analyzing effie trinket’s outfits in the hunger games 🎀🥀🦋

[@rayn0577]

In some cultures, it’s believed that butterflies come as messengers of death: if one appears and stays by you for a long time, it means someone you know has died. It was probably unintentional, but the butterfly dress could also be seen as a representation of the deaths Katniss and Peeta would witness in the arena.

[@manicpixiecurse5337]

I think it's more reflective of Effie's anxiety over the idea that she's not only going to very probably lose two of her friends, that she's the one leading them to their deaths, you know? Like, she's covered in butterflies. She's both effected by the impending doom and, through her role in the reaping, an omen of it. Does that make any sense?

[@Snips.Snails.Fairytales]

Fun fact about butterflies: they eat carrion. There are fantastic pictures of bright yellow butterflies (swallowtails), eating fish and other things. I think the dress, whether on purpose or not, is a great way to symbolize how the Capitol benefits from death. How such classic beauty can come from something so vile. (Not that butterflies eating carrion is a bad thing. It's an important part of life) That juxtaposition is so perfect for Effie in the films. Her job is to live off of choosing and bringing kids to execution for her own benefit, and that is the moment where it really hits her what she's doing.

[@Kotifilosofi]

In my country, Finland, it was traditionally believed that our passed away loved ones could visit us in the living world in the form of flying insect or bird, especially soon after the death (also in the solar turning points of the year, the gates would be open for the passed away family member to visit the ones in the living world, and they were respected, like they were given their time to dine in the table and were reserved a personal time for sauna). Especially if insect or bird got inside and didn't want to leave, or behaved otherwise unusual way, one could think it was someone dear to them.

[@reneecrisps5600]

@@Kotifilosofi Same here! In Malaysian culture, we believe in something similar. For that reason, whenever I see a white butterfly and it stays around me, I say "Hello Grandma!" 😁

[@Kotifilosofi]

@@reneecrisps5600 it's interesting how similar spiritual beliefs there's on the completely different sides of the world 😊

[@fatimorn2249]

Also I LOVED the fact that in the book, katniss’s designer Cinna, acknowledges the importance of costume design throughout the game. He had thought behind every single outfit. The inauguration event, the interviews, the post victory. He actually expressed himself through katniss costume, he knew when to present her as a symbol of perseverance, and when to show her as an innocent harmless teenager! Honestly my fav character, I feel like u two would be good friends even!

[@nealeellis4455]

Omg i loved that part of the book sm!

[@anaghamenon3920]

Cinna was my fav character too!🥺❤️

[@avamarie127]

cinna deserved so much better :( definitely my favorite and comfort character of the series

[@ThatgirlL18]

He was my favorite too!

[@jeremyheartriter2.063]

I really loved Cinna in the book.

[@txaevelyn]

the pink glasses can also reference how she always saw the world through "rose coloured lenses" until she was ripped away from it now she almost has to force herself to do that again, it doesn't just come naturally

[@EtamirTheDemiDeer]

:0 :D _I like this_

[@user-us7py1cy2k]

I like this comment

[@minecraft8587]

Smart!

[@kaki6223]

jeez that’s beautiful

[@HaruNo_No]

@@kaki6223 6666

[@MissAfricanAmerican99]

I know it's a stretch but Effie's over-the-topness comes off as lovable in the way that Charlotte is SUPER PINK in Princess and the Frog.

[@mxphxsto8334]

YES, thank u for making my day

[@tia8245]

effie, princess charlotte from PATF, and Glinda from Wicked, are all one in the same imho. theyre upper class and a fair bit out-of-touch, but still kind-hearted, caring, over the top, flamboyant, wearing very extravagant and feminine outfits, and i love them all so much!!!

[@jennarieke3238]

Nonono, you are soooo right!

[@hellomoron]

I feel like this series was one of the earliest examples I can think of that drilled home to the audience the performative value of fashion. Yes the devil wears Prada does something similar, but it's also in a lower steaks environment and is commonly treated as a chick flick, so it didn't get as much attention. It was also harder for early pick-me girls to respect (I was totally one of them) because of it's heavy femininity, which was something to be scorned. Hunger games made it very clear that fashion could change the outcome of someone's life and was a huge reason why things went well for someone. Cinna spelled it out for the audience that he was here to make a statement, and he was RIGHT. So all of a sudden, people like Katniss who might not care about fashion have to at least respect it, because they can see where there's power in it. This probably happened for other people in earlier times and with other movies, but as a teenager in the 2000s/2010s, this was kinda groundbreaking for me.

[@swiftlyaswiftie]

It makes her look innocent, a lot of her outfit are cutesy (namely the butterfly outfit). It gives off the sense that although she's got a good heart, she was a victim of the propaganda of the Capitol

[@_-luke-_]

the use of fashion in the hunger games was a game changer imo. we very rarely got to see innovative fashion used as a creative storytelling device in ya media, especially within the dystopian genre. twas truly a cultural reset. thank you for doing this analysis!

[@susanalopez5052]

Yes!! The way it plays such a huge part into the story is so creative, and also fed into the whole commentary of propaganda/smokescreens, it’s just so clever

[@tiagomatos8293]

cultural reset! you used the only word that can describe this movie!

[@sonorasgirl]

For sure! Plus it was used to emphasize how it’s not the INTEREST that’s shallow, but how it’s used. Fashion is often written off as vanity and shallowness, but Effie is a perfect example of how it CAN be, or how it can be powerful. Her use of it to literally improve Katniss’ chances of living was not shallow at all, even if much of the rest was.

