HAUNTED Couture: How Horror Films Inspire Runways
Trick or treat! It’s Halloween season - that time of year when you just can’t stop partying and taking photos. Wearing something different from your usual clothes and makeup makes you want to capture the moment—and that’s the charm of Halloween.
But when Halloween meets the high fashion world, what kind of creative pieces are born?
In this post, I’ll introduce the relationship between horror and fashion, and some iconic runway shows that have portrayed the theme of horror.
🕷️🕷️🕷️
The History of Horror and fashion
To understand the link between horror and fashion, we first delve into the realm of film: where much of the inspiration for halloween costumes originates. Over the years, many films have established iconic looks for famous monsters and contributed to the creation of popular culture.
One of the earliest and most influential Hollywood horror films was produced in 1931: Dracula by Tom Browning. This film shapes the visual image of the modern ‘vampire costume’ that people associate with today: a black suit, long collar with a cloak. Since then, this look has spread not only for Halloween costumes but also for fashion designers.
(The Movie Database)
Similarly, Frankenstein, another horror film from 1931, also played a significant role in creating the famous look for the creature. His appearance of green skin, bolts in his body and dirty clothing became the image of a monster. This film inspired fashion designers to incorporate this horror look into their designs which will be introduced in the next section.
(The Telegraph)
🕷️🕷️🕷️
Horror-themed runways
Throughout the years, designers have blended the horror films with high fashion from gothic aesthetics that evoke fantasy worlds to creepy, realistic designs. Collections below are some remarkable examples:
Rodarte AW2009
Rodarte incorporated the elements of the film Frankenstein, mentioned in the previous section, to their fashion design. The distinctive colour such as ‘Franken-green’ is implemented as a key element, as well as strapped leather and bandage that reminds us of horror creatures.
(Vogue)
Alexander Mcqueen SS1996
Their collection in 1996 drew inspiration from the horror film in 1983, The Hunger. The piece shown on the left embodies a plastic top filled with live worms. Such striking elements reflect the chaotic and gothic horror concepts of the film.
(Vogue)
Christian Dior Spring 2006 Couture
In 2006, The creative director of Dior, John Galliano, took part in crafting a haute couture collection inspired by the French Revolution. He featured blood-red colour, theatrical movements, historical clothing like corsets, reminding the chaos and rebellion of the era.
(Vogue)
Luella Fall 2008
Luella Bartley’s ready-to-wear collection directly represents the concept of horror. Within the influences from the film The Wicker Man and the witch museum in Boscastle, Cornwall, where Bartley lives, the collection reflects a dark, horror aesthetic.
(Vogue)
The Blonds Fall 2013
The Blonds collection in Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear also created fusion in horror film and fashion, by referencing the film The Shining in 1980 and key major elements of horror: blood, bandages and knife.
(Vogue)
Rick owens Fall 2016
Rick Owens Fall Men’s collection in 2016 successfully explored gothic aesthetics: his signature style that combines dark and avant-garde themes. The reference for this white mask-like makeup was inspired by the 1978 film, Halloween, emphasising monochromatic colour palette and elegance.
(Vogue)
🕷️🕷️🕷️
The little, everyday moments we often overlook can lead to the development of creativity, and each of us carries that potential within. Fashion, as a medium, is one of the best ways to express that creativity, as represented above.
The collections introduced above are just a glimpse into the field of horror and fashion, with so much more left to explore. However, one thing is certain—entertainment, like film production, can tickle a designer's imagination and have a lasting impact on the fashion world.
Halloween is far more than just an occasion for dressing up. It's an opportunity to expand creativity and express yourself. You may fear ghosts, but be fearless to your own creativeness.
Wishing you all a fun and spooky Halloween!
Yuan Akimoto