Fashion Historian Fact Checks The Queen's Gambit's Wardrobe | Glamour

Glamour・2 minutes read

"The Queen's Gambit" follows the story of chess prodigy Elizabeth Harmon and the evolution of her character through carefully curated costumes that reflect her journey and character development. Costume designer Gabrielle Binder's creations play a crucial role in visually connecting the characters to the game of chess and showcasing the different stages of Beth's life and growth.

Insights

  • The Queen's Gambit features meticulously designed costumes by Gabrielle Binder that not only reflect the evolving fashion trends of the 1950s and 60s but also serve as symbolic representations of character growth and pivotal moments in the series.
  • Actress Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Elizabeth Harmon significantly influenced the glamorized depiction of Beth's character compared to the novel, showcasing a blend of modern, space-age, and fantasy elements in her attire that play a crucial role in illustrating her journey through the world of chess.

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Recent questions

  • How did costume designer Gabrielle Binder contribute to "The Queen's Gambit"?

    Costume designer Gabrielle Binder played a significant role in creating the distinctive looks for the characters in "The Queen's Gambit," particularly focusing on the protagonist, Elizabeth Harmon. Binder crafted most of the costumes for the series, incorporating a few vintage pieces to enhance the authenticity of the 1950s and 60s setting. Her designs not only reflected the evolution of fashion styles across different cities but also helped to visually illustrate the character development of Beth throughout the series.

  • What is the significance of Beth's plaid pinafore look in "The Queen's Gambit"?

    Beth's plaid pinafore look in episodes two and three of "The Queen's Gambit" symbolizes her transition to high school and her growing success in the world of chess. Purchased with her tournament prize money, the outfit includes various elements such as a white bra, cotton panties, a slip, a white button-up shirt, a plaid pinafore dress, saddle shoes, white bobby socks, a page boy hairstyle, and minimal makeup. This ensemble not only showcases Beth's evolving style but also serves as a visual representation of her journey and achievements in the chess world.

  • How does Beth's white queen ensemble in Moscow symbolize her triumph in "The Queen's Gambit"?

    Beth's white queen ensemble in Moscow in 1968 serves as a symbol of her triumph and success in the world of chess. Featuring a black turtleneck sweater, white trousers, leather ankle boots, a knee-length white coat, and a sculptural white hat, the outfit exudes confidence and sophistication. Paired with a hairstyle reminiscent of Ann Margaret and rich red lipstick as makeup, this ensemble represents Beth's growth, resilience, and determination throughout her journey, culminating in a powerful and triumphant moment in the series.

  • How does Beth incorporate modern and space age elements in her attire in "The Queen's Gambit"?

    Beth incorporates modern and space age elements in her attire throughout "The Queen's Gambit," adding a touch of fantasy to her overall look. From short white leather gloves, a signature accessory that she often wears, to futuristic-inspired dresses and hairstyles, Beth's fashion choices reflect her unique personality and style. These elements not only enhance her character but also contribute to the visual storytelling of the series, showcasing Beth's creativity, confidence, and individuality through her clothing.

  • What role do costumes play in illustrating character development in "The Queen's Gambit"?

    Costumes play a crucial role in illustrating character development in "The Queen's Gambit," particularly through the protagonist, Elizabeth Harmon. The outfits worn by Beth throughout the series are rich in meaning and visually connected to the game of chess, reflecting her growth, struggles, and triumphs. Each costume change signifies a different phase in Beth's life and journey, highlighting her evolution as a chess prodigy and as a person. Through the careful selection and design of costumes, the series effectively portrays the inner world of the characters and their development over time.

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Summary

00:00

"Netflix's Queen's Gambit: Fashion Evolution"

  • The Queen's Gambit is a Netflix series following the story of American chess prodigy Elizabeth Harmon, showcasing her rise in the chess world amidst struggles with addiction.
  • Costume designer Gabrielle Binder created Beth's distinctive looks, predominantly making costumes for the series with a few vintage pieces.
  • The series spans the 1950s and 60s, reflecting the evolution of fashion styles across different cities.
  • Beth's character in the series differs from the novel's description, glamorized due to actress Anya Taylor-Joy's influence.
  • Beth's plaid pinafore look in episodes two and three symbolizes her transition to high school, purchased with her tournament prize money.
  • The outfit includes a white bra, cotton panties, a slip, a white button-up shirt, a plaid pinafore dress, saddle shoes, white bobby socks, a page boy hairstyle, and minimal makeup.
  • In Paris in 1967, Beth's dress before her match with Borgov reflects Pierre Cardin's modernist style, featuring a pale green color and black pumps.
  • The outfit comprises a white bra, cotton panties, a full slip, a Pierre Cardin-inspired dress, and black pumps, with a Natalie Wood-inspired hairstyle and winged eyeliner makeup.
  • Beth's white queen ensemble in Moscow in 1968 symbolizes her triumph, featuring a black turtleneck sweater, white trousers, leather ankle boots, a knee-length white coat, and a sculptural white hat.
  • The ensemble includes a black turtleneck sweater, white trousers, leather ankle boots, a knee-length white coat, a sculptural white hat, and a hairstyle reminiscent of Ann Margaret, with rich red lipstick as makeup.

16:11

Costumes in "The Queen's Gambit" signify characters.

  • Beth incorporates modern and space age elements with a touch of fantasy in her attire.
  • She wears short white leather gloves, a signature accessory, but removes them before the final chess game.
  • The costumes in the show are rich in meaning and visually connected to the game of chess.
  • Costumes play a crucial role in illustrating character development in "The Queen's Gambit."
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