[@ReegSkywalker]

Back in 2012 I was really obsessed with THG saga and just as of now as a fashion student I can see how amazing is the use of clothing and fashion as a whole in the saga. It's ahhhh so good. From the way Cinna changed Katniss and Peeta's outfits on the parade to be more like a ~concept~ of their district's industry, to how Katniss dress made such and impression and also the wedding dress??? The simbolismmmmm????? Immaculate. No to mention the way technology and fashion seems to be intertwined in this world, it is important because the Capitol is frivolous after all, but it's also a way of controling, of separating them and everyone else. It's really fascinating. And just almost 10 years later that I'm realizing I'm becoming a fashion designer because of THG. (Btw if y'all love the fashion in Hunger Games, the opening chapter of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it's full of amazing fashion descriptions that dwell onto the mentality of the Capitol for why it was important to them to always be put together, so good, 10/10)

[@milacruz3970]

I agree. I remember the 1st time seeing the people of the capitol. I was so fascinated and shocked and it made sense that that's probably where the fashion would go in the future. Very well done and it for sure influenced current fashion too with the bight colors in clothing a make up coming back.

[@kaelang12]

Notice how effie's makeup also changes? She starts out looking cold and lifeless, but over time it starts to look warmer and livelier

[@jessthecactus]

She mentioned that in the video already.

[@Sleepewalker]

Until district 13

[@wafflefrogs]

Shout out to the Mockingjay makeup artists who went as far as to put a lipstick stain on Effie’s lips from her wearing bright lipstick every day for most of her life.

[@honey3336]

and her eyelids

[@h5y878]

Her last look resembling some of the style of Coin symbolizes that she realized Coin is a second Snow, and that she is again obligated to agree with her as she had to agree with Snow, even though she openly dislikes her and never bought her speech. Effie never expected Katniss to shot Coin so she was preparing for a new life with her being in the power. When she says goodbye to Katniss she's crying maybe of happiness cuz now the team is free for real.

[@TovarClan]

The fact that they just straight up used Alexander McQueen dresses and put them on Effie says a lot about McQueen style.

[@evie2878]

Julia Tovar Can you please elaborate? I don’t know much about McQueen style sorry :)

[@TovarClan]

@@evie2878 it was more a social commentary... Like McQueen's dresses look so out of touch with reality, they didn't need to alter them to be used as a representation of Capitol fashio.

[@TovarClan]

@@Aesthety well yes, but there are too options: 1. They had an agreement with McQueen to showcase his dresses. (Which ain't that extrange) 2. Of all the fashion industry they choose the dresses that represented better the capitol fashion+ Effie's situation and oh coincidence a lot of them where from McQueen. (Which is also hella possible)

[@TovarClan]

@@Aesthety agreed and definitely it's astounding and beautifully used. The costume designers are just amazing.

[@TovarClan]

@@Aesthety oh and for agreement I meant something more direct/shady. But it's not unheard of so it doesn't bother me. But they definitely need approval from big brands when using them in movies/series/mv and all visuals.

[@madeehashah-khan4543]

I know effie's dresses are over the top but may I just say that she rocks every single one of them, and especially my fave, the alexander mcqueen dress she wore in the beginning of catching fire. Just effie is a fashion queen and we STAN

[@mxphxsto8334]

yess, such an icon

[@daisyelizabeth5462]

i think the butterfly dress is my favourite. it’s just so extravagant im also just a sucker for butterflies, and the shoes!! i’d roll my ankle wearing them but i’d kill for a pair

[@madeehashah-khan4543]

@@daisyelizabeth5462 ooooo that’s a good one

[@mxphxsto8334]

@@daisyelizabeth5462 ooh i love that one.. tbh all of her outfits are amazing

[@SassafrasTee7366]

@@daisyelizabeth5462 Yass I downright love it.

[@Besm2711]

A fun fact about the species of butterfly that inspired Effie's dress is that they are poisonous. While at first sight her shoes are a huge contrast to her dress, the thing is that all of her outfit screams "danger". Many species of butterflies actually imitate the pattern to scare away predators.

[@334...4]

Yes , exactly

[@anjealousanaconda9692]

That’s so fierce

[@Winniesingss]

Yes!!! I love that from afar it looks like the innocent monarch butterfly but it’s actually the poisonous Viceroy!

[@Cowgirlcadet]

@@Winniesingss Actually, it's the Monarch butterfly that is poisonous, and the non-poisonous Viceroy mimics the Monarch. I remember reading a magazine article about that.

[@Winniesingss]

@@Cowgirlcadet They’re actually both poisonous! But the Viceroy is more poisonous than a Monarch!

[@Damnsaburna]

One of my favorite details of the book is that you never really see Katniss blame effie for the way she is in fact they actually enjoy that she's able to brighten their very dark moments.

[@TheAngelinahuang]

Effie’s butterfly outfit is my favourite

[@umhiimnothere2153]

Omg same it’s gorgeous!

[@angelabby2379]

sameeee and the shoes too

[@nikoletakonstantaki5068]

Girrrllll sammmmmeeee

[@michellevieiracordeiro]

I like this one 19:00

[@marieremelie6716]

My mom is literally terrified of butterflies so she can’t watch that movie 😭

[@weirdo5933]

I like to think that in her final costume, she dresses that way because she knows Coins type. She’s seen how easy it is to be killed if you step even an inch out of line when Snow was in charge, so she blends in with the others by fallowing the trend. She’s foreseen what kind of person/president Coin is and know that dressing like the old residents of district 1 could made her seem like a threat. She’s smart.

[@susanalopez5052]

I love how she was able to wear actual runway looks and still look like she just stepped out of a futuristic dystopia. The costuming from this whole film is just perfection. And, yes if Hunger Games was not aimed at teenage girls it would be more respected, and I’m not just talking about just the costumes or the movies, but the whole franchise in general.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

It’s a real pity that it’s not taken more seriously. I LOVED the books. I first read them as an adult, and I thought they were rich with meaning. I thought the analogies to our own world were spot on. It was a very biting commentary on our world, justice, politics, society. And of course, how it dealt with PTSD was just perfect. The fact that it was YA doesn’t change any of that. And as someone who read it as an adult, it didn’t read as “young” to me. Or at least, it read as very mature. Susan Collins obviously has a great deal of respect for her readers- she doesn’t pull any punches just because her audience was supposedly teens. She wrote a full world and expects them to understand the importance of what she wrote. She doesn’t pull back on any of the more sinister or painful elements- she treats her audience like intelligent people. If only all authors would do that, YA or not. It’s still one of my favourite series that I’ve read. I really appreciated the political analogies, the lampooning of wealth inequality, the way she dealt with oppressed peoples. It was so well done and deserved so much more credit than it got.

