The Costumes of What We Do in the Shadows
The FX series What We Do in the Shadows is renowned not only for its comedic brilliance but also for its intricate and evocative costume design. The costumes play a crucial role in establishing the show's unique blend of horror and humor, reflecting the personalities and backgrounds of its eclectic cast of characters. This detailed exploration delves into the costume design of the series, highlighting the work of designers Amanda Neale and Laura Montgomery, and examining the role of costumes in character development and storytelling.
Costume Designers: Amanda Neale and Laura Montgomery
Amanda Neale, a New Zealand-based costume designer, was responsible for the costumes in the first two seasons of the show. Neale had previously worked with creators Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi on the original What We Do in the Shadows film. Her work laid the foundation for the series' distinctive visual style, blending historical accuracy with a whimsical, anachronistic flair.
Laura Montgomery took over as the head costume designer from season three onwards. Montgomery, based in Toronto, Canada, had previously served as an assistant costume designer under Neale. Her transition to lead designer was seamless, and she continued to build on Neale's work while introducing her own innovations. Montgomery's tenure has been marked by a deepening of character-specific costume elements and a willingness to experiment with bold, new designs.
Character-Specific Costume Analysis
Nadja of Antipaxos
Nadja, portrayed by Natasia Demetriou, is a 500-year-old vampire from the tiny Greek island of Antipaxos. Her costumes reflect her ancient origins and her evolving sense of power and independence. Initially, Nadja's outfits were closely tied to her husband Laszlo's Victorian style, featuring matching lace collars and brocade fabrics. However, as her character developed, so did her wardrobe.
In season four, Nadja's costumes became more extravagant and colorful, reflecting her growing confidence and authority. One notable ensemble is a bright-red plaid gown inspired by British designer Alexander McQueen, complete with a Vivienne Westwood-inspired V-neckline and a fascinator reminiscent of Kate Middleton. This costume, designed for the season premiere, required custom fabric creation and took two weeks to complete.
Laszlo Cravensworth
Laszlo, played by Matt Berry, is a British vampire with Victorian origins. His costumes are characterized by rich, dark fabrics, often featuring velvet and brocade. Laszlo's wardrobe includes a variety of top hats, cravats, and waistcoats, all of which contribute to his aristocratic, yet slightly disheveled, appearance.
Laszlo's matching outfits with Nadja in the early seasons highlight their close relationship and shared history. However, as Nadja's costumes evolved, Laszlo's outfits remained more traditional, emphasizing his resistance to change and his attachment to the past.
Nandor the Relentless
Nandor, portrayed by Kayvan Novak, is a former Ottoman warrior whose costumes reflect his historical background. His wardrobe includes elements of traditional Ottoman attire, such as kaftans, turbans, and intricate embroidery. Nandor's costumes are often the most historically accurate, providing a stark contrast to the more fantastical elements of the show.
One of Nandor's most iconic looks is his armor, which is based on authentic Ottoman designs. This attention to historical detail adds depth to his character and underscores his sense of pride in his heritage.
Guillermo de la Cruz
Guillermo, played by Harvey Guillén, is the loyal familiar to the vampires, with a wardrobe that evolves alongside his character. Initially, Guillermo's costumes are simple and utilitarian, reflecting his subservient role. However, as he discovers his heritage as a descendant of Van Helsing and becomes more assertive, his wardrobe becomes more sophisticated.
Montgomery's approach to Guillermo's costumes involves subtle changes that align him more closely with the vampires without overtly mimicking their style. This evolution is seen in the increased use of darker colors and more tailored fits, symbolizing Guillermo's growing confidence and complexity as a character.
Craftsmanship and Design Philosophy
The craftsmanship behind the costumes of What We Do in the Shadows is meticulous and highly detailed. Montgomery and her team often create custom fabrics and incorporate modern elements into historical designs, resulting in a unique blend of past and present. For example, Nadja's costumes may feature Victorian silhouettes but are not constrained by historical accuracy, allowing for greater creative freedom and comfort for the actors.
The costume design also takes into account the physical demands of the show. Actors frequently perform stunts, wear harnesses for flying scenes, and engage in physical comedy, all of which require costumes that are both durable and flexible. Montgomery's team builds in structural elements to ensure that garments maintain their shape and appearance, even under challenging conditions.
Cultural Impact and Fan Appreciation
The costumes of What We Do in the Shadows have garnered significant attention and appreciation from fans and critics alike. The show's unique visual style, combined with its humorous and macabre tone, has made it a favorite among cosplayers and costume enthusiasts. Online communities, such as Reddit, frequently discuss and share their admiration for the show's costume design, highlighting favorite outfits and character looks.
Crazecosplay.com and Rank No.1
For fans looking to recreate the iconic looks from *What We Do in the Shadows*, websites like crazecosplay.com offer a variety of costumes inspired by the show. These costumes range from detailed replicas of Nadja's elaborate gowns to Nandor's Ottoman-inspired attire. Crazecosplay.com provides high-quality costumes that capture the essence of the characters, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of the show.
Rank No.1 is another popular destination for What We Do in the Shadows costumes. Known for their attention to detail and high-quality materials, Rank No.1 offers a range of costumes that cater to both casual fans and serious cosplayers. Their selection includes outfits for all the main characters, ensuring that fans can find the perfect costume for any occasion.
Conclusion
The costumes of What We Do in the Shadows are a vital component of the show's success, enhancing the storytelling and bringing the characters to life. Through the combined efforts of Amanda Neale and Laura Montgomery, the series has developed a distinctive visual identity that blends historical accuracy with creative innovation. The detailed craftsmanship and thoughtful design behind each costume reflect the personalities and journeys of the characters, contributing to the show's unique charm and enduring appeal. For fans looking to emulate their favorite characters, websites like crazecosplay.com and Rank No.1 offer high-quality costumes that capture the magic of *What We Do in the Shadows*.
