Make way, fashion lovers, there’s a new take on time-piece costume design that will make you want to transport into 19th century Italy. The Netflix series, The Leopard, directed by Tom Shankland, features extravagant and swoon-worthy costumes based off of 1800s Sicily. Starring Kim Rossi Stuart, Benedetta Porcaroli, Deva Cassel, Saul Nanni, and many more, The Leopard is an Italian political drama that follows the plot of the original 1963 film, taking us alongside the story of a noble Sicilian family in 1860s Italy. As the family’s privilege fades away with political transformations of Italy during this time period, the family faces social change and inner turmoil.
Costume designer Carlo Poggioli absolutely nails the time-period gowns and attire. From big and beautiful dresses fit for dancing the night away to suits worthy of a prince, The Leopard’s costume design takes 19th century Italian fashion to new heights.
In an interview with Variety, Poggioli recounts the pressure he felt to meet the standards of the 1963 film directed by Luchino Visconti: “I was pretty scared. I knew there was hardly anything left of the costumes Visconti used more than 60 years ago, aside from the iconic ones. And you can’t just make everything from scratch. Plus, this time around, it was something like five times as many scenes!”
Each character required unique designs suited to their roles. When it came to Deva Cassel’s character, Angelica Sedara, Poggioli notes the approach behind her gown. “It’s a shade of fuchsia, almost red, that completely distinguishes her from all the other characters, especially the other women,” He explained.
Conversely, Benadetta Porcaroli as Concetta Corbera was designed to wear “much more subdued colors” that are “more congenial to a woman whom we first see in a convent,” Poggiolo further stated.
In the case of Prince Salina, the designer “tried to help him fight the heat by dressing him in lovely linens, while maintaining his princely elegance.”
Angelica Sedara’s Costume Design
Angelica Sedara, the daughter of the mayor of Donnafugata, is played by Deva Cassel. Cassel’s frilly red gown has gone viral across social media for its breathtaking design. From her updo of dark waves to the careful detailing of the bodice, it’s safe to say that we all wish we could pull off Angelica as well as Cassel!
Prince Don Fabrizio Salina’s Costume Design
Prince Don Fabrizio Salina is played by Kim Rossi Stuart. The Prince’s costume design includes a black overcoat and slacks, followed by a 19th-century-inspired button-up and gloves. Stuart’s suit translates to anything and everything noble, completely befitting of an Italian Prince.
Concetta Corbera’s Costume Design
Benedetta Porcaroli’s role as Concetta Corbera, Prince Don Fabrizio Salina’s daughter, is Cassel’s perfect parallel. Porcaroli’s costume design takes on a cool blue base as compared to Angelica’s bold red. The effortless yet intricate updo to the bejeweled gown makes this yet another fan favorite thanks to Poggioli.
A Bonus Angelica Sedara Design
Yet another Angelica gown we have to pay our respects to! This more casual, yet gorgeous blue and white dress that Cassel is pictured wearing on Poggioli’s Instagram is definitely worth a mention. Befitting of 1800s Italy, Cassel’s costume design does a great job of capturing daily life for the nobles. The striped gown gives a light, casual vibe for the character here, but still delivers on that bourgeois Mediterranean look The Leopard is known for.
Which is your favorite costume, N Crowd? Let us know in the comments!
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