[@EtamirTheDemiDeer]

The fact that making fun of the interests of teenage girls is still a thing is utterly disappointing

[@allurajane4979]

@@katherinemorelle7115 I remember when the series was still popular. I was a kid, and I thought the series was for adults because it was so dark

[@jennawar13]

I agree bc it was targeted towards girls and not as “gender neutral” or even boyish as Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Avengers and Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, it is not as respected as it should be which is a damn shame.

[@susanalopez5052]

And to add to everyone’s reply the most “girly” thing about the story is that it has a female protagonist, and the love triangle marketing angle which is a shame because not only is the love triangle is so inconsequential, but those other more “gender neutral” franchises have their love triangles as well

[@deviledmeggs]

17:08 I like to think Effie's shoes here is a symbol of her pain. Like she's walking on knives or needles. She feels guilty for having to pull their names now, understanding the games in a different light, and they symbolize how she may be punishing herself for continuing to play along with the Capitols games despite her being attached to Katniss and Peeta. I read someone else's comment how these type of butterflies are considered poisonous, and shes covered in them. She's letting the poison cover her because she feels she deserves it, and it's a symbol of her metamorphosis from a Capitol-loving citizen to a Rebellion ally because in the next scene is when she devotes her loyalty to Katniss and Peeta. It's painful for her to say goodbye to the Capitol, but it's more painful to say goodbye to Katniss and Peeta. That's just how I interpreted it though haha

[@sultanms3704]

little fun fact that i think you should add, the pattern in the gray head scarf effie keeps wearing in district 13 is not just some random geometric pattern but it's actually the whole map of the district 13 bunker!

[@softkookie-ii9ph]

omg really! That’s cool I never noticed 💖

[@acasualcactus5878]

I like to think she stole a fabric map and tied it into a headscarf

[@ahstiasummers5583]

I'd like to think that means Effie is smarter than people give her credit for

[@SupremeOverlord19]

THATS SO COOL!!!! she must have found it lying around somewhere

[@mantamakes2864]

I personally really like how much they changed the Capitol’s fashion in general from book to film. In the book we see a mix of Lolita pastels and elegant furs, which while very fashion forward is simple, which the Capitol is not. In the films, Capitol fashion is a colourful mash of cultures. We see kimonos, corsets, English ball gowns, modern silhouettes, furs, leather. A little bit of everything from everywhere rather than a single unique style, which represents the Capitol that takes something from all the districts without adding something unique to the pile.

[@annarose932]

Effie's red dress is Catching Fire on the train ride also is a reflection of Katniss' Girl on Fire dress, but shorter and with a Alice like tea party skirt. This I think symbolises how she is standing with Katniss and perhaps (like the Girl on Fire dress) is a secret way to show protest against The Capitol.

[@miugirl24]

the red dress also has pleated sections of fabric which are layered, kind of resembling a bird's feathers! not a Mockingjay but a bird nonetheless.

[@angelagarcia7093]

Yup

[@yanaxx4820]

and the red also probably expresses her anger for the capitol for sending Katniss and Peeta back to the Arena

[@Giaphaige]

I havent read the books in a long while, but didnt the author specifically point out how Katniss's allies would dress in subtle ways to show support for her and protest? The way the fashion was described in the book really fascinated me.

[@hannaelisa4736]

wait i love that theory

[@sibilansnel]

When she takes her gloves off she is relaxed, so when she drew the contestants out of the bowl in the first movie, she was enjoying it as she took her gloves off. In catching fire, she doesn't take her gloves off as she draws the names showing her discomfort.

[@annarose932]

If only the celebrities had taken inspiration from Effie Trinket or literally any background character in The Capitol as inspiration for the theme Camp. 🙄 We could have gotten much more interesting looks that actually follows the theme.

[@HeatherChandlerBQ]

I agree, the theme had so much potential, but the actual outfits were a let down.

[@pennydime9924]

Well, the hunger games takes place in the future so... we never know

[@letmebe893]

Lupita nyong'o actually nailed it though

[@gummygutshoe]

not to sound stupid but what does camp mean in that context?

[@asdkajaff]

@@gummygutshoe I would say it refers to clothes that are really exaggerated, bordering on kitschy or tacky

[@erint520]

Another interesting note about the dress you dubbed the "mourning" gown, which is a really apt description: it's very subtle, but the butterfly motif carries over. A butterfly can be seen within the intricate dotwork of the dress' stoning, directly over Effie's heart; very literally, a completion of the metamorphosis, and a total change of heart. Its subtlety indicates this very covert rebellion against the Capitol ideals that is deeply personal and meaningful to Effie.

[@JohiiD]

I didn't saw the butterfly there until you mentioned it, thank you for sharing!

[@shhhquietplease6264]

I love the gold colour for the team because even Cinna is included with his gold eyeliner.

[@sonorasgirl]

Awe, Cinna…😭

[@msk-qp6fn]

Cinna 😢😢😢

[@beesbrownies]

Ooh, cool notice!

[@suchasunfall]

​@nidhi23041¹

[@crappy_cobalt9622]

“there’s also a love triangle. because, duh.” -every teenage book/movie ever

[@helenfotopoulou5125]

Not so much in the books. There the media pushes together Peeta and Katniss for publicity, but Katniss doesn't really have any special feelings for him and goes alone with it because it's useful. The drama comes from the fact that she hasn't told this to anyone.

[@snowrain9360]

@@helenfotopoulou5125 But didn't Katniss and Peeta actually end up with each other though?

[@helenfotopoulou5125]

@@snowrain9360 Yeah, in the last book. I don't remember it too clearly (been years since I read them) but they only got together in book 3.

