‘Frankenstein’ costume designer describes the creative process behind the main cast

The costume designer back Frankenstein (2025) explains her first and last touches on characters and everything in between.

Since we have previously worked together Crimson PeakMexican director Guillermo del Toro reunited with costume designer Kate Hawley for Frankenstein adjustment.

To begin the magic, Hawley revisited Mary Shelley’s original novel for inspiration before creating the film’s rich and unsettling world.

Set during the Crimean War in the 1850s, del Toro envisioned a version of Frankenstein that felt larger than life. “He wanted a world that was expansive and modern,” Hawley said in a recent interview with Varietyadding that del Toro eschewed the typical “black hat” look of historical dramas.

For Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious scientist who sought to conquer death, Hawley designed costumes from unconventional sources. “We discussed modern icons like David Bowie and Prince,” he revealed.

“Victor is an artist who builds life as if it were his masterpiece.” Inspired by Lord Byron and the Romantic era, his early clothes show a privileged, intelligent man who becomes more extravagant as his ambitions grow.

When the audience first meets Victor (played by Oscar Isaac), he is dressed in aged velvet, a sign that his wealth and stability are waning. As he gets closer and closer to Harlander, his clothing becomes more flamboyant, showing his growing obsession with fame and power.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s costumes form the emotional core of the story. Her wedding dress, one of the first pieces Hawley designed, bridges the human and monstrous worlds. His fitted bust and ribboned arms mirror the Creature’s form, symbolizing Elizabeth’s growing empathy towards him.

Hawley connected all of Elizabeth’s dresses to nature and anatomy. Her blue dress, inspired by an X-ray pattern, required 60 meters of fabric to achieve the ethereal glow del Toro wanted for the moon scenes.

The team collaborated with Tiffany & Co., drawing on its 200-year history. Featured pieces included the Wade necklace, with more than 40 carats of diamonds, and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Scarab necklace.

“This movie became a kind of fairy tale for me,” Hawley said. “Every stitch, every jewel, had to tell a story of creation, wear and love.”