Marvel's Acolyte Unveils Controversial Ensemble before the Grand Conclusion
Unleashing the Magnificence of 'The Acolyte's' Costumes
The final episode of The Acolyte drops on Tuesday, and if you're not already hooked, the show's mind-blowing costumes are sure to make an impression. This fashion spectacle is no ordinary giggle - it's the first to grace the screen in the High Republic era, a realm that's been dominated by books and comics for the past five years.
The costume wizardry behind The Acolyte is the brainchild of Jennifer L. Bryan, a creative force who has dazzled us before with her work on iconic shows like Breaking Bad and Halt & Catch Fire. In a revealing blog on the official Star Wars website, she sheds light on her intricate process. This enlightening journey involves delving deep into the vast Star Wars universe, drawing inspirations from the classic prequel costumes by Trisha Biggar, and studying the attire of real-world warriors.
Amandla Stenberg's Osha stands out, clad in an ensemble that's a blend of a flight suit and mechanic coveralls. The color scheme draws its inspiration from the apparel of soldiers during the Vietnam War. On the other hand, Mae, Osha's sister, boasts a warlord-inspired appearance, with influences from East and North African tribes and Asian and European empires. Bryan masterfully infused various historical eras into Mae's hodgepodge outfit, ensuring it exuded an amalgamation of multiple cultures without resembling any single one.
Chainmail trimmings on Mae's arms and cloak pay homage to Byzantine knights and Roman gladiators, while the exotic Bamboo strips across her chest serve as nods to samurai. It's intriguing to see chainmail, a rarity in Star Wars, taking center stage. According to Bryan, it represented a historically significant means of protection. The dominant color purple evokes memories of Mae's family.
Well, you might recognize a few design influences, like Qimir's connection to Darth Vader and Kylo Ren. However, some inspirations come as a surprise. Leia's white gown seeds the ivory tones of Indara, with her multi-layered costume crafted to accommodate action-packed scenes. Qimir's agile and athletic attire was given a costume overhaul, with fabrics and layers specifically tailored for high-energy fight sequences.
The hand-sculpted cortosis gauntlet worn by Qimir truly stole the show, Bryan gushes, as it was a radical departure from other accessories and showcased unprecedented craftsmanship. Don't miss out on the season finale airing this Tuesday, July 16, on Disney+. If you want a closer look at the costumes of Sol, Mother Aniseya, Yor, and other characters, Bryan's blog offers an in-depth exploration.
Fret not if you're itching for more insight; the Star Wars universe is vast, with innumerable possibilities waiting to be explored. Keep a keen eye out for the latest Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe releases, and Doctor Who updates, right here on io9!
- Leslye Bryan, the creative mind behind the costumes in 'The Acolyte', has previously impressed with her work on shows like 'Breaking Bad' and 'Halt & Catch Fire'.
- In an upcoming blog on io9, Leslye Bryan will likely delve into the costumes of Sol, Mother Aniseya, Yor, and other characters from 'The Acolyte'.
- The costumes for the character Osha in 'The Acolyte' are reminiscent of the attire worn by soldiers during the Vietnam War, breaking away from the usual Star Wars theme.
- The costumes in 'The Acolyte' have a unique blend of future technology and references to historical costumes, such as the chainmail trimmings inspired by Byzantine knights and Roman gladiators.
