Who is Emily in Paris inspired by? To be clear, when we say Emily, we mean her wardrobe. Patricia Field, who was responsible for the costumes on Sex and the City, was a consultant for the costumes on Emily in Paris, so it doesn't come as a big surprise that Emily and Carrie are so much alike (in style, that is).
Patricia says that, in her eyes, Emily is a modernized version of Carrie. Just look at these two hat lovers. Emily in Paris is about many things; however, we can't ignore the fact that it's also about fashion. And one of the things we love is that behind that fashion; there are many hidden messages which only lift up the brand (show).
The Warriors
Costumes sometimes symbolize something or are placed to emphasize and strengthen characteristics. Occasionally, a costume is there to save the day and hide something they don't want the viewers to see. In The Warriors, the character Macy is suddenly seen on screen wearing a blue jacket, which she claimed she stole.
The truth behind this is that she broke her wrist and had to use the jacket to cover the cast. So, instead of stopping the shooting and rescheduling everyone's day, the crew came up with this creative solution. It spiced up things in the plot, it made the production saver some dollars, and it gave us another entry on our list. We all win.
La La Land
In the movie "La La Land," one of the most difficult parts of the costume to find were the shoes. Black and white dancing shoes take us way back to the old colorless movies; however, the modernized version, according to Ryan Gosling, is uncomfortable to dance in. So, the costume designer had to find a pair that looked right, and Gosling could dance in.
And when she did find a pair, she got two, as we wanted both dancers to have the same dancing shoes on, symbolizing the strong connection between the characters. Another hidden secret in another wonderful movie.
The Wizard of Oz
The costumes on the original 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz, were custom-made by the best professionals at the time. Besides fabric, buttons, and zippers, other materials were used to accomplish this. The cowardly lion's costume was made out of real lion skin and fur. This is quite remarkable.
We can't imagine how hot it must have been, being covered in real fur. These days, this wouldn't pass the animal rights organizations or the actor's body temperature. Thankfully, no more dead animals have to be used when making costumes, and we have modern technology and exquisite designs to make very good lookalikes.
I Love Lucy
Back in the day, everything was filmed in black and white, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the characters were wearing only black and white. There were many bright and colorful shades on the other side of the cameras. Except for the I Love Lucy show.
On this show, the cast was purposely dressed in all shades of gray, as they wanted to make sure the final result would be transmitted perfectly onto the small screen. If the cast had worn blues, reds, and greens, they would have turned into uneven shades of black and gray when transmitted through the television.
Game of Thrones — Ikea Gems
How to create a warm, authentic-looking, cruelty-free cape for the Game of Thrones cast? Very simple. You go to your nearest Ikea store and purchase a rug. That is exactly what the costume designers on this show did. With exceptionally good seamstresses, they created this magnificent cape that answers all of the above and stays within budget.
So, there is no need to hire expensive costume makers, and there is no need to look online for the best warrior outfits out there. All you need is one good Swedish DIY furniture store. They always have things on offer; you can custom make many of their goods, and trust us when we say your piece will be one of a kind.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a Quentin Tarantino comedy, first released in 2019. Sharon Marie Tate Polanski is played by Margot Robbie in one of her lifetime roles. One thing no one knows is that Margot actually wore some of Sharon Polanski's personal jewelry. Her real-life belongings.
Again, we see Hollywood useing personal belongings instead of investing in the actor's costumes. Now, when this is done voluntarily, we are ok with it. Who are we to say no? However, if this si one of the reasons movies are making such huge profits, then we have something to say.
13 Going on 30
This is also known in some countries as "Suddenly 30." This American romantic comedy tells the story of a 13-year-old teen whose biggest dream is to be popular. The plot skips between the present day and the future, and in one scene, she wears a dress that is made of the same material as a blindfold she wears in the past. Only the sharp-eyed would notice this.
Hidden details and not-always-understood information are what sometimes make a film. There is always much more than just a storyline and character, so you should open your eyes and look for them. They are there.
Inception
Inception is a 2010 science fiction film starring Leonardo Dicaprio, Elliot Page, and others. It has such a long list of stars; it also has a long list of hidden information we are not sure you noticed. Apparently, there is a known debate about the ending of this movie, and it is unclear if it was intentional or not.
