The Magic of the Lingerie-Inspired Costumes in ‘Poor Things’!

The magic of the lingerie-inspired costumes in the Oscar-nominated film “Poor Things,” a Frankenstein-meets-Pygmalion romp, creates a cinematic marvel that intertwines whimsy and brilliance. The film showcases the costume mastery of Holly Waddington, alongside the stellar performance of Emma Stone, with a touch of genius from Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos.

MOVIE TRIVIA:

• The director created the ‘Old Hollywood’ by using painted sets. All filming took place on massive sound stages built by the production designers.
• Emma was uninhibited about filming the sex scenes and she told the director: “Yes of course it’s Bella. We will do what we need to do.”
• Willem Defoe’s makeup took 4 hours to put on and 2 hours to take off, every day.
• Mark Ruffalo was uptight about filming the sex scenes, but Emma Stone has a great sense of humor and joked in between takes which relaxed him.
• The actors rehearsed for 3 weeks with a variety of improv games to help them get rid of any inhibitions.

Holly Waddington’s remarkable lingerie-inspired costumes for Emma Stone create a whimsical fusion of 1800s historical attire and a sprinkle of Sci-fi allure. Each costume exhibits a touch of the extraordinary, featuring elements that are either delightfully askew or wildly exaggerated – from the wiring of the colossal balloon-like sleeves on Emma’s wedding dress which create the illusion that she could float away at any moment. or that she’s geared up for a moonwalk on the lunar surface. From the transparent Victorian bustle skirts to Emma’s short black school-girl coat adorned with giant-sized shell buttons, each outfit is a delightful deviation, where traditional elements take unexpected turns and modern fabrics sneak in, adding to the effect of being charmingly off-kilter or magnificently over-the-top.

These costumes all have a delightful lingerie-inspired flair: from bloomers and knickers to sheer slips, copious ruffles, feminine colors, lace and ribbon trimmings, and even bed jackets and underclothes worn as outerwear. In a captivating contrast, Emma Stone’s character sports colossal boots that give her feet an outsized appearance, and she walks with a slightly awkward gait—a deliberate juxtaposition against the elaborate and girlish garments she adorns.

Lingerie Inspired ‘Poor Things’ Shopping Inspo!

As the character undergoes growth, so does her wardrobe, but not merely in a chronological sense. Waddington’s designs artfully accentuate the character’s burgeoning independence and optimism, creating a visual narrative that evolves with the protagonist’s journey.

Emma Stone’s unconventional beauty, characterized by her wide-set and slightly protuberant eyes, is not just a feature but a perfect fit for the fantastical off-beat world of “Poor Things.”

IMHO, “Poor Things” is a cinematic marvel, a tapestry of surrealist fantasy and brilliance. Emma Stone’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. With crossed fingers, I await the Oscars, hoping she secures the well-deserved Best Actress award. Her portrayal in this fantastical journey deserves every bit of recognition. And as the final curtain falls, let’s not forget the unsung hero ‘behind the seams’—Holly Waddington. For her mesmerizing costume wizardry, she deserves an Oscar of her own for ‘Best Costume Design.’ Bravo, Holly!

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