Few films have captivated fashion in the same way that Alien has. Ridley Scott’s cult classic burst snarling and blood-drenched into cinemas back in 1979, and has been a source of inspiration for countless designers in the years since. From Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, who dotted their AW23 menswear collection with blink-and-you’ll-miss-them Xenomorph motifs, to rising star Standing Ground, whose Fashion East finale saw extraterrestrial spinal cords and tails snake down elegant evening gowns, the influence of Alien on the fashion industry is undeniable.
The latest installment in the franchise, Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez, continues to bridge the gap between fashion and film. The movie tells the story of a group of teenage stowaways who steal a spaceship to escape their harsh working conditions on a colony planet. As they explore an abandoned vessel, chaos ensues, with facehuggers, chestbursters, and Xenomorphs making their terrifying appearances. The cast, including Miu Miu campaign star Cailee Spaeny and Industry’s David Jonsson, fight off these extraterrestrial creatures in costumes designed by Carlos Rosario.
Rosario, a seasoned costume designer, was thrilled to work on a new Alien movie, signing on before even reading the script. His challenge was to create costumes that could withstand the action-packed scenes and gruesome special effects. From creating multiples of each look for continuity to designing dynamic pieces that could tear apart as the creatures attacked, Rosario’s attention to detail and creativity shone through in every costume.
Working closely with director Fede Álvarez, Rosario delved into the world of the colony and its inhabitants to create distinct looks for each character. From industrial workwear inspired by American and global uniforms to post-apocalyptic raincoats and overalls, the costumes reflected the harsh living conditions of the colony. Each character’s personality was brought to life through subtle details and accessories, adding depth to the storytelling.
One of the standout elements of the costumes in Alien: Romulus was the collaboration with Reebok for custom sneakers worn by the lead character, Rain. Inspired by the original Alien movie, the sneakers featured unique design elements like padding around the ankle to mimic the ship’s walls and red accents for a pop of color. The collaboration with Reebok added a modern twist to the classic sci-fi aesthetic of the film.
Despite the challenges of working on a movie with intense action and gore, Rosario’s dedication to creating functional and visually striking costumes paid off. From designing costumes that could be torn apart for special effects to orchestrating complex scenes of characters giving birth to alien creatures, Rosario’s attention to detail and technical expertise were evident throughout the film.
As Alien: Romulus continues to captivate audiences, Carlos Rosario’s work on the costumes stands out as a testament to the seamless integration of fashion and film. His collaboration with the cast and crew, attention to detail, and creative vision have brought the world of Alien to life in a new and exciting way. The fusion of fashion and sci-fi in Alien: Romulus showcases the enduring influence of the franchise on the creative industries and cements its status as a cultural phenomenon.