Gothic aesthetics reinvented by Robert Eggers and the film’s influence on contemporary couture
Photos Courtesy of Focus Features
When we think of vampires, our imagination often conjures flowing capes, dark fabrics, and an air of mystery. Yet, Robert Eggers’ new Nosferatu goes beyond the cliché, exploring gothic sophistication with a modern twist that promises to influence the fashion world. With costumes designed by longtime collaborator Linda Muir, the film is a masterclass in merging historical authenticity with contemporary boldness.
“I do want to prove that I’m a hard worker and I’m not here for anything else but to work hard. But Rob [Eggers, Nosferatu director] was one of my bucket list directors. I didn’t think I would get to work with him so soon, so early in my career” Said Lily-Rose Depp
FASHION AS A NARRATIVE ELEMENT
Set between 19th-century Germany and Transylvania, Nosferatu immerses viewers in the aesthetics of the era while intertwining modern sensibilities that resonate with current trends. Linda Muir drew inspiration from 19th-century German textile books and unique vintage pieces, ensuring that every costume detail contributes to the storytelling. The attention to how fabrics reflect candlelight or fade into shadows makes each piece as unforgettable as the characters themselves.
Lily-Rose Depp, portraying the female lead, captivates not only with her performance but also with the power of her wardrobe. From delicate corsets reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano’s designs to ethereal nightgowns evoking the innocence of Chanel and Chloé, each outfit mirrors her character’s emotional journey.
COSTUMES AS ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES
Linda Muir’s team, including
experts Lizzie Agnew and Catherine Collard, brought unparalleled craftsmanship to the production. Under Agnew’s leadership, both men’s and women’s costumes seamlessly blend historical tailoring with contemporary flair. Inspired by iconic collections such as Prada’s FW12 men’s line, heavy wool coats echo European sartorial tradition, while bold patterns reminiscent of Hermès and Guo Pei add an unexpected edge to the gothic aesthetic.
Depp’s mourning attire, in particular, combines drama with subtlety, featuring voluminous skirts and puffed sleeves that amplify her on-screen presence. The dark palette dominates, but it’s the interplay between these costumes and the film’s gray, melancholic lighting that elevates the visual experience.
A NEW INSPIRATION FOR THE FASHION WORLD
Nosferatu is not just a horror film—it’s a style manifesto. Its innovative take on gothic fashion has the potential to redefine trends, especially as audiences seek alternatives to the vibrant maximalism of Barbiecore. The film’s dark, romantic aesthetic paves the way for a gothic renaissance in contemporary fashion, influencing everything from haute couture to streetwear.
With creative collaborations like Heretic Parfum’s Nosferatu Eau de Macabre, Eggers and his team have proven that fashion and cinema are complementary languages. Nosferatu not only revisits a classic horror masterpiece but also reimagines how fashion can tell stories and build immersive worlds.
In an era that celebrates both nostalgia and innovation, Nosferatu’s legacy is just beginning. The question remains: are we ready to embrace gothic as the new luxury?
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