Recently, @kimkardashian shared a video of her interacting with a Tesla robot on social media, evoking memories of how sci-fi films have gradually turned into reality. Beyond inspiring technological advancements, sci-fi films have served as a wellspring of creative ideas for countless designers, especially in the world of fashion. Today, let’s explore three iconic fashion collections influenced by classic sci-fi films.
The first is the 1927 classic sci-fi film Metropolis, directed by Fritz Lang. The film introduced the imagery of futuristic cities and female robots, leaving a profound legacy. In 1995, legendary French designer Thierry Mugler brought the mechanical aesthetics of Metropolis to the runway with a striking silver metallic bodysuit, transforming the model into a futuristic “robot.” This masterpiece remains an iconic piece in fashion history. Earlier this year, Zendaya paid tribute to this timeless design by wearing it at the premiere of Dune 2.
No discussion of sci-fi films is complete without mentioning Blade Runner (1982). This movie portrays a dystopian future and delves into the conflict between replicants and humans. In 1998, British avant-garde designer Alexander McQueen channeled the movie’s dark, edgy futurism into Givenchy’s Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection. The dramatic and rebellious designs created a buzz in the fashion world.
Lastly, there’s The Matrix (1999), a sci-fi film that depicts a dystopian future where humans unknowingly live in a simulated reality called “The Matrix.” The movie’s iconic black leather, sunglasses, and sleek aesthetics directly inspired John Galliano’s 1999 Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection for Dior. Galliano translated the minimalist futurism and cool, tech-inspired vibes into a new fashion language, heralding the rise of “tech fashion” from the late ’90s to the early 2000s.
From sci-fi films to fashion runways, futurism remains a limitless source of design inspiration.