[@Jonny_Black]

Jonny Black 1 second ago I remember the discourse around this relationship-- I think a lot of readers were upset that the movies exaggerated or played up the romance, when in the book it was clear that Suzanne Collins wrote this relationship only as a device that Katniss and Peta could use to survive in the game, since a silly teen romance would appeal to the Capitol residents and give them an edge... I think of it like, a satire on how media is these days, and then the media ACTUALLY did it when the movies came out... yikes

[@iososop9169]

In defense of the Hunger Games, there’s also a thematic purpose for the love triangle. In a series calling out the glamorization of violence and war, there’s a reason why the main character chooses the baker calling for ceasefire over the hunter manufacturing weapons.

[@femmeviews]

Hold up...wasn't even CONSIDERED for best costume design! So young adult fiction can't every be intricate or interesting or even worth celebrating? I'm so confused...

[@susanalopez5052]

It can!! If it is gender neutral and not aimed for girls, because people hate teenage girls 🥴

[@aestheticgirl409]

@@susanalopez5052 if teenage girls enjoy something it’s cringey, and since this was aimed at teenage girls this is probably why 😳

[@Snips.Snails.Fairytales]

Except for best effects, which has its own bad history with the Academy (see last years Oscar's and how celebrities threw the CG artists under the bus for the disaster that was Cats)

[@femmeviews]

@@susanalopez5052 They really do!

[@femmeviews]

@@aestheticgirl409 It’s anything but cringy! That bias is so freaking annoying 😓

[@skaerkilde]

Something so important about her Butterfly look is the makeup: Effie is wearing almost nothing on her face, including a natural foundation and lip, and minimal, striking eye makeup. As well, her hair is a natural color. This is the point that we see Effie become the most human and organic- her skintone has slowly crept up from stark white to more natural, but still with unnatural tones like blue, purple, and green. From here forward, her face is more natural with pinks, oranges, and her peachy skintone. It's always struck me that that outfit, that looks the most organic, is the one that shows Effie's humanity. That being said, do you think it would have been made of real butterflies? I know the real garment was not, but Capitol couture may have found it stunning. Imagine Effie wearing a dress made of corpses to watch Katniss and Peeta be sent to a deathmatch again. Really makes you think.

[@herb4974]

Such a fashion icon. Forget Heather Chandler or Regina George, it's all about Effie.

[@itzelgc4637]

Heather and Regina would idolize Effie If they lived in the Capitol 😂

[@enolaholmes2111]

Effie Trinket is the best in fashion. BECAUSE SHE'S FASHION! AND THAT'S ON PERIODTTTT.

[@emerald_floyd9065]

Oh Absolutely

[@kayalvizhi7611]

I mean they can’t be compared lol, all three have extremely different styles and they’re all special in their own way

[@HBoyle]

In many cultures, butterflies represent the soul, I saw that as representing all the children that died in the arenas and effie is carrying the weight of having actively participated in the system

[@myettechase]

22:42 At first I thought “wait, no, she’s clearly wearing eyeshadow” but I realized that she probably achieved that effect by rubbing coal on her eyelids, again working with whatever she has

[@fergusfungus9618]

wowww, what an awesome detail to stumble upon!!

[@crusmonster1397]

There is a deleted scene where some District 13 citizens use.....something like their version of makeup to get Katniss ready for the propos. Effie comes in and saves the day lol. I wonder where they got that since 13 doesn’t have the resources to produce products so frivolous.

[@readergrl56]

It would've been fun to have a scene where she uses "prison makeup" techniques. I once saw a video where a woman showed how to rub deodorant on magazine pages to take off the ink and use it as colored eyeshadow. She could've also used natural dyes from her food rations.

[@sarahc7087]

Honestly, I don't think she made the pink dress that she wears to Finnick and Annies wedding - I think it was what she was wearing when she fled the Capitol. In the first scene of her in MJP1, when she's holding it, you can she a fancy pair of shoes behind her. She only has that dress, those shoes, that one wig, and selection of jewellery, to connect her to her old lifestyle, and jumped on the first occasion to 'acceptably' wear them again. Anyway, this was a really interesting deep dive into the costuming choices! Effie is such a brilliant character, and the various costume designers did such a good job on bringing her, and the other characters, onto the screen, whilst keeping to varying amounts of symbolism.

[@Gerardojimloa8]

She was actually sewing the dress so, NO

[@princesspearl9131]

@@Gerardojimloa8She was probably altering it so yes!

[@Malagatylda]

No matter how over-the-top the Capitol costumes are, it's still nowhere near as outlandish as the looks described in the books. And I love that 💓 though I would have loved to see skin dyed green, actual body modifications and gold tattoos/

[@chamorealtea3294]

I would say Tigris had the most accurate book-to-film depiction of a Capitol resident.

[@Malagatylda]

@@chamorealtea3294 Oh, I completely agree. I was so pleased when I saw her in the film, because she looked just like I imagined!

[@Arguing.With.Idiots.]

I imagine the capitol people would look like people from Vogue's Extreme Beauty, and Hook on the Look. The literally paint their whole body, and look like they belong to fantasy books, they can look like an animal, alien, monsters, lovecraftian, etc... It's perfect for book capitol.

[@ej1807]

@@Arguing.With.Idiots. you’re so right !!!

[@teariesz4103]

omg remember the cat lady

[@gabba.dabadoo]

i also love how every district kinda has an era assigned to them; district 12 being the 30s, the collared neutral toned dirty dresses representing the great depression and having a lack of money. the capital being the victoria era, by the corsets, big shaped dresses that u typically see the upper class wearing during that time. it was very intentional that they picked the victorian era rather than the renaissance or edwardian era bc victorians were very fascinated by death/the dark things in life. in the later movies district 13 really reminds me of world war 1 with that kind of neutral soldier uniform making it really obvious that they’re preparing and fighting in a war

[@annak.1667]

That’s a really good point!

[@lilhonor5425]

Me and my friends in high school had a party where we dressed up in ‘capital’ outfits we each picked a color and did colorful makeup. It was pretty fun!

