How David Bowie and Prince Inspired Victor Frankenstein’s Iconic Look
In the visually striking world of Frankenstein, costume designer Kate Hawley blends gothic horror with rockstar glamour, drawing inspiration from two legendary musicians—David Bowie and Prince. In an exclusive interview, Hawley explains how their iconic styles shaped Victor Frankenstein’s wardrobe in the upcoming adaptation.
A Fusion of Gothic and Glam
Known for her work on Crimson Peak and Suicide Squad, Hawley reimagined Victor Frankenstein as a visionary torn between scientific precision and artistic rebellion. “Victor is a man ahead of his time—obsessed with creation and beauty,” Hawley shared. To capture this duality, she looked to Bowie’s sharp tailoring and Prince’s fearless extravagance.
“Bowie’s Thin White Duke and Prince’s Purple Rain became our guiding stars,” she said. “Victor isn’t just a mad scientist—he’s a rockstar of his own making.”
Bowie’s Influence: The Androgynous Scientist
Bowie’s impact is clearest in Victor’s structured yet sensual silhouettes. High-collared coats, asymmetrical lapels, and fitted waistcoats mirror Bowie’s Station to Station era. “There’s severity in Bowie’s look, but also sensuality—perfect for Victor’s obsession,” Hawley noted.
A standout piece is an embroidered brocade frock coat, inspired by Bowie’s Labyrinth costumes. “It’s almost religious—like Victor sees himself as a god,” she remarked. The palette—deep blacks, icy whites, and metallic accents—evokes both lab sterility and rockstar allure.
Prince’s Flair: Theatrical Opulence
While Bowie brought structure, Prince infused drama. Hawley used rich velvets, lace cuffs, and jewel tones to echo Prince’s bold aesthetic. “Victor’s lab coat isn’t plain—it’s lined with crimson silk, hinting at the bloodshed beneath,” she revealed.
Even Victor’s heeled boots nod to Prince’s iconic lifts. “It’s about power—Victor towers over his creations, literally and metaphorically,” Hawley explained.
The Creature: A Contrast in Chaos
Hawley highlighted the stark contrast between Victor’s polished look and the Creature’s raw, stitched-together appearance. “Victor is control; the Creature is chaos,” she said. While Victor’s clothes are immaculate, the Creature’s design uses distressed leather and exposed stitching, symbolizing his brutal birth.
A Tribute to Rebel Icons
Ultimately, Hawley’s designs honor Bowie and Prince as boundary-pushing artists—much like Frankenstein himself. “They blurred lines between masculinity and femininity, science and art,” she said. “Victor does the same, defying nature as they defied convention.”
With its bold mix of gothic tradition and rockstar rebellion, Frankenstein promises to be a visual spectacle—and Victor Frankenstein may just become fashion’s next antihero icon.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes exclusives!