Cobb (Leonardo Dicaprio) wears a wedding ring only in the dreams. In the real world, he doesn't have one on. In the final scene of the movie, he has no ring on, so this means it must have been the reality. This leaves us wondering when it is a reality and when it is a dream.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter is a mystery within itself; however, surprisingly, there are more hidden details in all of the series's movies. In The Order of the Phoenix, Throughout the entire movie, the character of Dolores Umbridge is in pink. As the plot progresses and the story evolves, she gains more power.
Not only does she become stronger, but the shade of pink she wears becomes darker and more prominent. What starts with a pale and soft color develops into a strong and bright shade. For those who are familiar with the movie, you can now better understand Dolores Umbridge's ways and characteristics.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
2006 was the year Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby came out — a light sports comedy featuring Will Ferrel and Sacha Baron Cohen. The leading character, Ricky Bobby, searches for sponsorship, and he finally manages to get one — Wonder Bread. In the second half of the movie, he loses his sponsorship and remains with just himself, spelling ME (using the M and the E from his former sponsorship name).
Details of this sort are usally not picked by the ones who view the movie, and its a shame. We believe that some of the audience would have appreciated the movie much more after realizing the meaning behind ME.
The Breakfast Club
Anthony Michal Hall plays the ultimate nerd in The Breakfast Club. He's so nerdy that his clothes express that aspect of him in more ways than one. In one scene, all of the gang smoke weed, and unsurprisingly, it's Brian's (Hall) first time. The smell must have bothered him so much that in the following scene, his sweater is inside out. Was this a deliberate action?
Was this part of the script and planned? Or was this done unintentionally? ( maybe the gang was on a shooting break?) Whatever it was, we had to go back to this scene and check it out. Believe us when we say this inside-out sweater makes a big difference to the scene.
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump has several temporal transitions throughout the movie. There is one thing that doesn't change between times, though. Forrest Gump is always, but always, wearing a blue shirt, which represents the change in periods. Now, how clever is that? Each shirt is in a different shade of blue and with a different pattern.
This highlights the changes in time the main characters and the story went through. Forrest Gump became such a popular character for many reasons. His ongoing devotion and dedication to his loved ones captured the audience's hearts. Tom Hanks himself said that Gump's character has to be his favorite role to play at all times.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
For those growing up in 1980, Indiana Jones was an all-time hero. From The Temple of Doom to The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, if there was someone that any kid wanted to be, it's Indiana Jones. It had it all. From a great storyline to astonishing special effects, Indiana was more than just another character.
As if the plot wasnt complex enough, there are many hiding gems we were unaware of when we first saw the movie. Most of the elements in the movie were created for the movie. However, some of the costumes were as original as could be. The World War II officers' uniforms were all original, going back to Germany in 1930.
Rocketman
If we have a favorite on this list, it has to be this one. Elton John has got to be one of many people's favorite music artists. He has been going for years, and we are sure we all have fond memories of life adorned wth his lyrics. One of Elton John's old-time classics is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and it was obviously featured in the singer's biopic.
During this song in the movie, Taron Egerton, who plays John, is dressed in a complete homage to The Wizard of Oz. Red slippers for Dorothy, a straw hat for the Scarecrow, a silver shirt for the Tinman, and a fury coat for the Lion. Perfection.
Monty Python and The Holy Grail
You have got to love Monty Python. Great British comedy at its best, and even now, almost 40 years later, there are still scenes in the movie that are timeless and still make us hysterically laugh. The Holy Grail's actors were expected to wear medieval armor, including heavy metal chains. The costume designers in this movie came up with a genius alternative for the heavy metal the chain was made of.
It was literally knitted from silver yarn. The result was so good and so persuasive that even after knowing this, we went back to the film, and it still looked authentic in our eyes.
Mean Girls
Necklaces, earrings, and all other jewelry are not something we usually pay attention to when watching a movie. They always seem to be there, trying to make the character look as realistic and authentic as possible. Women don't wear jewelry all the time; don't scriptwriters get that? It's uncomfortable and can be very annoying at times.
