The musical genre is one of the oldest in Hollywood. When it comes to great musicals, whether they are original on the big screen, or perhaps adaptations of something seen on the stage, they are portrayed as an extravagant spectacle. The costume design has to fit into that image and tell the stories of these characters and their world.
Perhaps there is even more focus on the designs of the garments within musicals, in comparison to other genres. Regardless, these movie musicals absolutely understand the assignment when it came to choosing fabrics, color palettes, and the way in which an outfit might fit into the most vital scenes. Please note that for the purposes of this, animated movies are being left out, for now!
The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman was a surprise hit, telling an alternative version of P.T. Barnum's story. The era the film is set in, alongside the concept of this narrative being placed in a circus, opened the door for a really interesting array of designs that captured the essence of the performer's lives.
Although the regular everyday wear fits well within the time period, the lead costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick added the right amount of flare to the uniforms of these athletes and entertainers. Anyone with behind-the-scenes knowledge of the production will know how much hard work went into those bedazzling wardrobe choices, with vibrant colors and practical material choices.
Grease (1978)
is one of the most influential movie musicals of all time. It helped to redefine the genre, and its musical selections and performances weren't the only way that this was achieved. The costuming choices have become iconic and established the characters in such a simple yet effective way.
With the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies at the center of this story, each had to have a really distinctive and instantly recognizable look. Whether it's the leather jackets or the pink uniforms, designer Albert Wolsky ensured that these looks would live on in cinema history. Especially with Sandy, costume is used to ultimately show evolution.
West Side Story (2021)
West Side Story had a lot to be inspired by, from both the international culture that the movie explores, to the countless other iterations of the production that have graced both the stage and screen. These might be some of the best costume designs seen within the context of the musical though.
With modern techniques and a healthy budget allowing for a wider display of skill, lead costume designer Paul Tazewell had dapper-looking suits and incredible dresses to put together. Each of these had to represent the contrasting styles of the Jets and the Sharks while marrying into the time period of the narrative. It's a masterclass of storytelling through wardrobe.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins had the fantastic novel to base some of its visual design on. But the Walt Disney production needed to do so much more to capture the attention of audiences. The look of Poppins herself for instance had to live up to the character, displaying both her magical charm and her class.
Outside of that though, there were a lot of challenges for the likes of Tony Walton and Gertrude Casey to overcome. From the animated sequence, to what the kids could wear that was practical throughout the piece, somehow every costume toes the line between realism and fantasy.
La La Land (2016)
La La Land was really an homage to the old movie musicals of the golden era of Hollywood. In both its tone and its visuals, the film managed to capture the essence of what those early genre pieces really stood for. The incredible costume design is a huge reason as to why that worked.
There was something classically timeless about the garments chosen, even if they did still fit the modern time period. The color coordination was very specifically chosen based on the musical number and the costume design from lead designer Mary Zophres hit on beats as simple as the changing of seasons, or as complex as maturing a character. This all contributed to one of Damien Chazelle's best pieces of filmography.
Hairspray (2007)
Hairspray has a lot to work with, from the crazy hairstyles to the era the film is set in. The stage and screen musical both utilize very similar designs to capture this story about racial inequality and injustice. With such huge themes, the charismatic performances and over-the-top musical numbers feel as if they are in stark contrast.
The costume work of Rita Ryack had a lot to balance here. From the regular clothes, the lead would wear to school, to the showpieces that would be televised across the nation. The wardrobe choices had to reflect contrasting cultures and the character development of Tracy especially.
Into The Woods (2014)
Into The Woods has a lot to juggle in regards to the fantasy genre it pulls from and the various fairy tales it's inspired by. The show and indeed movie had to boast its own unique look, while also ensuring it pays homage to the classical outfits fans are familiar with.
From ball gowns to simple peasant clothing and everything in between, there were surely some huge obstacles for Colleen Atwood to overcome. Every garment had to ultimately instantly sum up the character so that the audience knew who was being added to the mix at any given time.
Dreamgirls (2006)
The glamour of Dreamgirls was always going to be portrayed in the costuming. Of course, the star power involved already brought class to proceedings, but the showmanship of their performances had to be accented by the glitzy wardrobe choices of the film.
Sharen Davis was the mastermind behind these gorgeous clothing designs and they absolutely helped to bring the stage to life. They shifted as the group became more experienced and stardom was thrust upon them, allowing for the main beats of the film to be told through those designs.
Les Misérables (2012)
is a classic book and a fantastic stage musical. It's emotionally charged and full of beautiful music. Set during the French Revolution, the costumes had to reflect the country, time period, and the political situation taking place. There's a lot to achieve.
Paco Delgado helped to create the looks of the characters. Class and poverty play a huge role here and the garments had to indicate where on the financial ladder any individual might fall, with the changes of attire signifying how they may move up or indeed down in the world.
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
The Wizard Of Oz is a classic piece of cinema in every way. The way in which it played with colors and fabrics to create such intricate costumes. The way in which it managed to completely encapsulate every character from the books, through practical effects and wardrobe choices.
From Dorothy to the Wicked Witch, the Lion to the Good Witch, every costume was painstakingly poured over by Adrian Adolph Greenberg and his team. These have not only stood the test of time but come to define the look of the series itself and influence fantasy across the board.
