Holly Waddington: Crafting Fashion for “Poor Things”

Costume designer Holly Waddington, known for her work on period pieces like “Lady Macbeth” and “The Great,” embraced a new challenge with “Poor Things,” diving into the surreal Victorian world envisioned by director Yorgos Lanthimos. Bringing to life the story of Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, Waddington embarked on a creative journey filled with bold fashion choices and unconventional designs.

Embracing the Surreal Victorian World

Waddington’s journey with “Poor Things” began with an invitation from Tony McNamara, the writer of “The Favourite” and “The Great,” who introduced her to Yorgos Lanthimos. Excited by the prospect of collaborating with both McNamara and Lanthimos, Waddington eagerly accepted the opportunity to work on the film.

Based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray, “Poor Things” follows the story of Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman brought back to life in a Frankenstein-like experiment. As Bella navigates her newfound existence, Waddington faced the challenge of depicting her journey through clothing while balancing the film’s historical setting with its fantastical elements.

Crafting Bella’s Journey Through Fashion

Waddington’s approach to Bella’s costumes was unconventional yet fitting for the character’s evolution. She aimed to capture Bella’s transition from a childlike state to a fully formed woman, using clothing choices to reflect her mental and physical growth. From half-dressed ensembles to elaborate Victorian gowns, each costume played a role in telling Bella’s story.

One of the most significant challenges for Waddington was designing costumes that evolved with Bella’s character. She wanted to convey the sense of unraveling and deconstruction as Bella comes to terms with her identity and purpose. Through careful consideration of fabrics, shapes, and styles, Waddington created costumes that mirrored Bella’s transformation.

A Celebration of the Unconventional

“Poor Things” offered Waddington the opportunity to push the boundaries of costume design, resulting in larger-than-life ensembles and surrealistic visuals. Collaborating with Emma Stone and the rest of the cast, Waddington embraced bold fashion choices and unexpected twists, bringing her unconventional design concepts to life on screen.

From Bella’s ever-changing wardrobe to Mark Ruffalo’s corseted character, Waddington’s designs added depth and complexity to the film’s narrative. Each costume reflected the character’s journey and contributed to the overall aesthetic of the film.

Reflecting on the Experience

For Waddington, working on “Poor Things” was a whirlwind experience filled with challenges and creative breakthroughs. From the rush of designing wedding dresses to the satisfaction of seeing her costumes come to life on set, every moment was an adventure.

Collaborating with Emma Stone was a highlight for Waddington, who found the actress to be generous, clever, and willing to take risks. Stone’s transformation into Bella was complete with Waddington’s designs, showcasing the actress’s versatility and dedication to her craft.

In the end, “Poor Things” allowed Waddington to explore new creative territory and bring her vision to life on screen. With its blend of surrealism, humor, and heart, the film stands as a testament to Waddington’s talent and imagination as a costume designer.