Anyway, even behind those small golden hoops or that diamond-dotted pendant, there is a story. In Mean Girls, Regina wears an R Pendant around her neck. And what about Cady? Well, as soon as she gets taken over by Regina, she starts wearing a C around her neck.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Overall, there were three movies in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, each one better than the other; however, there are also three movies in the sequel trilogy alongside the three from the original trilogy. A total of nine Star Wars movies for us to enjoy. We love noticing small details in movies that are linked to small events in previous movies.
Finn wears his brown leather jacket in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. If you look closely, you can see that on his right shoulder (or upper arm), there is a patch. That patch covered the hole that was formed by Kylo Ren's lightsaber in the previous Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.
Back to the Future Part II
We wonder if, while making the second part of Back to The Future, they already knew that a third sequel would be in the making. Well, apparently, they did. In one of the scenes, Doc is wearing a shirt with images of horses and steamtrains. This clearly foreshadows the events in the third movie, when Mary and Doc are transmitted to the Wild West.
So while we were enjoying the first movie of Back to the Future, the creators had already forecast the second part and could see the viewers in the past forecasting what would happen in the future. Confused? So are we.
Back to the Future Part III
With the Back to the Future movie franchise, we were able to travel between different times throughout history, but the costume designers also made an extra effort and created a little easter egg in some wardrobe elements. In Back to the Future Part III, the Bandana Doc wears is made out of the material of the shirt he wore in Part II, which indicates what will happen in Part III.
So, as we can see, all three movies of Back to the Future are related, not only in story but also in elements and hidden messages. We wonder, at what stage do the creators think about all of these things?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Even when making a fiction movie, small details that are driven from the real world are always welcome. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, all of the girls throughout the movie are seen in skirts. Well, all but one. Only Ginny (third from the left) is wearing a pair of pants. This is a hand-me-down from her brothers, as anyone who grew up with older siblings would know.
The small details in life make the whole difference. As we can see, most things about Harry Potter are magical and full of mystery; however, many things are just simple hand-me-down clothes.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Stephen Spielberg's biggest dream during the 1980s was to direct a James Bond Movie. Apparently, the James Bond movie producers didn't want to hear about it (Spielberg was as big back then as he is today). If only the James Bond producers could have fast-forward time, they could have seen what a remarkable directed Spielberg would turn out to be and how they could only benefit by having his name.
So, Speilberg created Indiana Jones, and in the movie The Temple of Doom, Indiana is dressed just like Mr. Bond. Coincidence? We think not. We think Stephen knew exactly what he was doing.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Who on earth wears a T-shirt with an image of themselves? Paul Rudd in The 40-Year-Old Virgin. The photo is the same photo that was shot on the day they took their work badge photos. It was printed by the costume designer and left aside, not thinking it would come in use.
When Rudd saw the T-shirt just lying there, he chose to wear it in the scene. The fact that that character wears a top with an image of himself says so much about him and helps the screenwriters emphasize characteristics they felt needed a little boost up.
The Gentlemen
The Gentleman, released in 2019, tells the story of a young guy trying to sell his illegal business overseas. This action-comedy movie turned out to be a huge commercial success. In one scene, the boxing coach is seen with the whole gang in tracksuits. The only way to make these tracksuits was by buying plaid fabric (authentic Scottish kilt designed) and attaching it to regular fabric (fleece).
The costume wanted to design a street-sporty look, and improvising was probably the only way. Now seriously. Could you imagine these patterns becoming the new hit thing this coming winter? We think not.
Joker
In the 2019 Joker movie, the costumes change as the story develops. In the first part of the movie, the clown's (soon to be Joker) costume is bright-colored, and eventually, it becomes darker and darker. The yellow vest, for example, started off as a regular yellow vest but became a distinguished element in the Joker's appearance at the end of the movie.
Now, because we are talking about the Joker, there is one thing that has been bothering us for a while. The original Joker, as shown on playing cards, looks nothing like the Joker character. What is the story behind that?
