From opulent gowns to sleek suits, here’s a look at six villains who slayed their looks
When we think of movie villains, it’s easy to get lost in their schemes, sinister smiles, and menacing monologues. Yet often lurking behind their misdeeds is an undeniable style that sticks with us just as much as their character’s evil ambitions.
Movie villains have historically served looks that are as unforgettable as their antics. Fashion for these characters is no afterthought; it’s a storytelling tool that visually showcases their motives and complexity. In pop culture, we draw inspiration from their iconic looks, channeling their outfits into Halloween costumes.
From opulent gowns to sleek suits, here’s a look at six villains who slayed their fashion.
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Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmatians” and “Cruella”
Cruella de Vil, the iconic villain from Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” is as memorable for her extravagant fashion as she is for her devious personality; her signature look features a voluminous fur coat lined in blood-red fabric paired with long gloves and a fitted, floor-length black dress that accentuates her frame.
The 1996 live-action adaptation of “101 Dalmatians” redefined Cruella’s iconic style with tailored blazers, pencil skirts, and sleek tights, reflecting her role as the formidable head of a glamorous fashion empire. Her obsession with extravagant furs, particularly rare pieces like white tiger fur, remains central to her character.
In the 2021 film “Cruella,” Emma Stone played this fashionable villain whose real name we get to know is Estella. She stands out from the crowd with her bold, eccentric fashion choices. She only doubles down when pushed to “fit in” or alter her style, resisting authority. Estella’s signature look is anchored by her striking two-toned hair—half black, half white—and a color palette of red, black, and white in clothing.
Patrick Bateman from “American Psycho”
In “American Psycho,” Patrick Bateman’s wardrobe studies the materialistic excess of the 1980s, showcasing everything from two-tone Rolex watches to power suits.
His Rolex Datejust, a sleek gold-and-silver timepiece, reflects the era’s love for luxury and control—a symbol he fiercely guards, snapping “Don’t touch the watch” in a memorable scene. His double-breasted tuxedo features sweeping satin lapels and pleated trousers, matched with gold cufflinks and a cashmere scarf, displaying the decadence of Wall Street style.
One of Bateman’s iconic styles features a charcoal pinstripe Valentino suit with exaggerated shoulders and bold lapels, complemented by an oversized overcoat that enhances his intimidating image. His look is completed with accessories like jewel-toned ties and signature Oliver Peoples glasses, each reflecting his obsession with fitting into a world of wealth and dominance.
Courtney Shayne from “Jawbreaker”
In “Jawbreaker,” Courtney Shayne’s style is an unforgettable mix of neon, pastel, and hyperfeminine silhouettes that scream confidence and control while concealing her dark intentions. Shayne’s character stands out in vibrant purples, metallics, and bold colors that defy the film’s crime-laden plot, strikingly contrasting her bright wardrobe and the sinister storyline.
The fashion choices throughout the film capture a ’90s twist on ’50s kitsch with synthetic, clingy fabrics that add an edge to the girl group’s style. The silhouettes are unapologetically tight and glamorous, enhancing Shayne’s power and influence as the school’s queen bee.
Director Darren Stein’s ban on black clothing amplifies the vibrant, high-energy aesthetic of “Jawbreaker,” as Shayne’s peachy keen style serves both her armor and weapon, masking the darkness beneath. This daring fashion defines her character and cements Courtney Shayne as a style icon, contributing to the film’s status as a cult classic.
Kathryn Merteuil from “Cruel Intentions”
In “Cruel Intentions,” Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character, Kathryn Merteuil, showcases a seductive and bold style that defies typical high school fashion. Her outfits consist of structured blazers with bustiers, creating a sharp look that blends power and allure, while her corset-style tops reflect a rebellious sexuality inspired by the story’s 18th century roots.
Merteuil’s wardrobe features edgy, S&M-inspired pieces like leather miniskirts and sheer tops that defy school dress codes. At the same time, her signature crucifix necklace, which doubles as a coke spoon, enhances her dangerous allure. In contrast to her classmates’ prim uniforms, Merteuil’s dark and daring style solidifies her role as the antagonist and embodies the film’s good girl-bad girl dynamic.
Pinhead from “Hellraiser”
Pinhead, the enigmatic leader of the Cenobites in Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser,” epitomizes a gothic horror style that fuses darkly elegant aesthetics with elements of punk, S&M, and traditional clerical attire, creating a visual figure reminiscent of runway designs by Rick Owens and Alexander McQueen.
Barker’s design for Pinhead goes beyond the dark clothing, incorporating his experiences with S&M culture and African fetish sculptures, which bring a sense of ritualistic mystique to the character. The metallic pins meticulously arranged across his face, set against his pale skin, create an aura of both pain and reverence.
Esther from “Orphan”
Esther’s style in “Orphan” blends innocence with unease, featuring a dark, vintage-inspired dress adorned with lace and frills that emphasizes her eerie, out-of-time elegance. Complemented by a blunt hairstyle and a velvet choker, her look evokes youth and haunting darkness beneath the surface.
Esther’s accessories enhance her deceptively sweet facade, with a tight choker adding an element of restraint and secrecy. In contrast, her plain black flats contribute an understated touch that emphasizes her “innocent” exterior. This combination creates an overall effect of her character, deepening the contrast between her outward innocence and her inner darkness.