[@bonniehowell4259]

That does sound like fun!

[@babynyancat2002]

Definitely borrowing that haha

[@mystic_mystery33]

Why didnt you invite me?!?!?!🥺🥺😂😂😂😂😂

[@PhilospherDjPsychologist24]

I love that when katnis meets effy, she dislikes her both for what she symbolizes and what she is doing, but she still can have sympathy from her being stationed at a Lame distract and then getting groped by a drunk on stage , she might be stoic but she was very empathetic

[@moondreamer1677]

I lovee Effie Trinket's outfits, they seem so Met Gala for some reason

[@moondreamer1677]

I think it would've been so cool for the Camp theme Met Gala if someone wore Effie's butterfly dress

[@alondrag.m.5379]

@@moondreamer1677 That would have been amazing! Too bad they didn't have a clue to what camp ment

[@panaprem]

Lady Gaga is actually Effie in our world

[@monange5290]

they're sooo camp

[@mirayasingh5614]

I'd actually like to see a Met Gala, based on like Capitol Fashion, but more extravagant, if that's possible.

[@giu941]

Flowers can also symbolize innocence, since effie is a capitol citizen she always naturalized the hunger games and grew up learning that the district people deserve to die, even if it's an horrible thing to think, she's naive about all the politics behind the games. After she starts to realize what's really happening in panem, she stops using the flower ornaments, like it was her lost of innocence moment (and she only use it again in finnick's wedding which seems to be the only moment that she feels legitimately happy after the end of 75° hunger games). Idk if this interpretation was intentional but I always thought it (Also I'd love a "the umbrellas of cherbourg" analyses, all jacques demy's films has flawless costumes that works with the storytelling

[@harryjukes684]

Ive always thought Effie was rescued and taken to 13 while wearing the pink dress and accessories, so that's why she has them and wears bits and pieces of them with her 13 uniforms

[@nicoler5713]

Something your analysis made me think about- the choice of that particular shade of fuchsia when she first appears, especially against the cold / depressing colours of D12, almost resembles blood. She's the one bringing blood and violence to the district in the form of the reaping, but it's covered in a bright, shiny happy sheen to her as a capitol citizen, pinkifying it.

[@myettechase]

Ooh, I like that interpretation

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm666]

These movies are so underrated (imo). The visual story telling, the way all of the characters grow seamlessly (not you, Gale) and let's not ignore the fact that this franchise in particular prepared us, the people that grew up watching these movies, for the future and taught us to fight for what is right. It is unfortunate that they're attached to the "young adult" sub-genre, as media under this category is regarded as immature and shallow.

[@EstherRab]

Haha gotta hate gale 😂

[@aronhelios1734]

It's actually really good that they are part of the YA, bc it demonstrates that it is possible to make good quality products with this sub-genre.

[@therealsamtheman]

I live and breathe for these kinds of videos. Fashion doesn't get the recognition it deserves as a means to tell stories and push change. You can show the past, present and future with a single outfit. Your videos are educational and inspiring x

[@julienne152]

I think Effie’s gray outfit for coins death scene also solidifies her as being part of katniss’s team like the gold hair did in catching fire. Katniss, and consequently Haymitch, had just decided to side with coin and vote for having a final hunger games, despite secretly being opposed to the idea. Effie has been opposed to coin all along, but goes along with coin’s fashion choices in this scene despite her opposition.

[@eskergirl215]

Just to add, I always remember getting a Tudor vibe from Effie, like the super white foundation that looks sickly, the ruff like silhouette on some of her dresses, hair, etc. I just think this is interesting since the white base used by high status people in the Tudor era was made of lead (poisonous) as if to say the capitol is poisoning Effie, and also all the dark connotations of the Tudor era, with public executions being very popular public entertainment (kinda like the hunger games)

[@purplezombie4940]

My favorite part of the first H.G book is when Effie chastises Katniss for eating with her hands because it's inpolite and so Katniss decids to eat exclusively with her hands the rest of the time just to annoy Effie. I think Peta dose too but it's been almost a decade since I read it. I also wish there were more little moments like that in the movies so that people will stop accusing Katniss of being a "Mary Sue"

[@slytherclaw9159]

Percy Jackson movie? There’s no Percy Jackson movie.

[@HeatherChandlerBQ]

Who’s she? We don’t know her

[@donnamitsuki281]

There's no Percy Jackson movies in Ba Sing Se

[@justintime3656]

@@HeatherChandlerBQ Of course you don't her SHE doesn't e exist But heard thery is a Petra Johnson movie

[@zoenightshade6112]

I only know of the peter johnson movies

[@Asummersdaydreamer14]

Ah, yes. It is shame there was no Percy Jackson movie just like there is no Avatar the Last Airbender movie. Also, I just hope the upcoming Netflix live action AtLA reboot/adaptation thing is not hot garbage. My heart can probably take it. Probably

[@--s-0-]

just fyi: Effie's role became so much bigger in Mockingjay than in the books, because Philip Seymour Hoffman, the actor who played Plutarch died while shooting so they decided to put the role of the character more on Haymitch and Effie, and also reuse scenes already shot with him.

[@hiimsana]

The butterfly dress lives in my mind rent free!!

[@drawnwithlove3499]

Same!!!! All that it's missing is some kind of stockings and I'll be paying it to stay

[@gracie9658]

Same !

[@songpoetry1]

Same. It's gorgeous! I would not hesitate to buy it if I saw it in a store.

