As a fashion enthusiast and a cinephile, I find immense joy in dissecting the sartorial choices of the characters in a film. These choices often reflect the personality, background, and context of the characters, offering a deeper understanding of the narrative. This is especially true for period films, where the costumes play a significant role in setting the tone and authenticity of the era. One such movie that has captivated me recently is Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel (2021)’. The unique aesthetic of the film is so compelling that I found myself wanting to incorporate it into my everyday style.
Set in 14th century France, ‘The Last Duel’ is replete with rich textures, earthy tones, and layers upon layers of fabric. The costumes, designed by Oscar winner Janty Yates, are a testament to the meticulous research and artistry that went into bringing the world of this medieval epic to life. With each character’s outfit, Yates has managed to not only capture the zeitgeist of the period but also underline the individual personalities and social statuses of the characters.
And so, I thought, why not translate this aesthetic into our everyday outfits? After all, fashion is all about exploration, reinterpretation, and personal expression. In this blog post, I will delve into a character analysis and style breakdown of the main characters in ‘The Last Duel’, and offer tips on how to nail their aesthetic in your wardrobe.
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown: An Overview
Before we dive into individual character breakdowns, let’s take a quick look at the overall aesthetic of ‘The Last Duel (2021)’.
- Luxurious Fabrics: Velvet, brocade, fur, and silk were popular materials during the 14th century. These fabrics exude opulence and grandeur, perfect for emulating the royal aesthetic of the film.
- Earthy Tones: The color palette of ‘The Last Duel’ is characterized by earthy tones – think browns, greens, and deep reds. These colors not only reflect the medieval period but also add a sense of warmth and depth to the outfits.
- Layering: Layering is a significant aspect of the ‘Last Duel’ aesthetic. From tunics over shirts to cloaks over gowns, layering creates a sense of volume and complexity.
- Detailed Embellishments: Embroidery, beading, and lacework add a touch of royalty and detail to the outfits. These elements can be incorporated subtly in our everyday looks for a nod to the ‘Last Duel’ aesthetic.
- Powerful Silhouettes: The film showcases strong silhouettes, from the structured armors of the knights to the flowing gowns of the ladies. Emphasizing silhouette can add a unique touch to our modern outfits.
Now, let’s break down the outfits of individual characters and see how we can recreate their styles.
Matt Damon as Sir Jean de Carrouges
Matt Damon’s character, Sir Jean de Carrouges, is a knight known for his courage and honor. His outfit is a reflection of his nobility and martial prowess.
- Knightly Armor: Sir Jean’s armor is a key element of his look. While we may not be able to don a full suit of armor in our everyday lives, we can incorporate elements of it, like metallic accessories or structured jackets.
- Tunics: Sir Jean often wears tunics in earthy tones, which can easily be translated into modern menswear with longline shirts or sweater dresses.
- Leather Accessories: Leather belts and boots are a staple in Sir Jean’s wardrobe. Leather accessories can add a rustic touch to our outfits and are versatile enough to be incorporated into different styles.
Adam Driver as Jacques Le Gris
Adam Driver’s Jacques Le Gris is a suave and ambitious squire. His style is more refined and luxurious than Sir Jean’s, reflecting his aspiration for power and status.
- Velvet and Silk: Jacques’ outfits often feature velvet and silk, materials that exude decadence. Incorporating velvet or silk elements in our outfits can instantly elevate the look.
- Jewel Tones: Jacques favors jewel tones, which add a dash of color and opulence to his outfits. Jewel-toned clothes or accessories can add a pop of color to our neutral-toned outfits.
- Fur Trims: Fur trims are a common feature in Jacques’ outfits. While we can opt for ethical alternatives, fur trims can add a touch of luxury and warmth to our winter outfits.
Jodie Comer as Marguerite de Carrouges
Jodie Comer’s Marguerite de Carrouges is a woman of strength and intelligence, trapped in a patriarchal society. Her outfits, while conforming to the societal norms, also hint at her inner resilience.
- Flowing Gowns: Marguerite’s flowing gowns can be translated into flowy maxi dresses or skirts in our wardrobes.
- High Necklines and Long Sleeves: Her dresses often feature high necklines and long sleeves, a style that can add a touch of elegance and modesty to our outfits.
- Intricate Embroidery: Marguerite’s gowns are adorned with intricate embroidery, an element that can be incorporated in our outfits through embroidered tops, dresses, or accessories.
Harriet Walter as Nicole de Carrouges
In ‘The Last Duel’, Harriet Walter brings to life the character of Nicole de Carrouges, a woman of status and prestige. Her style reflects her position, with her outfits being a symphony of rich fabrics, intricate details, and a color palette that speaks volumes about her character.
- Rich, Deep Colors: Nicole’s wardrobe is predominately made up of deep, rich colors – think burgundies, deep greens, and navy blues. These colors signify her status and wealth. To incorporate these into your everyday style, opt for jewel-toned pieces that will turn heads.
- Intricate Embroideries: A key style element of Nicole’s outfits is the intricate embroidery work that adorns her garments. While you might not want to go all out with a fully embroidered outfit, adding a piece with delicate embroidery can elevate your look.
- Luxurious Fabrics: Nicole is often seen in luxurious fabrics such as velvet and silk. To channel Nicole’s luxurious aesthetic, incorporate pieces made from similar fabrics into your wardrobe.
Ben Affleck as Pierre d’Alení§on
Next up, we have Ben Affleck as Pierre d’Alení§on, whose style is a stark contrast to Nicole’s. Pierre’s wardrobe is a mix of military and court attire, with a color palette centered on neutral tones. Here’s how you can channel his style:
- Neutral Tones: Pierre’s outfits predominantly feature neutral tones – think greys, whites, and blacks. To incorporate this into your everyday style, choose pieces in these colors. They’re versatile and can be paired with almost anything.