Judy
It is known that in the movie industry, clothing can be recycled and used over and over again. That wasn't the case in the 2019 Judy, which tells the fascinating story of Judy Garland (played by the remarkable Renée Zellweger). In order for Zellweger to portray Garland's character, she had to work on a very specific body position with a concave belly and round back.
The clothes had to be specially prepared, and they couldn't be passed down to anyone else. So, as you can see, not everything in show business has a short cut, and sometimes, Hollywood has to dig into those deep pockets and start spending the dollars.
Mary Poppins Returns
Mary Poppins is a long-life classic that had a comeback in 2018. Mary Poppins Returns was not a hit like the first movie; however, there are small details in the new version that link us back to the fascinating and marvelous original. In the first movie, Mary wears a black hat decorated with flowers.
The costume designer from the second movie felt that flowers wouldn't work so well in the 21st century, so she decided to decorate the hat with a Robin, the same robin that flew in the window when the original Poppins were tidying the nursery with the children.
Mary Queen of Scots
When creating costumes for periodic movies, a lot has to be taken into account. Many fabrics did not exist in the days the plot takes place, and improvisation is called in big time. In the movie Mary Queen of Scots, the characters had to wear clothing that suited the period and the place.
The fabrics had to blend in with the Scottish rain, keeping everything authentic and realistic. The designer used denim (20th-century denim) to create the effect she wanted for the costumes. Alot of research was invested before deciding who will wear what and with what fabric it will be made, and we have to say that the final result did not fall far from the original.
Murder on the Orient Express
We love it when the costumes play a significant part in the actual storytelling. In Murder on the Orient Express, a lot of thought was put into Michelle Pfeiffer's character's clothing. Apparently, every outfit represents either the place she has been or the place she is going to. When she leaves Turkey, she wears a dress with Middle Eastern embroidery, and when she visits the mountains, she is in her ski outfit.
In reality, we adapt our clothes to the temperature and sometimes the culture we are visiting; however, we don't remember a time when we wore clothes that had decorations of the place we were at. Unless we were typical tourists.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Being a costume designer in a movie that takes place in the future is like working on a white canvas. No one really knows what innovation the clothing industry will have in a few decades from now, so the skies are the limit. The designer can create whatever they want; there are no limitations, and no one can say that it dosen't look authentic.
In Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, the soldier's uniform had to be made of silicone molds. 3-D models were taken apart, the silicon and polyurethane were poured. If you can think of it, you can create it.
Crimson Peak
Colors have a very significant lead in movies. Cold colors such as blue and purple decorate harsh scenes, while yellow and green adorn scenes of innovation and birth. A color that has always stood for wealth and richness is undoubtedly gold. In the movie Crismon Peak, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) is often seen in the golden costumes to emphasize her status in the movie.
Custing is the beautiful daughter of Carter Cushing, a wealthy businessman. She is curious, intelligent, and unconditionally kind, continuously asking questions about the unknown. Saying that she is naive and falls for the traps of those with less good-hearted intentions.
After Earth
Using the rules of nature in a fiction movie is using God's gifts to an extent. In After Earth, the costume designer, Amy Westcoat, drew inspiration from what surrounds us all year round. Nature. Apparently, beetles change their color when in danger and when they die. The main character's protective suits go through changes throughout the movie to resemble exactly that.
This choice of effect emphasizes how undetached we are and how connected we are to Mother Earth. It highlights our attachment to nature and how similar humans and other creatures are, and it also shows how nature is stronger than mankind.
Alice in Wonderland
In the 2010 version of Alice in Wonderland, the costume designers and the producers used a bit of humor to emphasize some characteristics of the Queen of Hearts. The designer changes the proportions of the Queen, making her waist look extremely thin and her neck looks relatively too long.
They wanted to emphasize how lacking in taste the queen was by dressing her in a gown with cheap gold hearts, looking so artificial and low-cost. How like in reality, people go after the big names, not realizing that there is nothing to them....but only a big name. After all, the queen in this version of the story was a bit cheesy.
