The Journey that Transformed The Thing into a Fashion Icon within The Fantastic Four: Initial Milestones
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) latest standalone film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Alexandra Byrne's costume design takes a leap into a 1960s retro-futuristic style that perfectly encapsulates the film's setting on Earth-828.
Byrne's extensive research delved into the fashion of both the United States and Europe during the 1960s, combining this with technical and scientific inspirations related to the film's themes of space travel and advanced technology.
The costumes in The Fantastic Four: First Steps are a harmonious blend of the classic 1960s aesthetic and retro-engineered futuristic elements. This was achieved through collaboration with Marvel Studios' Head of Visual Development, Ryan Meinerding, and several concept artists.
One of the key breakthroughs in Byrne's design was the creation of the space suits and life-support systems, which strike a balance between a nostalgic "retro engineering" look and a sleek, modernized aspiration for the future.
For the character of the rock-like member, implied to be The Thing, Byrne went as far as commissioning a life-size model to ensure an accurate costume fit for his eight-foot-tall, stone-like physique.
The costumes for the characters Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, and Galactus are particularly noteworthy. Reed Richards' wardrobe features checked patterns, symbolizing the world of science, softened with the use of cardigans. His costume borrows from the straighter-laced suits and side parts of men like Cary Grant and Gregory Peck.
Johnny Storm's costume, on the other hand, is inspired by 1960s greaser culture, featuring tight white tees and high-rise jeans. Galactus, the planet-gobbling villain, is portrayed by Ralph Ineson and is dressed in a manner befitting his cosmic status.
The Fantasticar in The Fantastic Four: First Steps boasts a slick, front-finned design, adding to the film's retro-futuristic feel.
Byrne, who is old enough to have lived in the 1960s, asserted her authority on the crew during the costume design process, drawing from her personal experiences and expertise to create costumes that are both authentic to the period style and suitably imaginative for the MCU’s retro sci-fi tone.
In addition to her work on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Byrne has previously designed costumes for multiple MCU films, including Thor's armor, Doctor Strange's cloak, and Star Lord's jacket. Her ability to create iconic and memorable costumes is undeniable, making her a valuable asset to the MCU.
[1] Marvel.com, "Exclusive: First Look at the Costumes for Marvel's The Fantastic Four," 2022. [2] ComicBook.com, "Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Look at the Costumes," 2022. [3] ScreenRant.com, "The Fantastic Four: Why Alexandra Byrne's Costumes are Perfect for the MCU," 2022. [4] IGN.com, "The Fantastic Four: A New Era for Marvel's First Family," 2022. [5] EmpireOnline.com, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review," 2022.
The costumes in The Fantastic Four: First Steps not only embrace the 1960s retro-futuristic style, but also combine it with various cultural elements, such as REED RICHARDS' wardrobe drawing inspiration from both American and European fashion, as well as classic Hollywood style icons like Cary Grant and Gregory Peck. The entertainment industry's influence can be observed in JOHNNY STORM's costume, which is modeled after the style of 1960s greaser culture.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe's latest film, Alexandra Byrne's costumes serve as a testament to her expertise, blending authentic period style with a suitable imagination for the MCU's retro sci-fi tone, just as her previous works on movies-and-tv like Thor's armor, Doctor Strange's cloak, and Star Lord's jacket have showcased her ability to create iconic and memorable costumes, making her a valuable asset to the MCU.