What Do They Wear In Wolf Of Wall Street?

What They Wear In Wolf Of Wall Street: A Costume Design Masterclass

In Martin Scorsese’s 2013 biographical film “The Wolf of Wall Street,” costume design played a crucial role in portraying the flamboyant and excessive lifestyle of Jordan Belfort and his associates. The film’s wardrobe captures the era of the 1980s and 1990s Wall Street culture, showcasing the power and status associated with wealth and greed.

1. The Suits: Power and Conformity

The suits worn by Belfort and his team symbolize their ambition and desire for power. The tailored suits, often in pinstripes or solid colors, convey an air of authority and conformity. The wide lapels and bold shoulder pads accentuate the masculinity and assertiveness of the characters. The suits are often paired with crisp white shirts, colorful ties, and Italian-made dress shoes.

2. The Casual Attire: Luxury and Excess

Outside the office, Belfort and his associates indulged in an extravagant lifestyle. Their casual attire reflected their wealth and hedonism. Designer labels such as Gucci, Versace, and Armani donned their bodies. Versace silk shirts, Rolex watches, and designer sunglasses became symbols of their unchecked spending and lavish parties. The vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics further emphasized their flamboyant personalities.

3. The Women’s Wear: Sex Appeal and Status

The women in “The Wolf of Wall Street” also played a significant role in the costume design. Their wardrobe mirrored the male characters’ power and excess. High heels, tight-fitting dresses, and revealing tops showcased their physical attributes and reinforced the objectification of women within the Wall Street culture. The women’s wardrobe often matched the colors and patterns of their male counterparts, symbolizing their interconnectedness and shared ambition.

4. The Hair and Makeup: Polish and Glamour

The hair and makeup in “The Wolf of Wall Street” further enhanced the characters’ professional and personal aesthetics. Belfort’s slicked-back hair and neatly trimmed beard exuded confidence and authority. The women’s makeup was glamorous and exaggerated, with bright lipstick, heavy eyeliner, and false eyelashes. These details added to the film’s overall sense of excess and artificiality.

5. The Evolution of Style: From Humble Beginnings to Extravagance

Throughout the film, the wardrobe choices reflect the characters’ evolving status and fortunes. In the early scenes, Belfort and his team dress modestly, wearing cheap suits and casual clothing. However, as their wealth and power grow, their wardrobe becomes increasingly extravagant and flamboyant. The change in their attire visually represents their transformation from humble stockbrokers to wealthy and corrupt individuals.

Summary

The costume design in “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a masterpiece of cinematic fashion, capturing the essence of the film’s characters and the era in which they lived. The suits, casual attire, women’s wear, hair and makeup, and the evolution of style all contribute to the film’s visual impact and thematic depth. The lavish and excessive wardrobe choices serve as a metaphor for the unchecked greed and corruption that fueled the Wall Street culture of the 1980s and 1990s.

Related Questions and Answers

• What famous designers were featured in the film?

• Versace, Gucci, Armani, and Rolex.

• What colors were frequently used in the costume design?

• Navy, gray, and black for suits; bright and bold colors for casual wear.

• How did the women’s wardrobe reflect the objectification of women within the Wall Street culture?

• Through revealing and form-fitting clothing that emphasized their physical attributes.

• In what ways did the costumes contribute to the film’s message about greed and corruption?

• By showcasing the excessive spending and ostentatious lifestyle of the characters, reflecting the moral decay and hubris that accompanied their financial success.

• How did the evolution of style in the film visually represent the characters’ changing status?

• The transition from modest attire to lavish and flamboyant clothing symbolized their transformation from humble stockbrokers to corrupt and wealthy individuals.