A lot of time has ed since Robert Pattinson first powdered his face and quaffed his hair for the role of Edward Cullen in the first Twilight movie. Since then, the British actor put his vampire days firmly behind him, namely through taking on more diverse roles in niche films.
There's nothing niche, however, about the next iconic role he's about to step into: the cape and cowl of the titular character in Matt Reeves' The Batman. Though both the Dark Knight and Edward Cullen are equally mysterious and brooding, the Batsuit is a far cry from the chino pants and ruffled jackets of Bella Swan's beau. Here are ten things you never noticed about Edward Cullen's costume.
HIS COLLARS HAD WIRE IN THEM
If you read the Twilight books, you'll know that author Stephenie Meyer loved going into lavish detail in describing Edward's appearance, from his tousled hair to his marble-like "Adonis" physique. As it turns out, the films also went into similar levels of detail to get Edward's look just right.
In the DVD commentary for Eclipse, Pattinson revealed: "[...] I I had a piece of wire inside the collar, so it can look rumpled however you want it. The most intense form of pretentious dishevelment I've ever seen in my life."
PATTINSON HATED HIS TWILIGHT COAT
Edward's most recognizable wardrobe item is his gray pea coat — the one he wore throughout much of the first film during some of the series' most memorable scenes. However, Pattinson revealed in his DVD commentary that he had a strong dislike for the item.
"He wasn't a fan of the pea coat," New Moon costume designer, Tish Monaghan confirms. "He wore it in virtually every scene, and I think maybe he just got tired of it. I'm guessing. He just wanted a more mature look."
HIS HAIR COLOR WAS CALLED 'TWILIGHTS'
Despite his effortless appearance, Edward's hair was carefully-constructed, as head hairstylist Mary Ann Valdes reveals. "The production notes specified Edward as an absolutely stunning and heart-stopping young man [...]
"We created this hair color masterpiece through advanced highlighting techniques and a brand new method that I dubbed 'twilights,' which utilizes lighter and darker natural colors to add maximum contrast."
HIS HAIR WAS STYLED BY PATTINSON HIMSELF
Robert Pattinson's perfect, bed-head style is something he both brought and took away from his time on the Twilight movies. The color was crafted by stylist Mary Ann Valdes and Beverly Hills' finest: bronze highlights "that would complement the golden s he wore," according to Valdes.
As for the products? Those were Pattinson's idea — right down to the specific pomade and surf spray brand to give Edward his signature tousled look, products Pattinson is no stranger to in order to achieve his own trademark hairstyle.
HIS WEDDING TUXEDO WAS HAND-MADE IN ITALY
Behind the scenes on Breaking Dawn: Part I, no expense was spared when it came to Bella and Edward's highly-anticipated nuptials. While Bella was decked out in a one-of-a-kind Carolina Herrera dress, costume designer Michael Wilkinson worked with Italian tailor Brioni for Edward's outfit.
"We wanted [him] to have a vintage feel, that sort of Edwardian turn-of-the-century vibe. [...] But at the same time, we didn't want it to look theatrical, we wanted contemporary, young and fresh."
HIS HONEYMOON LOOK TOOK PRESIDENTIAL INSPIRATION
Aside from that very notable scene near the end of New Moon, Edward isn't quite as flashy with his flesh as the shirt-adverse werewolves of the Twilight world. However, we do get a good glimpse of leg when he and Bella go on their Brazilian honeymoon in Breaking Dawn: Part I.
"It's a challenge to put an Englishman in shorts," costume designer Michael Wilkinson says. "My references were the Kennedys on summer vacation. [...] More often than not, we went with a rolled-up chino but we didn't think we could get away with not doing a short for a Brazilian scorching honeymoon so there you go."
HIS PROM JACKET WAS GUCCI
The Cullens have used their extended time on Earth to build up a considerable fortune but, in the interest of living a quiet life blended into the fabric of human society, they don't flaunt their wealth that much. (Expensive sports cars aside.)
Taking this on board, Twilight costume designer Wendy Chuck sourced Edward's wardrobe from Loehmann's, Nordstrom Rack and local Portland retailers. For special occasions, however, Edward did splash out a little: "The only high-end item was Edward's Gucci jacket for the prom," she says.
HIS CLOTHES ALWAYS HAVE A VINTAGE FEEL
Following on from Twilight, costume designer Tish Monaghan wanted to upgrade Edward's style a bit. While the Cullens tried to blend in with other teenagers with the usual hoodies and jeans, Monaghan wanted Edward's New Moon wardrobe to reflect his growth.
"[...] I wanted to portray him as more as a gentleman, more elegant and classic." She also wanted his clothes to harken back to his original era. "With our vampire characters, I always went back to the time period in which they were turned to see if there's any element I could to simulate in contemporary clothing."
HE WORE A WHITE SHIRT ORIGINALLY IN HIS SHIRTLESS SCENE
Something as simple as a different color shirt might seem inconsequential, but in filmmaking, every tiny detail can make a difference in how audiences interpret a scene. Naturally, something as important as that shirtless scene in New Moon required every ounce of scrutiny, too.
"We originally tested Edward in a plain white shirt, as a forlorn-looking option," designer Tish Monaghan explains. "This is also what Robert wanted — [...] something that would wash him out. But you need to have a color that makes you pop, and so we actually dyed the fabric this beautiful ink blue."
HIS SHIRTLESS SCENE'S SHIRT REPRESENTED HEARTBREAK
Not only was the color of the shirt used in Edward's New Moon public exposure scene important, but the manner in which he removed the item was too, as designer Tish Monaghan reveals: "[...] When he goes to sacrifice himself, he's in disrepair.
"Robert and Chris [Weitz, the director] wanted his shirt to have a rip across the chest, so that's what we gave him. It's kind of tragic to watch him take off his shirt because he really is sacrificing himself. [...] I don't really find it a beefcake moment."
