SPOILER ALERT .
For many it is the great series of the last decade, for others it is just another fantasy series that appeals to the viewer's attention through special effects. Regardless of which side you are on, it must be recognized that, as far as costumes are concerned, Game of Thrones is a delight to behold.
Those of us who are dedicated to fashion find inspiration for numerous designs in vintage and fantastic clothing and see applications for current garments. In this article we show you curiosities about the clothes worn by the protagonists of the series . If you are a fan of Game of Thrones or you are very interested in the world of fashion in all its aspects, keep reading.
Game of Thrones costume design
Heading the show's wardrobe direction is designer Michele Clapton , but she's only the most visible head of a team of more than 100 people . And it is not for less, since it is enough to take a look at any chapter to verify the level of detail and the excellent recreation of any suit that appears on the screen. Their work has earned them a total of four Emmy Awards.
To achieve this excellence, Clapton has personally chosen each of the members of his team, selecting those profiles that were necessary to carry out such work. It is not just about pattern makers and seamstresses, the complexity of the costumes for Game of Thrones makes the presence of gunsmiths, goldsmiths or specialists in the aging of garments necessary.
To achieve that royal touch there is no other choice but to do it this way, so the pieces of clothing are made by hand. Only in this way can the presence of a period wardrobe be conveyed.
This is an effort never seen before on television, although it was known to those who are fans of fantasy and epic films. Let us take the case of The Lord of the Rings trilogy as an example, in which the enormous effort that can be involved in adapting a wardrobe to a time that straddles between reality and fiction was already evident, given that reminiscences with the Middle Ages and their costumes are quite obvious.
A complex creation process
The costume creation process is complex and full of nuances and differences depending on what you want to convey . The clothing Joffrey Baratheon wore was meant to convey his cruelty and power in equal measure. Daenerys' wardrobe, on the other hand, adapts to the circumstances of the place where she is, lighter and lighter in the south, harder and darker in the north.
The medieval inspiration is not overlooked. In fact, details like the sleeves on Cersei's dresses have inspired numerous designers. The aesthetics of the series serves as a source of ideas for all kinds of garments, to incorporate details that can be loaded with symbolism and elegance . They can also convey sensuality, as is the case with the pronounced necklines of the dresses fitted at the waist, alluding to the typical image of a medieval innkeeper. In some of Cersei's dresses we have recognized inspiration or approach to designers such as Alexander McQueen or past Givenchy collections in which the prominence of openings, layers and shoulders was evident. One of our favourites? Daenerys's white coat with incredible white and red skin work, mixing the concepts of ice and fire. And of course Cersei's wardrobe in (SPOILER ALERT) the meeting in which she first meets Daenerys and the imprisoned white walker. That set of chain mail effect dress with exquisite work and the black coat with openings in the back towards the waist. That dress seems like a dream to us.
Promotional image / HBO
However, the costume design is not limited to the costumes and the clothes worn by its protagonists, but jewelry, for example, also plays a fundamental role . Inspired by dragons, warlike motifs or nature, Game of Thrones jewels play a leading role. As a curiosity, even Michele Clapton found a different use for the Ikea rugs and incorporated them as part of the wardrobe. They are present in the cloaks of the men of the Night's Watch.
Game of Thrones in Spain
Spanish designers such as Arantza Vilas have intervened in the preparation of the costumes. In turn, Michele Clapton drew inspiration from a Madrid tailor shop for her designs . Cornejos tailoring became from that moment one of its main suppliers. But this is not the only relationship of Game of Thrones with Spain, since it is well known to all fans that several of its settings are recognized places in the Spanish geography.
Without going any further, very close to our stores in Bilbao and Donosti , you can find two of the most impressive settings. One of them, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe , in the Bermeo Town Hall served as the setting to represent Rocadragón, the fortress of the Targaryen house.
Flysch from Zumaia.
In the neighboring province, in Gipuzkoa, it was also filmed in another spectacular enclave, the Zumaia flysch, on Itzurun beach . From Elisa Rivera we invite you to come to our stores and take advantage of the visit to discover these cinematographic places. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, it goes without saying that you will enjoy these natural enclaves twice as much. You dare?
