Harley Quinn is the life of the party this season, following her rebellious wardrobe in the female-fronted Birds of Prey movie.
Costume designer Erin Benach (also known for the A Star is Born wardrobe in 2018) mirrors the freedom and party vibes of the movie, whilst mixing it with the serious action-packed elements. Each powerful woman is given her own distinctive style, and Harley is no exception.
The women of Birds of Prey (credit: NYTimes)
Most of Harley’s outfits seem to follow her ever-popular punk looks present in the 2016 movie Suicide Squad, and they have home-made elements reminiscent of vintage punks who customised their own clothing.
This is demonstrated in her torn shorts, dyed hair and large chain necklace bearing charms, such as a female empowerment symbol and a dog bone.
Although her wardrobe is definitely not shy of colour-clashes, metallics, neons and vibrant rainbow shades in contrast to her rugged style.
Her clothing also gives a nod to Harley’s destructive nature, with the iconic caution tape jacket, yet there are still references to the red and black aesthetics of vintage comic book Harley, seen in her roller derby outfit.
The character’s angsty, bold, looks are sure to be popular with teenage party-goers, as well as her new wardrobe opening opportunities for those who cosplay.
Credit (left to right): UltimateJackets, SuperheroHype, DressLikeMargot
Strong female celebrities seem to be taking inspiration from Harley’s unconventional styles, especially in their music videos. In a recent photoshoot, Miley Cyrus demonstrates a powerful pose as she wears excessive jewelry – the singer is somewhat akin to Harley in her controversial and angsty attitude.
Lady Gaga borrows from Harley’s more neon pop side in her Stupid Love music video, wearing a bright pink bra in the technicolor dance sequences, whereas Dua Lipa channels Harley’s sophisticated side wearing a blazer in the retro nightclub of her Physical video.
(Left to right): Dua Lipa (c: JustJared), Lady Gaga (c: Billboard), Miley Cyrus (c: Dazed)
On the Spring/Summer runways, designers such as Pam Hogg and Jeremy Scott opted for a colourful retro theme, similar to those in Birds of Prey– they use unconventional patterns and metallic fabrics to illustrate the same nightclub vibes throughout the movie, as well as Harley’s wardrobe.
Other elements of her fashion were demonstrated in collections such as Philosophy Di Lorenzo’s denim looks, Tom Ford and Area’s use of metallics, MGSM’s vibrant colours and Moschino’s unconventionality (as well as its nod to Harley’s clown-like days).
(Left to right): Area SS20, Jeremy Scott SS20, Pam Hogg SS20 (Credit: Tagwalk)
If you wanted to replicate Harley’s extravagant style whist going out this spring/summer, lots of stores have you covered. You can dress in her iconic style with this extravagant fringe-jacket from Nastygal (£45), and neon pink bra from I Saw It First (£8). Whilst Nastygal provide her white chunky-heeled ankle boots (£19) and ASOS her thick chain necklace (£14).
(Left to right): Nastygal white ankle boots, ISawItFist neon pink bra, ASOS Fringe Jacket
But if you’re looking for something more sophisticated, ASOS’ electric blue blazer (£38) or yellow jumpsuit (£13) are perfect replicas of Harley’s looks, whilst remaining quite laid-back. And if you’re obsessed with the flame roller-derby fit, these ASOS platform boots (£45) and KatchMe oversized jumper (£19) are perfect for you.
(Left to right): ASOS flame platform boot, KatchMe flame jumper, ASOS blue blazer
Yet whilst the high street provides perfect alternatives for the Birds of Prey wardrobe, there’s nothing better than going to your local thrift/vintage store and getting creative in true Harley style.
Twitter: @extremelycosmic