[@lilybloome]

I was OBSESSED with the Capitol's fashion when I saw the movies for the first time. They're so creative and unique. I'm so glad you made this analysis

[@spooky9820]

Can we talk about Katniss' wedding gown/ mockingbird like I get chills

[@angelabby2379]

that is one of the most iconic wedding dress in movie ever

[@dingdingdongringidingdingdong]

Fashion in the hunger games is impressive

[@erzsasula]

Yess please talk about other characters style 😍

[@annarose932]

Something else about the Butterfly dress which I thought if while watching this, the dress dies have gold elements as mentioned, but mainly the butterflies are orange. Earlier in the movie as well as the book, Katniss and Peeta have a sweet conversation where they talk about their favourite colours. Peeta says his is orange, like that of the sunset. Because of the Quarter Quell rules, Effie knows that Katniss being the only current victor woman (from District 12) has to go back to The Hunger Games. But theres a chance of Peeta surviving with Haymitch being a fellow victor also. With Haymitch being read out Effie it seemed knew that Peeta would take his place. So perhaps her wearing orange solidifies her hope of Peeta surviving and her sadness that he isn't safe. Maybe also links to Peeta's idea of tge orange sunset as another way to show Effie is changing. I also love how her glives are more transparent this time from mesh I think, represent her side with Katniss and Peeta coming through and her becoming more kind and understanding.

[@rachelanne234]

This video was a work of art 😍 thank you for pointing out Effie's "fang" shoes that were paired with her butterfly dress. Teeth are supposed to sink into things, which makes me think that her shoes represent how she is literally and figuratively sinking into/anchored in the Capitol, which constrains her as she metamorphoses (represented by the butterflies). She is transforming, but she's stuck.

[@annushankar3032]

this is such a nice way of wording it!

[@rachelanne234]

@@annushankar3032 thank you!! 😊

[@Ticketeds]

WOW 😍

[@maxsch.5766]

26:34 in the outfit she's wearing when she brings Katniss to the presidential mansion for the second time she also wears a red bandage (if that's what it's called lol) on her left arm which was a symbol of indentification between rebels, notibly worn by Lyme in the first Mockingjay movie.

[@Isa-uo5wy]

I love how Effie can still view the world through pink glasses in such a grey and dark world...

[@citrinethecorgi]

I think it's also important to note that Effie doesn't take her gloves off in the second reaping ceremony

[@maryxxam7400]

When I was younger , I was hella afraid of Effie she was scary in my opinion 😅😭 But now I really adore the way she dresses and it’s so unique I love it

[@3434-c1t]

I feel like every kid is scared of heavy, obvious makeup, or really anything obviously unnatural

[@AvilioAmici]

Yeah I was scared too

[@CocoTheCupcake]

I think at Finnick's and Annie's wedding, she's wearing her natural hair and teased it

[@Nocturne22]

That's a LOT of hair: more than would have fit under her scarf.

[@daniellemoore9613]

i have said it once and i will say it again, we need an clueless analysis.

[@mafthew1813]

Cher is a icon and I won’t hear anything else

[@daniellemoore9613]

@@mafthew1813 100,00% agree

[@josephinethomas3679]

yesss omg

[@Thekawaiiasian101vid]

you should watch her interview with the costume designer of Clueless, Mona May, if you haven't seen it already! she's so sweet

[@elladsilva6572]

please

[@SAMBOT2000xp]

shes a fashion icon and all the thought behind her designs are so detailed and thought through, the designers are so amazing at what they do.

[@heavenlyboy9698]

I love how Effie shaded President Coin’s hair 😂; it was definitely a foreshadow.

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

The butterflies in Effie's second reaping outfit are specifically (male, but I don't know if anyone paid that much attention) *Monarch butterflies.* They migrate hundreds of miles to escape the cold of the winter and are deadly poisonous if you eat one. This feels like it gives another level to the deep symbolism of this series.... ...and *another level still,* if it is true that *Monarch* is the current code name of the still-operative *MK Ultra program....*

[@ahstiasummers5583]

The butterfly can also be symbolized of rebirth from a cocoon. So in a way, Effie was being reborn

[@eljoho622]

I don't know but that's actually the only outfit that i really like. She looks beautiful with that. If my girlfriend ever wears something like that I gonna be happy

[@gothicmaniac75]

watching this art before anything gets taken down🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@daniellemoore9613]

why would it get taken down?

[@NightShiftReads]

DMCA takedowns have been wildin lately

[@minecraft8587]

But why

[@sofiamaldonado411]

24:31 on that note, I love that detail of Plutarch mouthing the words of Coin's speech, just like she used to do with President Snow's speeches. She sees her old, brain washed self in Plutarch, so maybe that is why she looks so disturbed

[@awaywiththefaeries9464]

Whoa. The Perry Johnson films were not popular. Any Percy Jackson book fan has tried to erase them from their minds.

[@minecraft8587]

What Percy Jackson movies? There aren’t any, I wish there was though

[@vidatalab8301]

Seriously this. Probably my fav book series in middle school being turned into the dumpster fire that is those movies. Like, why was Annabeth brunette? And then they changed it to blonde in the second one? No ma’am.

[@tsiong5877]

Percy Jackson movies? Never heard of ‘em. They don’t exist.

[@kissdaworld898]

well the movie is what made me read the books and i'd have to retract - there are no Percy Jackson movies.

[@lunatronlina]

PERRY JOHNSON HELP

[@ragslittlebutmscuty2966]

I just notice that when Effy was in district 13 her dressed was free-flowing.

[@beejdude]

my comment is two years late, but that’s a great catch!!

[@amycox5733]

Yes, it has much less structure to it. She’s not “constrained” by corsets, but also has less control

[@Ladyofthegarden]

Back to the days when I was a little bit Effie and Haymitch shipper there was an idea that that "veil" thing from 24:10 is actually a Haymitch's cardigan/sweater from 23:41. It's sorta a symbol of her being loyal not so much to the particular camp, but to people she cares about and feels safe around.

[@SplitDemonIdentity]

Yeah, no that’s not a theory. Effie’s veil is absolutely Haymitch’s cardigan, District 13 has very limited clothing and the details are identical ergo they have to be the same item. Plus, Elizabeth Banks REALLY shipped Effie/Haymitch {apparently it’s why her character in Pitch Perfect has the last name Abernathy} so she would absolutely be advocating to mix parts of Haymitch’s wardrobe into her own.

[@danielmoran7051]

I can’t help but think Lady Gaga was a huge inspiration for Effie’s style. Although the books, Lady Gaga’s rise, and McQueens legacy all kind of coincided at the same time. I do think this will a signature style of the early 2010s as we look back in the future.

