The costume designer for Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) explains her DIY approach to Harley’s wardrobe. Directed by Cathy Yan and written by Christina Hodson, Birds of Prey sees Margot Robbie returning as Harley Quinn. Unlike her debut in 2016’s Suicide Squad, this time around Harley will be teaming up with a group of superheroes named Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) to save Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) from the villainous Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) and Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina). The film has officially received an R rating as well, making it the first DCEU film with that rating.

R rating aside, the movie is said to stand out from the rest of DC’s previous installments for a number of other reasons as well. Its gritty, funny, and smart approach indicates the new direction that Warner Bros. will be taking future DC films. Although plot details are being largely kept under wraps, what’s known so far is that the film kicks off with Harley post-breakup and looking for a fresh start. Yan also confirmed that Birds of Prey is not a team-up movie, but more of an ensemble film that focuses on each woman individually. She also explained that the film will be more complex than fans are expecting, and every little detail in the film went into driving that point home.

During an interview with Collider, costume designer Erin Benach explained the reasoning behind Harley’s DIY looks and why they’re important for her narrative. In particular, when discussing the pink velvet halter top paired with the glittering, colorful caution tape jacket that’s shown off in the first trailer for the film, Benach explained that “behind [Harley’s] story is always something a little bit off from center and a little bit crazy.” She went on to add that they took the idea of caution tape being a place to stay away from “and tried to repurpose it into a costume.” The designers wanted to create something that “felt like Harley made it herself,” and that all of the costumes are “fun and a little bit crazy like her.”

Although the costumes are certainly a fun reflection of Harley’s personality, Robbie has explained that the film will show a more personal side to Harley and will provide more depth to her character. Considering the film starts off after her break-up with Joker, the emotional arc of finding emancipation will be an interesting one to watch unfold with her character.

Costume design also plays a big role in the film’s overall narrative of Harley finding her freedom and independence. The idea that the film’s costumes were made with the thought that they’re something Harley would craft mirrors how she’s taking her life back into her own hands. She’s growing and learning to love herself, and the vibrant, crazy designs mesh perfectly with Harley’s personality. Birds of Prey will truly find Harley in her element, and the costumes are an excellent reflection of that.

Next: Birds of Prey’s ‘Emancipation’ Title Means More Than You Think

Source: Collider

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