Star Wars: The Outfits Strike Back
Graphic by Meher Yeda. Images via Pinterest and Lucas Film via IMDB.
Warning: minor spoilers if you somehow haven’t seen “Star Wars” (episodes V-VI).
To some, George Lucas’ multibillion-dollar film franchise “Star Wars” is simply a nerdy movie series with no real consequences, but our 1977 introduction to a galaxy far, far away forever changed our popular culture.
When first meeting with the film’s costume designer, John Mollo, George Lucas said, “I don't want the audience to notice any of the costumes. I just want to see light versus dark.”
Each character’s outfit has become instantly recognizable to the point that the average person may never actually contemplate the symbolism behind what the costumes represent in the series. The prequels, sequels, television shows, and multiple spin-offs have their merit, but the original trilogy will always serve as the golden example of fashion and sci-fi working together in harmony.
Gone were shiny astronaut suits or geometric alien looks that served as the previous space wardrobe norms. Our first encounter with this new intergalactic fashion in 1977 proved to be different than any other sci-fi wardrobe up to this point.
Princess Leia, the female heroine of the original trilogy, almost always wore dresses and outfits in all-white, representing not only her purity but her draw to the light side of “the Force.” Her iconic ivory, flowy gown accentuated with a silver belt was a traditional look for the Alderaan royal family.
Image via Pinterest.
Luke Skywalker, whose name needs no introduction, also has some iconic outfits that represent more than one might think. Luke, like many traditional Jedi in the saga, wears cream-colored robes that not only serve the function of utility but also illustrate the goodness at his core and his lean toward the light. Regardless of who his father may be, he can rock some Jedi robes.
Image via Pinterest.
Color symbolism only continues when it comes to accessories. The clear blue-versus-red distinction in lightsabers demonstrates the separation of good (blue) and evil (red). Luke’s blue light-saber was a beacon of hope throughout the saga while Darth Vader’s blood-red weapon evoked fear and darkness.
Han Solo, the galaxy’s fastest and most reliable pilot, gave some notable looks as well, even though he was not Force-sensitive. His laid-back style that perfectly matches his personality was shown the first time we meet him in “Episode IV: A New Hope.” His beige pullover paired with a smuggler vest and relaxed pants show that he is ready to take on any flight the Millenium Falcon may have in store— even if he is frozen in carbonite.
Image via Pinterest.
The story’s villains don’t skip out on symbolism through their outfits either. Sith wear black robes, clearly drawing a parallel to their gravitation to the dark side of the Force. Stormtroopers’ uniforms intentionally emulate skeletons, representing the darkness and decay of the evil Empire.
Imperial officer uniforms were inspired by Nazi and other totalitarian uniforms — the connection here is uncanny. George Lucas told Mollo he “wanted the Imperial people to look efficient, totalitarian, fascist.”
Image via Star Wars.
Darth Vader’s suit is the epitome of the power of “Star Wars” fashion. The all-black once again symbolizes the dark side, but the rest of his look means even more. His robotic breathing through his structured helmet shows that Anakin has more machine than man left in him.
Image via Vanity Fair.
His suit forces him to completely isolate from everything around him and strips him of his humanity. Only when he removes his helmet in “Episode Six: Return of the Jedi” does he transition back to the light; only when he removes his suit can he be redeemed.
Whether you are a Jedi or a Sith or on Tatooine or Hoth, fashion in the galaxy far, far away embodies the saga’s themes and gives us more insight into each character.
The costuming in each film has been recreated millions of times for Halloween costumes, cosplays and more. It forever changed costume design in the sci-fi genre and continues to serve as the standard for how costumes can aid in world building.
In “Star Wars,” the outfits strike back. And as they say, from one Force-user to another, may the Force be with you. Always.