Everyone loves a good film—especially when it’s projected on the big screen. Often, we seek out movies that touch on topics close to our hearts, hoping to be fully immersed in stories that captivate and move us.

A well-designed costume department does more than just dress characters. It gives them depth, adds layers of meaning to their journey, and in many cases, becomes a visual language for themes like female empowerment.

After all, the most memorable films aren’t just the ones with stunning wedding dresses—they’re the ones that use wardrobe to tell a deeper story of a woman’s path to self-expression and independence.

A character can showcase her strength and determination through her choice of wedding dress—whether she opts for a traditional gown that honours her cultural roots or a modern design that defies convention.

First and foremost, it’s essential to recognise the importance of diverse body representation and style in cinema. The women’s empowerment movement is not tied to a single beauty standard, especially not the one so often idealised in mainstream media, including film.

A thoughtful costume department knows how to offer a variety of styles, from characters who feel confident in bold, sensual attire to those who challenge conventional beauty norms. There must be space for all.

Shaping the bridal character

Just as crucial is the conversation around comfort and self-acceptance—especially when it comes to bridal fashion. Female characters shouldn’t be confined by corsets or necklines designed to fit into an unrealistic standard of beauty. Instead, their wardrobe should reflect the vast range of female identities and experiences, promoting a version of beauty that’s inclusive and real.

In the multi-award-winning film Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the mesmerizing costume design by Holly Waddington plays a central role in the protagonist’s evolution.

Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, is empowered through her clothes. Her wardrobe, composed of bloomers, petticoats, and transparent layers, doesn’t adhere to society’s traditional beauty standards. Instead, it enhances her individuality and charts her path of transformation.

By blending lingerie with outerwear, Waddington blurs the lines between the public and private spheres—symbolizing Bella’s liberation from social constraints and her embrace of her true self.

Waddington’s designs do more than support Bella’s character—they enrich the film’s entire visual narrative. The costumes become extensions of Bella’s personality, mirroring her journey from vulnerability to empowerment.

By stepping away from conventional ideals of femininity and embracing a more nuanced depiction, Waddington invites the audience to rethink their assumptions. In Poor Things, costume design goes far beyond aesthetics—it becomes a powerful tool for storytelling, character development, and a celebration of womanhood in all its forms.