Fashion in Film: Romeo + Juliet

This classic tale of star-crossed lovers honors Shakespeare’s language while updating the story to a contemporary setting of Verona Beach and setting the action to a mid ‘90s MTV aesthetic. The Montagues and the Capulets run rival business empires and warring street gangs. Despite their feuding families, the playful and charming Romeo Montague falls in love with the lovely Juliet Capulet, setting in motion the tragic events that have made this one of Shakespeare’s most enduring works. ROMEO + JULIET features stylish direction from Baz Luhrmann, an iconic soundtrack, and memorable performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

About the Fashion: In her first outing as a head costume designer, Kym Barrett worked alongside the fashion houses Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada. The Capulet men look slick in D&G tailored suits, set in contrast to the Montagues, who don the baggy cargo pants and Hawaiian shirts that became synonymous with this film’s aesthetic – a look that Barrett has stated was inspired by American soldiers stationed in Vietnam at the end of the war. Perhaps the film’s most enduring fashion choice are the costumes worn by Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio in the Capulet party scene, with Juliet sporting angel wings and Romeo dressed as a literal knight in shining armor. ‘O, speak again, bright angel’ says Romeo of Juliet, and Barrett clearly went straight to the source in costuming these two beautiful young people who portray the timeless characters who fall into the love that will be their undoing.

Costume Designers: Kym Barret