When the latest installment of Fantastic Beasts dropped in mid-April, we couldn’t tear our eyes off the screen. Regardless of what you think of the franchise, it is apparent that their wardrobe department has been making some inspired choices when it comes to Dumbledore and co.
Without spoiling anything, the Fantastic Beast series is a large departure from the Harry Potter franchise we are all familiar with. The most recent addition, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” predates the wizarding world with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The prequel series instead focuses on Albus Dumbledore, whose younger self is portrayed by Jude Law.
The Harry Potter franchise isn’t exactly known for making fashion statements because most of the films outfitted their characters in the iconic robe and scarf combo.
As the Fantastic Beasts story focuses on a different narrative, the fashion also changes considerably. Gone are the robes and pointy hats, in are the tweed coats and English bespoke suit style.
Secrets of Dumbledore’s costume designer Colleen Atwood of “Chicago” fame certainly left her imprint on the film. In an interview with Fashionista, Atwood described some of the French influences that dominated the film’s aesthetic.
“We’re in a great period in Paris, where there was great writing, great art, great theaters, great photographers. I gleaned a lot of visual information from old photography of Paris in the period: Man Ray, Brassaï. Even if some of it was later, it had that gritty mood of Paris. The fashion in Paris was cutting-edge at that time in the world, so it was interesting to add that to it, as well.”
In the earlier installments, the franchise focused a lot of its attention on Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander. He is a squirrelly magizoologist that particularly fancies a good bowtie. Redmayne is seen rocking an overcoat in promotional materials, a step up from his traditional waistcoat and suit pants combo. It’s a small tweak that does enough to complete the fit.
The title character, Albus Dumbledore also gets a style upgrade. Throughout the film, he is sporting some beautiful grey textured coats and slick three-piece suits. His style combined with Law’s stylish beard and slicked-back hair begs you to question why he gave it up in the Harry Potter series. Comfort is a bigger priority over style when you get older, we suppose.
Who could mention this series and fashion without discussing fashion darling Zoe Kravitz as Leta Lestrange? Lestrange’s most iconic look from the series emerges as this bold purple cape gown that leans more into a 30s style cut. It accomplishes the tough task of pairing a regal gown with a cape without making it look campy.
There is no word yet on a fourth Fantastic Beasts film as of now. Despite the stellar wardrobe, the movie is doing…okay. If we do see Dumbledore and his crew for another outing, we just hope to see Atwood back at the fashion helm.
