When Costumes Scare: The Top 10
Horror cinema is a genre that has always fascinated audiences thanks to its ability to evoke intense emotions, such as fear and tension. One of the fundamental elements contributing to the creation of these atmospheres is costume design. Costume designers, with their talent for creating outfits that seamlessly integrate with the narrative, play a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of the characters and in making a horror film memorable. When costumes frighten… Here’s a list of the top ten costume designers who have left an indelible mark on horror cinema.
1. Milena Canonero
Milena Canonero is one of Hollywood’s most renowned costume designers, having won numerous awards, including four Oscars. In horror cinema, her most notable contribution is likely for “The Shining” by Stanley Kubrick. The costumes in this film are essential in portraying the gradual descent into madness of the characters. Canonero uses simple yet distinctive clothing that reflects the progressive disintegration of the Torrance family. Her choices of colors and fabrics help create a sense of isolation and unease that permeates the entire film.
2. Marilyn Vance
Marilyn Vance is primarily known for her work on *The Lost Boys*, an ’80s classic that redefined the concept of the modern vampire. Her costumes helped create a punk-rock aesthetic that made the vampires in the film style icons. Vance successfully combined elements of gothic fashion with youthful style, capturing the rebellious essence of the characters and turning the film into a cult classic.
3. Eiko Ishioka
The visionary Eiko Ishioka created unforgettable costumes for “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” by Francis Ford Coppola. Ishioka won an Oscar for her work, which was characterized by elaborate details and an extraordinary use of color and texture. Dracula’s costumes, with their theatrical and opulent design, elevate the character to an almost mythological level, emphasizing his supernatural nature and decadent allure.
4. Colleen Atwood
Colleen Atwood is another iconic figure in the world of costume design, with several Oscars to her name. She collaborated with Tim Burton on numerous films, including various horror projects like *Sleepy Hollow*. In this film, Atwood’s costumes perfectly capture the gothic and ghostly atmosphere of the period. Her ability to combine historical accuracy with fantasy helped create a unique and immersive world.
5. Kym Barrett
Kym Barrett demonstrated her versatility as a costume designer in films across different genres, but her work in *The Matrix* and *The Cell* deserves special mention for its visual innovation. In *The Cell*, Barrett created surreal costumes that reflect the dreamlike and distorted world of a serial killer’s mind. Her creations help define the boundary between reality and illusion, adding an extra layer of psychological terror to the film.
6. Arianne Phillips
Arianne Phillips has worked on numerous films and brought her unique touch to the 2018 remake of *Suspiria*, directed by Luca Guadagnino. The costumes in the film reflect the sinister and claustrophobic environment of a 1970s dance school. Phillips skillfully played with color contrasts and fabrics to represent the growing tension and sense of mystery that permeates the story.
7. Michael Kaplan
Michael Kaplan is known for his groundbreaking and iconic work in *Blade Runner*, but also for his contribution to the horror world with *Se7en*. The costumes in *Se7en* reflect the desolation and moral decay of the city where the film is set. Kaplan created a realistic and timeless look, contributing to the film’s unsettling and disturbing atmosphere.
8. Judianna Makovsky
Judianna Makovsky, who has collaborated with directors like Steven Spielberg and Francis Lawrence, has shown her talent in creating costumes that reinforce the emotional context of the characters. In *Constantine*, Makovsky designed costumes that blend fantasy elements with gothic details, contributing to the mystical and hellish atmosphere of the film.
9. Ruth E. Carter
Ruth E. Carter is an Oscar-winning costume designer best known for her work on *Black Panther*. In the horror genre, her work on the 2021 *Candyman* is noteworthy. Carter created costumes that blend contemporary elements with historical references, emphasizing the film’s connection to themes of identity and trauma. Her work contributed to giving the film a strong sense of cultural authenticity.