[@LadyB_20]

I audibly gasped when i saw the notification for this video. She was my favorite character in the movies and the way Ms. Banks portrayed her prompting the author of the books to have her in the Mockingjay. movies. My favorite outfits were her Butterfly dress and the outfit she fashions in 13. All her costumes really were amazing and the way Elizabeth portrayed effie in them gave her and the costumes more character overall.

[@danakruger]

Please do an analysis of Margery Tyrrell's style and dresses.🙏 She has the most interesting style in the series, and knows how to use her clothing to build connections and relate to different people. I don't know if GOT is up your alley, but she is a very unique character in the show.

[@totoris732]

I liked all of Effie's Outfits Effie now. Effie tomorrow. Effie forever.

[@princessfaust]

̶*̶e̶f̶f̶i̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶d̶a̶y̶

[@luv.georgie5047]

I just got it.. it’s like the “Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem Forever” or something like that

[@devaw5599]

in my opinion, i think Effie got a wig while in district 13 from Johanna, bc she wore wigs while being held in Capitol, and she took it off while in district 13.. and it's also a blonde wig too

[@chelseal8448]

I'm tearing up just over an analysis of Effie's costumes and evolution!?? The Hunger Games is one of the best movie franchises.

[@moggyjohnny3381]

Hunger games doesn't get enough credit for how immersive it is. The scenes outside the games are my favourite because you really feel like it's a living breathing world. Everything in the backgrounds is so well thought out.

[@taltzi]

YES DUDE !! i remember seeing her outfits somewhere, i think it was lavandertowne's "by the book" series back in 2018 or maybe film theory, and effie's outfits just blew me away. especially that purple one that's featured in the thumbnail, without a doubt is one of my all-time weird/abstract outfits in history of film, if not my top favourite. also, the very first one (the fuschia one) is definitely a close second

[@lkntgkltrndfl]

I especially like her Marie A hairstyle since Marie was also seen as a joke by the French public and how much she enjoyed lavish and fashionable things.

[@ahstiasummers5583]

And like Marie, the districts (kinda) blamed Effie for issues that began long before she entered the picture. Whether classist ideologies or easier to strike the messenger rather than the system

[@jennkady925]

The video I wanted from the moment I ever saw hunger games. Glad this channel exists ☺️

[@camponaplatter5555]

I think it's incredibly significant that she wears Victorian wealthy attire as the series is trying to warn about dangers of inequality and capitalism which were both hugely rampant in that era.

[@annarose932]

Please please could you do a video analysing the costumes in Death Becomes Her from 1992. Theres no videos of the costume design but I feel like the costumes were clever in the difference of Madeline and Helen, the symbolisation of red; white; blue; and black. I also love how timeless the looks are, you could definitely wear them today and they would still look and be fashionable. Also the makeup on Madeline and Helen to give the impression of immortality when both (spoiler alert) are killed. The excessive highlighter and powder on Meryl Streep helps to show a sense of a ethereal other wordly look without being too much? Like clearly a lot of shimmer but not like a lot of makeup that would have been too obvious. And for Goldie Hawn, the contacts are just great for a vampiric and aggressively feminine look. And her red lip movement and nails and cat like movements. Also Isabella Rossellini in her bejeweled breastplate and 1920s/1930s makeup is stunning, and the fact that she swims naked in nothing but a pink scarf and silver heels (,hours before a party when her guests have already attended,) is just brilliant. Analysing the costumes of the three woman would be amazing!

[@melinabee3]

Good call ; great movie

[@TemariNaraannaschatz]

I think I have to rewatch that movie again and pay more attention to the costumes. I remember them looking really great, but your specifics make me want to go back in and analyse. Good shoutout to an amazing movie.

[@annarose932]

@@TemariNaraannaschatz something I noticed is that it seemed to be that Madeline was presented in blue with Helen in red. Madeline isn't shown in blue as much as Helen in red, but the opposing colours for the two as rivals were there. Also white and black were big as sumbolic colours. It seemed to be that blue for Madeline represented her youth and beauty, as she wore a blue sequined dress for the opening while she was on Broadway, and then her joggers trousers and jacket when she takes the potion. And for Helen it was interesting as red seems to symbolise her beauty, seductive charm and taking control, but also to represent the idea of a mistress. It was interesting that ahe is associated with red but then during her revenge fantasy she presents Madeline as the one on red instead, with her in white (whereas Madeline has been associated with white). This seemed to represent how Helen see's Madeline as the homewrecker and mistress with herself being the true bride of Ernest. And black seems to be worn whenever something bad happens. Madeline wears it at the book signing event where she discovers Helen has drastically changed, when she is pushed down the stairs by Ernest, when Ernest refuses to help her and Helen at the party, and at the end. It was interesting to me that wears colours were used over and it seemed they had significance in showcasing tge difference of the two woman and what is happening to them in the story.

[@TemariNaraannaschatz]

@@annarose932 Love your analysis, definitly have to rewatch the movie and see what I can pick up. But one add, anyways: blue is also used to blend into the background, whereas red stands out, so it could be a sign that Helen will overshaddow Madeline in the future, when she already wears blue earlier.

[@famco_inc737]

Yes!!! I love the movie and the costume!

[@jemstheamerican7817]

When she had a lot of white makeup giving her a "ghostly look" she was almost like a stranger to Katniss, over time when she lessened on the white makeup she was like a friend/companion to Katniss.

[@anishinaabae]

we live in such a boring ass dystopia. like if y'all are forcing us to exist in this orwellian hellscape, can you at least give us capitol fashions and makeup? why isn't cyberpunk a thing yet? where are my aesthetics??!!

