The other day I was thinking about superheroes and superheroines, their powers, and, above all, their outfits. How about putting together a few looks that have all the poise of these stories’ protagonists, plus the style of the big brands?
We live in a time when superheroes are such a big thing; comic book and graphic novel characters are taking over all media. If you go to the movies, you’re bound to find at least one hero movie on the billboard, let alone Netflix or Disney Plus: they’re everywhere!
Whether you like them or you don’t enjoy them as much, we have to accept the protagonists of these curious stories as a super important part of pop culture. And, let me tell you, they’re also great inspiration for putting together a great look (Edna Moda’s word).
Something I’ve always loved about superheroes and superheroines are their costumes, more than their powers even: they’re not just leotards you put on for the sake of it. Like any good piece of fashion, they serve a function and convey a message. One of my favorite examples is Wonder Woman, the first heroine to receive her own solo comic book series. Her original costume (which has been widely questioned) is a thoroughly patriotic representation of America (necessary at the time she was introduced, 1941): red and blue with white stars, like the American flag. A golden eagle on her chest (the bird of liberty), matching a tiara, her whip of truth and her armbands. William Moulton, the psychologist who created her inspired by his partners Elizabeth Holloway and Olive Byrne, knew what he was doing: he wanted to show in Diana a new type of American woman, strong and dominant, proud of herself. As a bonus, her Bracelets of Submission, a crucial part of her outfit and skills, are based on BDSM, as Moulton considered it a “remarkable and respectable practice”. Presumably the whip also comes from there. Very kinky.
Reflecting on heroes, their costumes and how these relate to both their fictional stories and the time in which they were created, I wanted to take a swim into my favorite websites and put together a few looks that would be the ideal costume to fight crime, hide our identity and look very cool, all at the same time. For example, how about this Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini midi dress in green and black? Don’t tell me it’s not the perfect outfit, even to play a villain like Poison Ivy or a counterpart of the Ridler (I did my research!). I’d love to sport it on the streets of Gotham paired with this faux fur bucket hat by Dolce. What would your power be if you wore this burgundy mini dress by Del Core? How about integrating these Jacquemus earrings as weapons that grow as you throw them?
To hide a leotard underneath (office wear is already very Superman) I’d wear this Dolce & Gabbana trench coat or this red sequined overcoat by LaQuan Smith (although it would perhaps draw too much attention, but hey, glamour comes first). Another rather iconic villain outfit would be this net dress from Self-Portrait, to which I would add a touch of elegance with this Blumarine choker, to highlight that purple flower and pearls. If I had the same power as Plastic Man, clearly my uniform would be this printed Loewe top: those hands around the torso say it all, they are a warning to my enemies. And, while we’re on the subject of expansion, I’d wear it with these leggings, also from Loewe, which complement it perfectly.
Below you’ll find some other elements that I would love to put together a superheroine outfit with. Do you like the idea of fighting crime while looking fashionable?
