Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of Frankenstein, where the costume designer, Kate Hawley, reveals the secrets behind this feverish dream of a film.
In Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic, it's not just the monster that captures our attention. The vibrant dresses worn by Mia Goth, who portrays both Elizabeth Lavenza and Victor Frankenstein's mother, take center stage. Kate, an Emmy-nominated costume designer, shares her experience crafting these iconic looks and the unique vision behind them.
The Artist's Vision
Kate's collaboration with del Toro, a director she first met through Peter Jackson, was a dream come true. She describes him as an artist first and foremost, and this project was his lifelong passion. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on someone's grand vision," she says.
Set in the 1830s and 1850s, the film draws inspiration from the vibrant colors of the Victorian era and Mary Shelley's love of nature. Kate explains, "Guillermo was clear about his color palette, inspired by Hammer horror films, Mario Bava, and the painter Caravaggio, whose work has a deep, romantic tone."
Playing with Color and Character
Mia Goth's costumes are a feast for the eyes. As Victor's mother, she wears a scarlet dress with a flowing veil, and later, as Elizabeth, she dons a beautiful blue gown, a feather headdress, and a rare glass scarab necklace. The headdress, Kate reveals, symbolizes Elizabeth as a heavenly angel, with transparent fabrics and layered patterns creating an ethereal look.
The casting of Mia Goth in dual roles reflects Victor's obsession with his mother, who died when he was young. This obsession is further explored when Elizabeth falls in love with Jacob Elordi's "creature," as del Toro has named Frankenstein's monster.
Designing for the Male Leads
Kate also designed outfits for the male characters, including Oscar Isaac, who plays Victor. She describes his character's transformation as "from someone young to old, beautiful to ugly." Oscar, she says, was a dream to work with, very collaborative. "For Victor, we looked at Picasso and Francis Bacon, reflecting his aristocratic ancestry and artistic privilege."
Working with Jacob Elordi
When asked about Jacob Elordi, Kate gushes, "He was a delight and so dedicated. We had to give him space due to the extensive makeup process, which took ten hours. He worked tirelessly, getting into character both on set and off. I can't say enough nice things about him and Oscar."
With such a talented cast and stunning visuals, it's no wonder Frankenstein is already generating buzz for next year's Academy Awards. But here's where it gets controversial: Do you think the film's success is solely due to its aesthetic appeal, or is there more to it? And this is the part most people miss: What do you think of the director's unique take on Frankenstein's monster? Share your thoughts in the comments!
