One of the most striking things people don’t discuss in the wizarding world are the cloaks and robes in the Harry Potter series and how they manage to convey a sense of magic and otherworldliness. But there’s also a practical aspect to the cloaks and robes in Harry Potter that is worth noting. These garments are not just fashionable, they are also functional. They help to keep the wearers warm and protected from the different elements. The robes are often described as billowing and flowing, giving the impression that the wearer is surrounded by an ethereal (see that big word I used there) aura. This sense of enchantment is something that is very much in line with the fantastical nature of the Harry Potter universe, and it helps to make the characters and their surroundings feel all the more magical.
Similarly, it put me in the mind of André Talley and his iconic looks. I just thought about how he would have the wizarding world fashions in a choke hold with his awesome looks. The robes in Harry Potter maybe a bit muted in color, but they still gave me a similar vibe to André Talley with their beautiful embroidery and details. André Talley is known for his extravagant and avant-garde fashion that pushed the boundaries of what is considered conventional. His designs are bold and imaginative, and they often challenge our perceptions of what is possible when it comes to fashion much like a magical universe. Like the cloaks and robes in Harry Potter, Talley’s fashion choices are all about creating a sense of otherworldliness and enchantment.
Who is André Talley
André Talley is a fashion industry icon who has made a name for himself as a fashion journalist and editor. He has been one of the most influential figures in the fashion world for decades, and his story is one of passion, hard work, and perseverance. Talley was born in 1949 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the segregated South. He attended Brown University and then moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion. Throughout his career, Talley has also been a champion for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. He has spoken out against racism and discrimination, and has worked to promote diversity in hiring practices and fashion representation.
I know your probably like, girl you about to throw out your back with this reach… but just look at these looks! I see inspiration in Dumberdore, Snapes and Kingsley’s robe. Just look at these photos.
Could you imagine them showing up a to a ball! André would turn more heads than Hermione. Well maybe not more but close to it lol.
The costume designer for the Harry Potter films, Judianna Makovsky, drew inspiration from a variety of different sources when creating the looks for the characters. One of her main sources of inspiration was the original descriptions of the characters in the books, which gave her a sense of their personalities and the world they inhabited. She mentioned historical fashions and elements from different time periods and cultures so who knows if a design influenced by him might of slipped past her view lol.