[@mysticc6232]

Ikr! When are we getting cool futuristic fashion 😤

[@inspiredby624]

haha some people have actually started to go for more extreme eye makeup since it's the only part of the face not covered by a mask. And I predict people will go all out with their outfits once the pandemic is over to make up for lost time ;)

[@sarroumarbeu6810]

You haven't been watching alt fashion tiktoks and guides if you're asking that XD

[@user-og7qq5zy8p]

@@sarroumarbeu6810 but alt fashion has been around for decades lol it isn't new and it isn't a product of our times

[@caketinfairy]

Cyberpunk is already a thing... wear what you wanna wear

[@QuikVidGuy]

your description of her first outfit really makes me realize how they nailed the point right between victorian Lady and '80s executive, and once i noticed that, the sheer distance between those times kinda made it feel like all the decades in between had been erased and those two had smashed right together as if one followed the first. Kinda adds a little to the ghost-ness, but specifically a deceitful ghost. I ghost who is going through a dozen generations of "what's in vogue these days" I'm also kinda thinking about how she seems aware early on of the horror of the whole thing but thinks she's helping people by getting them to win instead of by meaningfully changing anything and idk maybe there's some subtext there The butterfly outfit also has this weird effect on me where the darker parts of the orange with the pale skin and yellow hair feels... i dont know, kind of sickly? like she's a plant going dormant for winter. If I'm right that's just more rebirth motif going on. The same thing with her second outfit and how keeping it pink when choosing a desaturated color made it feel like her first outfit had been directly drained/

[@nicolle2126]

please consider making this a small series and analyzing the rest of the characters' wardrobes. I really love the costumes in the film adaptation

[@Sarah-lv6jx]

I like that in the second reaping she keeps the gloves on. She’s covering up her feelings

[@allietiess]

This was an amazing analysis, I've always been so fascinated by the fashion design throughout the Hunger Games. If you get a chance, it would be great to see an analysis on Cinna and his e-textile creations, or anything else from the films

[@MichaelTargaryen809]

elizabeth banks will always hold a place in my heart for how tenderly she treated this character amazing analysis thank you

[@e.s.r5809]

I love the blue outfit with the pagoda shoulders. It's simple compared to some of her others, but the silhouette is so alien.

[@evaheersmink5442]

You have opend my eyes and have made me gain so much respect for custume disigners, the work and reaserch that goes into this is so impressive!!

[@emirethnegrete8316]

Omigosh yes!!! I literally JUST finished rewatching the Hunger Games and I’m obsessed again! Effie’s outfits are amazing!

[@fancyspaggy]

as the story progresses effie begins to wear sheer gloves or incomplete gloves (like fingerless) and i think that shows how her belief in the capitol is dissolving little by little, the formality she used to flaunt is becoming more casual signifying her distance from the capitol fashion and norms and possibly her declining respect for the system in general. the shield she used to wear, the belief in the system she once wielded, opaque and dark, has now become see-through and incomplete. breaking apart, she can now see the inconsistencies in the processes of the capitol. her thought process is becoming more district. she empathizes more. i love effie.

[@amandaa5006]

i’m not sure if it’s your type of thing but could you analyze padme’s outfits in sw?

[@MorriganReads]

I’d love to see an analysis of those! I was padme for Halloween one year, and it was such a fun costume!

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

The costume vault blog did those if you are interested.

[@starthelotus3453]

That video would be over an hour long... she has a whole wiki page dedicated to her wardrobe Edit: She wore over 54 outfits, 38 in the prequels I think.

[@crusmonster1397]

@@starthelotus3453 as she should. Padmé is a literal Queen ♥️ but also a good person.

[@alyssapinon9670]

Dewit

[@brisebastiano4974]

I'll be honest, although I have an appreciation for wardrobe/costuming in film, I would have NEVER caught even half of the symbolisms and nuances in character development that you have here🙌 I was completely enthralled and found myself verbally going "ugh, YES!" as you walked through each look and their role lol I'll probably never watch a movie the same way again👌🤯😆

[@ellybean7354]

I'm loving all the Effie love I see in the comments. The queen is getting her recognition!

[@bonniehowell4259]

I remember reading an article in one of my salon magazines how they employed 100+ hair and makeup artists to create the looks of the citizens at the capital. I was amazed how such a large group of people managed to make everyone's style look cohesive, but unique for each individual.

[@Skyblockenjoyerrrrrr]

Okay but you comparing Percy Jackson to Twilight and Hunger Games to Divergent physically hurts.

[@DaniDeVitHoe]

Hunger games and divergent is literally almost the same.

[@edenmckinley3472]

She was comparing the movies, not the books. Be comforted.

[@wetaq]

i’ve watched this video for like 4 times already, but everytime it gets recommended ill always watch it again🥳✨ 5th times the charm

[@uberkirbeeh7954]

I just love it when we get movies like Hunger Games and we get to see costume designing so different and eye catching as all these 3 movies had. The butterfly outfit is my favorite.

[@HollyAndThorn]

this was great Effie is my fave in this series in part because of Elizabeth Banks portrayal of her so it was great to see this discussion of her fashion

[@zougatejan-franken3671]

The best character idc she is and ICON 😌🖐

[@koby68]

above all else, the way this video explains effie’s style, social dilemmas, and character reminded me that fashion (no matter superficial sometimes) has lots of truth and communication that goes along with it.

[@koby68]

i didn’t realize how much depth her character had to offer. wow.

[@vibrantv3nus]

Effie's butterfly outfit was always my favorite because it just seemed like. Safer maybe? As someone who knows next to nothing about fashion, i always sort of got the vibe that it was a midway point for her.

[@rarezasart2342]

Something else to add to the butterfly dress is the association of the monarch butterfly with death. Yes, butterflies are associated in general (a common belief is that they hold the spirit of deceased relative), but monarchs are specifically heavily related to Dia de los Muertos. I think an added layer is that this is the first time she distinctly feels she is actively putting people to death, and acknowledging the fragility of life. It’s not make believe to her anymore. And the shoes show she is acknowledging her systemic role in all of this. She is now realizing she is being used as a weapon herself.

[@shaylerish_]

I’m not kidding when I say only just an hour ago I was looking for essays on this very topic!! This could not have come at a more perfect time!