- Structured Silhouettes: Pierre’s outfits often feature structured silhouettes, especially in his military attire. Opt for structured pieces to channel his aesthetic.
- Bold Accents: Despite his predominantly neutral wardrobe, Pierre isn’t afraid to make a statement with bold accents. Think large belts, ornate brooches, and statement collars. Add a bold accessory to your outfit to imitate his style.
Alex Lawther as King Charles VI
Alex Lawther’s portrayal of King Charles VI provides a whole new level of regality. His style is extravagant and ornate, a true reflection of his royal status. Here’s how you can incorporate his style:
- Regal Colors: King Charles VI’s wardrobe is a kaleidoscope of regal colors – golds, purples, and royal blues. Incorporate these colors into your wardrobe for a touch of royalty.
- Extravagant Details: His outfits are adorned with extravagant details like fur trims and ornate embroidery. Choose pieces with similar details to channel his aesthetic.
- Regal Accessories: No royal outfit would be complete without regal accessories. Think crowns, signet rings, and ornate brooches.
Mimicking Marton Csokas as Crespin
In ‘The Last Duel’, Marton Csokas plays the character of Crespin, a man of exceptional taste and style. His outfits are marked by their stunning simplicity and elegance, making them perfect for those seeking a unique yet timeless aesthetic. To mimic his style, here are the key outfit components you need:
- Long, Flowing Robes: Crespin’s outfits are characterized by long, flowing robes in rich, earthy tones. These robes not only provide a dramatic silhouette but also add an air of regality and sophistication to the look.
- Wide Belts: Wide belts, worn over the robes, are another key component of Crespin’s style. They not only help to cinch the waist and provide structure to the outfit, but also serve as a statement accessory.
- Layering Pieces: Layering is a crucial element in Crespin’s style. From tunics worn under robes to capes thrown over the shoulders, layering adds depth and dimension to the outfits.
- Rich Textures: Crespin’s outfits feature a mix of rich textures, from the smooth silk of his robes to the rough wool of his capes. This play on textures adds visual interest and makes each outfit stand out.
- Minimal Accessories: Crespin’s style is marked by minimalism when it comes to accessories. A simple pendant necklace or a signet ring is all you need to complete the look.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions: Incorporating ‘The Last Duel’ Aesthetic
Now that we’ve covered the key components of Crespin’s style, let’s talk about how you can incorporate ‘The Last Duel’ aesthetic into your outfits for different occasions:
- Casual Outings: For casual outings, opt for a long, flowing dress in an earthy tone. Pair it with a wide belt to cinch your waist, and complete the look with minimal accessories.
- Work Wear: Incorporating ‘The Last Duel’ aesthetic into your work wear can be as simple as layering a long, tunic-style top over your trousers. Add a wide belt for structure, and keep the accessories simple and understated.
- Special Occasions: For special occasions, go all out with a floor-length gown in a rich, luxurious fabric. Layer a cape or shawl over your shoulders, and complete the look with a statement belt and minimal accessories.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
Getting the look of your favorite ‘The Last Duel’ characters is easier than you might think. Here’s a summary of outfits inspired by the movie, and where you can buy them:
- Crespin’s Flowing Robes: Check out brands like Free People or Anthropologie for long, flowing dresses in earthy tones. For a more affordable option, ASOS also has a great selection.
- Crespin’s Wide Belts: Wide belts are a trend that’s here to stay. Brands like Mango and Zara offer a variety of options in different styles and colors.
- Crespin’s Layering Pieces: Layering pieces can be found in almost any clothing store. For high-quality tunics and capes, check out brands like COS or AllSaints.
- Crespin’s Minimal Accessories: For minimal accessories, brands like Madewell and Mejuri offer a wide selection of simple yet stylish pieces.
How to Include Elements of ‘The Last Duel’ in Your Everyday Style
Incorporating elements of ‘The Last Duel’ aesthetic into your everyday style is all about embracing the spirit of the movie’s fashion. Here’s how you can do it:
- Play with Silhouettes: One of the key elements of ‘The Last Duel’ aesthetic is the dramatic silhouettes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and styles, from long, flowing dresses to structured, belted tunics.
- Embrace Earthy Tones: The movie’s color palette is predominantly earthy, with shades of brown, green, and rust. Incorporating these colors into your wardrobe can instantly give your outfits a ‘The Last Duel’ vibe.
- Experiment with Textures: From the smooth silk of Crespin’s robes to the rough wool of his capes, the movie plays with a variety of textures. Try mixing different fabrics in your outfits for a unique and visually interesting look.
- Keep Accessories Minimal: ‘The Last Duel’ aesthetic is all about simplicity when it comes to accessories. Stick to simple, understated pieces that add a touch of elegance without overpowering the outfit.
Conclusion: Embracing ‘The Last Duel’ Aesthetic in Your Wardrobe
As we’ve seen, the fashion of ‘The Last Duel’ is a blend of simplicity, elegance, and drama. It’s about embracing bold silhouettes, earthy tones, and rich textures, while keeping the accessories minimal and understated. By incorporating these elements into your everyday style, you can create outfits that are not only inspired by the movie but also uniquely you.
So, what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with your wardrobe and see how you can bring a touch of ‘The Last Duel’ aesthetic into your everyday outfits. And remember, fashion is all about self-expression, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it.
And now, over to you. Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals! After all, the world of fashion is ever-evolving, and there’s always something new to learn and explore.
