Del Toro’s Frankenstein Costume Design Weaves Anatomy and Obsession Into Every Stitch

Acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro’s new film Frankenstein is set for release in 2025. Costume designer Kate Hawley has revealed the intricate details behind the film’s looks. She crafted the wardrobes for Victor Frankenstein and Elizabeth Lavenza. The designs blend Romantic-era elegance with deeply symbolic, modern flair.

Hawley’s work is central to building the film’s unique world. She recently explained her creative process to Variety. Her goal was to visually represent creation, decay, and the blurred line between human and monster.

Building Victor Frankenstein’s Arc in Velvet and Silk

Hawley avoided the stereotypical Victorian look for this adaptation. Del Toro wanted an expansive, modern feel set during the 1850s Crimean War. This allowed for a more creative and theatrical approach to period costume.

For Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac, Hawley drew from unconventional muses. She cited contemporary icons like David Bowie and Prince for inspiration. Victor’s costumes evolve to mirror his soaring ambition and declining sanity.

Early scenes show him in aged, luxurious velvet, hinting at fading stability. As his obsession grows, his attire becomes more flamboyant and artistically daring. Hawley described Victor as an artist treating life itself as his ultimate masterpiece.

Elizabeth’s Gowns Form the Emotional Heart of the Story

Elizabeth’s costumes, worn by actress Mia Goth, provide the film’s emotional core. Hawley connected every gown to themes of nature and human anatomy. This creates a visual link to the Creature, played by Jacob Elordi.

Her wedding dress was one of the first pieces designed. Its fitted bodice and ribbon-wrapped arms deliberately mirror the Creature’s stitched form. This symbolizes Elizabeth’s profound and growing empathy for him.

Another standout is a breathtaking blue gown inspired by X-ray imagery. To achieve the director’s vision for moonlit scenes, the team used 60 meters of fabric. The dress creates an ethereal, otherworldly glow for the character.

The collaboration extended to legendary jeweler Tiffany & Co. Pieces like the historic Wade Necklace were selected from the company’s archive. This attention to detail ensures every element on screen tells a story of obsession and tragedy.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is the costume designer for the new Frankenstein film?

The costume designer is Kate Hawley. She previously collaborated with Guillermo del Toro on the film *Crimson Peak*. Her work is known for its rich detail and strong narrative symbolism.

What was the inspiration for Victor Frankenstein’s costumes?

Hawley looked to modern rock icons like David Bowie and Prince. She also drew from Romantic-era figures like Lord Byron. The costumes evolve from refined to extravagant as Victor’s ambition consumes him.

How does Elizabeth’s wedding dress connect to the Creature?

The dress features a fitted bodice and arms wrapped with ribbons. This design intentionally mirrors the stitched and constructed form of the Creature. It visually represents Elizabeth’s unique connection and empathy towards him.

Which jeweler contributed to the film’s costumes?

Tiffany & Co. collaborated with the costume department. The team accessed the jeweler’s 200-year archive to select pieces. Notable items include the diamond Wade Necklace and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Scarab Necklace.

Why is the film’s setting significant for the costumes?

The story is set during the 1850s Crimean War. This period allowed del Toro and Hawley to move beyond typical Victorian austerity. They created a world that feels both historically grounded and expansively theatrical.