My recent favorite is Homelander from Amazon Prime’s The Boys.
The principle of costume design is that it needs to tell a story about the character. It’s a visual language for character development and narrative.
Homelander’s costume is what Homelander is, a superman variation if we dial up the patriotism and nationalism to 11. Everything about this guy screams “‘Merica!” From the red-blue color theme to the eagle shoulder pad and eagle belt buckle, to the somewhat military looking lapel to the flag cape.
But if you think a bit deeper, his uniform is a bit… excessive, and the eagle, the somewhat military looking style, are subtle visual cues for militant fascism.
It’s excessive, it’s “trying too hard”. And that is the point.
And another thing I noticed in the show, is that Homelander was never out of costume. He doesn’t have an alter-ego. He is always Homelander. He occasionally untied his front lapel to give a more “casual” look.
This is him, trying to be “friendly” and “down to earth”.
That little detail really adds to his overall persona.
This reminds me of what Bill (from Kill Bill) said about Superman:
Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he's Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. His outfit with the big red "S", that's the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears - the glasses, the business suit - that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us. And what are the characteristics of Clark Kent. He's weak... he's unsure of himself... he's a coward. Clark Kent is Superman's critique on the whole human race.
Homelander is created as a dark reflection of Superman. Homelander was born without an identity. He never gets the chance to grow his own identity. The Homelander identity was forced onto him. He wasn’t born Homelander, but he never gets to be anyone else. So when he needs to be a bit relaxed, he unties one button, and open his lapel slightly. And underneath that lapel, was still his uniform. That’s who he is, from inside out.
This is the moment when I admire the costume design of this show, it’s carefully thought out, and it helps tell a story of the character, but never take away from the character. The visual is subtle but clearly communicated. You always see Homelander, not his amazing costume. (Unlike some show… The visual story often contradicts the character development and/or narrative. The detail is great, but they’re often so small, you won’t see it on screen. It’s there for the satisfaction of costume designer, not to tell a story. Yes, I’m looking at you Game of Thrones).
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