House of Gucci
In some movies, only the real stuff will do. No matter how hard the costume designers work, if the producers want to create an authentic movie, they have to source for the roots. The House of Gucci could not do with amateur costumes — they had to get their hands on some real Gucci wardrobe. The fashion house gave the movie's costume designers access to the vintage archive, which was basically like winning the jackpot.
There are astonishing pieces, exquisite suits, and some dresses and tops we could only dream of wearing. Fact; the entier Gucci wardrobe was taken back to its origins at the end of the shooting, no point in going to look for them.
Memoirs of a Geisha
You might have thought that the costumes in the 2005 Memoirs of a Geisha are authentic and look just like the ones worn in Japan back then; well, they are not. The costume designers in this movie had to westernize the appearance of the characters. The faces weren't painted solid white, and the traditional kimonos had to be altered.
The waist and cleavage were designed to suit the audience. The designer explained that in real life, a Geisha would never wear anything as "provocative" as shown in the movie. As it turns out., this is done in many movies based on other cultures. It si not always possible to stick to reality.
Flashdance
Do you think you know everything about the 1983 iconic hit Flashdance? Think again. Did you know that up until then, dance clothing was completely different? Did you know that the look that became almost an icon of the 1980s was literally invented in this movie? The too-short sweatshirt? A Jennifer Beals washing machine accident.
She accidentally shrunk the sweater, so she cut the top part and turned it into one of the movie's most noticeable items. Who would have thought that one laundry mess-up would turn into a wardrobe must for almost a whole decade in the 20th century?
Moulin Rouge!
We felt this must have a room on our list, not because there are hidden secrets behind the costumes, but because we were absolutely gobsmacked when we revealed the following details. There were over 300 costumes(!) made for the 2001 Moulin Rouge movie, and overall, more than 80 people worked at once in the wardrobe department. If that's not dedication, we don't know what is.
We have learned that the costume department in any movie-making is far more significant than what most people think. If the costume doesn't look authentic and if it doesn't symbolize what the time and era are supposed to reflect, no matter how good the script is, it's just not going to work.
Mirror Mirror
Over the years, many movies were released as a new version of Snow White. The original Disney came out in 1937 and was based on a German fairy tale. Mirror Mirror was one of those movies that take one part of the film and create a new story around it. The costumes in the movie were expected to be exquisite, and the costume designer left without jaws open. The gowns worn by Julia Roberts had another purpose — an unintended one.
While shooting the movie, Robert's children used to visit the set. Now, as the gowns were so big and so overwhelming, her children managed to hide underneath between scenes. Every little detail took the kids' welfare into consideration. Every little detail.
Bonnie And Clyde
The 1967 famous classic has more than just a real story behind it. Now, you might think that the last thing a couple of criminals think of is their clothing, but apparently, Bonnie and Clyde were a couple of fashionable people. Throughout their lives, they paid great attention to what they wore and what they were caught in.
The costume designer of this movie used real-life photographers and created perfect copies of their outfits to be worn by the actors. This is what we love about Hollywood. They take a story and they don't stop until every detail is reconstructed or recreated. We mean, no one would have checked to see what the real Bonnie was wearing, but Hollywood does, and that lies all the difference.
Saturday Night Fever
The good old disco days brought more than Bee Gees and Travolta. It brought rollerskates and pop tarts, and pooping corn too, and let us not forget that it glamorously brought the flares and the waist-high pants we all used to boogie in. In Saturday Night Fever, the clothing is saying much more than "let's boogie all night long." There is a story behind the colors the designer chose.
Tony (Travolta) and Stephany's relationship develops as the storyline proceeds, and in the final scene, the two are dressed in white outfits, resembling a white canvas, for them to start their new life together.
Pride & Prejudice
It's a true classic with a costume secret tucked deep beneath the layers. Jane Austen's novel, translated into a successful movie, brings with it the small details that cannot be said through words to emphasize the period of time that wouldn't allow affection to be spread with such ease.
Jacqueline Durran, the costume designer, found a way to express Mr. Darcy's transformation. He starts off as an uptight and overorganized character, but gradually as the plot develops, he loosens up softens up, and adopts a more open and humble way. Just like the layers of his clothing, which are gradually peeled off and the true Mr. Darcy is revealed.