FASHION OF THE MOVIE THE GREAT: THE LUXURIOUS SILK VELVET TO THE MYTH OF THE RUSSIAN ROYAL FAMILY OF THE 18TH CENTURY

Royal fashion has always been the focus of attention of all classes in feudal society. The more the aristocrats displayed, the more they showed their wealth and power. The reign of Catherine the Great – the famous, longest-reigning queen of Russia, has made a great contribution to turning the Russian Empire into a great power in Europe. The frivolity and glamor in the dress of the upper class of this period are reflected in the “crammed” frames of layers of massive outfits and glittering jewelry in the movie The Great.

(Image: Gareth Gatrell)

RUSSIAN FASHION PAINTINGS IN THE MOVIE THE GREAT

To portray the “luxury” lifestyle of the Russian ruling elite, Emma Fryer consulted 18th-century European texts, books and paintings. That inspired her to design clothes that are both traditional – representing the values ​​of Europe’s elites of the 1700s, and inspired by the contemporary of the 21st century.

(Photo: Hulu)

(Image: Gareth Gatrell)

Russian royal fashion was deeply influenced by Rococo style, a trend that started in France. Because of that, The Great is adorned with bright colors. Filled in the film is a multitude of expensive fabrics such as silk and velvet purchased from France and Italy. Lace and ribbons are handpicked from London’s second-hand markets. The costume team worked tirelessly, even up to a week, to complete just one dress or one pair of high heels for Catherine. There are also some designs by Dior or Alexander McQueen .

(Image: Gareth Gatrell)

(Photo: Thruline)

However, the concept of beauty of this century did not emphasize the comfort of the wearer. To be able to wear a fancy dress with stones and lace, indispensable accessories are a support frame and a corset that hugs the upper body of a woman. The high heels favored this century are also notoriously uncomfortable.

(Photo: Hulu)

COLOR IS A SIGN OF POWER

In the first episodes, we get to know a young, innocent and romantic Catherine. She dreams and believes in a happy marriage with Crown Prince Peter III of Russia. To more clearly portray that purity, designer Emma Fryer chose soft and feminine pastel colors along with the slow use of ribbons and lace.

(Photo: Hulu)

(Photo: Hulu)

Sharing with Bustle magazine, Emma Fryer said that Catherine’s style in the film is a bit different from history. The truth is that the Russian royal family prefers warm colors that breathe power and wealth such as bronze, crimson, rose purple, purple, gold and silver. In later scenes of the series, as Katherine gradually becomes stronger and gains power, the Queen’s outfit colors also gradually become bolder (such as duck-neck blue , bright pink) along with her appearance. of intricate decorative patterns.

(Photo: Andrea Pirrello)

(Photo: Ollie Upton)

(Photo: Hulu)

#ELLESTYLEID – ELLE FANNING AND THE “MUSE” FEMININE FASHION STYLE

THE MOVIE THE GREAT AND THE LIVING MUSEUM OF ANTIQUE JEWELRY 

In real life, Catherine the Great is the owner of extremely expensive jewelry collections. She uses them as a cover-up for her normal background. According to Emma Fryer, the jewelry used in the film is partly authentic from the 18th century, and partly purchased from contemporary designers. Many of the dishes are of Italian origin but still represent the Russian aesthetic of the time.

(Photo: Hulu)

(Photo: Hulu)

Cross and religious symbols are the dominant styles. Trends from Paris and the Indo-European region also strongly dominate jewelry designs in Russia at the moment (historically). But because the events in the series still revolve around the early years of Catherine’s royal life, despite being the main character, instead of gems and diamonds which are the most prominent auras in the portraits of Catherine the Great. sole, Elle Fanning wears almost exclusively pearls and fine necklaces.

(Image: Gareth Gatrell)

(Image: Gareth Gatrell)

(Photo: Hulu)

IRONIC COMBINATIONS OF THE TSAR OF RUSSIA – PETER III

Not only the character Catherin, the Russian tsar – Peter III also has a very meticulous and detailed appearance. As a tsar with an unruly, impulsive, capricious, and sulky personality, Peter III’s attire also implicitly exposes the truth about the head of the Russian Empire. Emmy, once again, combines the old and the new – traditional and modern to portray the king’s rebellion. Peter’s costumes are exaggerated art with dazzling combinations such as brocade and silk, metallic and brocade motifs, etc.

(Photo: Thruline)

(Photo: Hulu)