Written & Artistic Directed By Cade Johnson

Photography By Britney Spangenberg

Modeled By Claire Nemec, Natalia Cordero, Rachel Schmieder, & Cade Johnson

Movies have influenced the fashion world for years. Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” helped popularize the Little Black Dress and Ray-Ban supposedly saw a 40% sales increase for their “Aviator” sunglasses after the release of “Top Gun.” More recently, the world went pink (and still has not gone back) after the release of “Barbie” last summer. These are all fantastic movies and trends, but few movies have made me think, “I want to look like that,” more than “Dune: Part Two.” 

The characters in this film look effortlessly cool. Whether it is Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya in their all-black, utilitarian stillsuits that help them survive the harsh deserts of Arrakis, or Florence Pugh decked out in a chainmail dress and matching headpiece, the outfits of this film are something to behold. Even though “Dune” is set roughly 20,000 years from now, many of the looks in the film were inspired by brands and pieces you are probably already familiar with. 

Jacqueline West, head costume designer for both “Dune” films, had a variety of inspirations when designing what she calls “mod-evil” style costumes. Florence Pugh’s aforementioned bejeweled headpieces took inspiration from medieval jewelry and the signature coif that nuns wear. West’s influences for the regal look of Lady Jessica, the mother of Paul Atreides — the franchise’s protagonist — were a bit more modern. While designing her ornate jewelry, West studied vintage Tiffany and pieces from Africa and the Middle East. For Lea Seudoux’s Margot Fenning, West examined Paris runways from the 50s, as well as old and new pieces from Balenciaga. 

While “Dune”’s royal figures dress in looks (fittingly) inspired by high fashion, for the Fremen — its society of desert warriors — West had to take a more practical, utilitarian route. Because the film was shot in Jordan, in an actual desert, the stillsuits had to be breathable and function similarly to their fictional counterparts. While they do not recycle the actors’ water, the inside lining is made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. It is "not unlike some of the fabric that Under Armour uses to wick water away from the body when football players wear it under their football padding," said West in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "We selected a beautiful Japanese fabric that would wick water from the body and then it would kind of cool the body when the moisture hit the air of Jordan, through a mesh system of cotton, nylon, and acrylic. When there was a breeze in the desert, there was a cooling effect on the wearer — and the actors said it really worked.”

Outside the film, the actors have channeled the “Dune” aesthetic in their red-carpet looks. For the Paris premiere, Timothee Chalamet donned a custom silver breastplate under his Givenchy suit. Zendaya went extra for the film’s premiere in London, styling a Thierry Mugler Robot Suit, first shown in Mugler’s ‘95 fall collection. Also at the London premiere, Florence Pugh wore a sheer Valentino gown with a matching hood, reminiscent of the Bene Gesserit, the intergalactic sisterhood her character belongs to.

 “Method dressing” has caught flack recently, with many panning Dakota Johnson’s spider-inspired looks for “Madame Web.” However, in this writer’s opinion, the cast of “Dune” ate, and I have loved the “method” looks seen on the carpet the past couple of years. Let Margot Robbie wear pink for as long as she wants. 

The stars of “Dune” may have channeled the film’s aesthetic using outfits from some of the biggest names in fashion, but you do not have to. If you want to “Dune”-ify your wardrobe, there are plenty of college-budget-friendly options. To incorporate the film’s color palette into your wardrobe, think neutral tones. I am talking beige, baby! If you want to channel the brutalist, utilitarian aesthetic of the Fremen, look for black and gray pieces with plenty of pockets and zippers. Pieces that are ripped and frayed also fit this aesthetic, as do leather ensembles. A good pair of black cargo pants will run you $20-$30, even less if you thrift it. 

If you want a more Bene-Gesserit-inspired look, draping is your friend. Think scarves or draped dresses. If you want to take it even further, look for vintage jewelry in the cabinets at thrift stores. Much of what Lady Jessica wears would not look out of place on your grandma, and you can use that to your advantage. If you want a more direct approach, Etsy is full of “Dune”-inspired jewelry. 

Maybe you want to do more than embrace the film's aesthetic, though. Maybe you want the characters’ faces plastered across your shirt—you are in luck. Sustainable streetwear brand, Goat Crew, just dropped a collection of shirts in collaboration with the film. Printed on 100% cotton with a heavyweight, dropped shoulder design, and only a $38 price tag, it is a steal for quality streetwear. Plus, it is Timothee Chalamet’s face on your chest. Who does not want that? 

“Dune”’s fashion moment may not last as long as “Barbie”’s pink wave, but for now, brutalism and neutral tones are in. “Dune: Part Two”is a wildly ambitious film, so do not be afraid to be equally as ambitious with your outfits inspired by the film. Remember, “Fear is the mind-killer.”