One of the reasons “The Hunger Games” is so successful and memorable is the fashion throughout the films. The people who lived in the Capitol wore outrageous outfits to show off their wealth. These outfits had bright colors, crazy headpieces, couture makeup and were, overall, very impractical.
In honor of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” coming out this November, I’ve compiled a list of looks from the spring and summer 2023 Paris Haute Couture week that could have come straight from the Captiol. Haute couture is impeccably tailored high-fashion clothing. In light of the impending recession, it is hard to not find connections between haute couture week and Capitol couture.
Schiaparelli
Arguably some of the most controversial looks from fashion week are also the most reminiscent of Capitol couture. Schiaparelli showed multiple looks that included life-like animal heads attached to the clothing. These heads were hand-crafted to look like real animal heads. The snow leopard dress is very reminiscent of Tigris from “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.” These three looks could all be worn by the highest member of the Capitol.
Giambattista Valli
Giambattista Valli closed the show with this all-white two-piece gown. The top is covered in delicate flowers with a long train in the back that gives a bridal feel. This dress could be worn by a Capitol citizen on their wedding day. It is their big day and all the attention is on them so it would be a statement. The first thing I noticed about this look was the hair and makeup. Over-the-top hairstyles are commonly seen in “The Hunger Games” franchise.
Jean Paul Gaultier
This look from Jean Paul Gaultier is the Mockingjay pin come to life. This outfit is made entirely of black feather details that look like spikes. The slicked-back hair and bleached eyebrows add to the bird effect. I can picture Cinna designing this for Katniss to wear at the opening ceremony with fire around her.
The look can be seen at 11:25 in the video.
Miss sohee
This collection was Miss Sohee’s couture debut and she showed out. All of her pieces were beautiful and feminine but had a touch of darkness to add some edge. These three dresses in particular have butterfly and flower motifs. The fashionable hip pads on two of the dresses and the bodice of the third look like butterfly wings. I could see Effie Trinket wearing these to a black tie event with a colorful wig and butterflies all over her.
Elie Saab
This Elie Saab look is perfect for both men and women and shows just how much detail is put into couture looks. Every element on this set is stunning from the massive bow to the metallic detailing. The wind and wave design screams wealth, making it perfect for the people of “The Hunger Games” Capitol.
All of these couture looks make me excited to see the fashion in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” This film has the opportunity to show looks that are on par with the ones from this Paris Haute Couture week, so cross your fingers they can live up to our expectations.