The hit HBO series Game of Thrones will be returning to screens for its eighth and final season on April 14th this year.
It is undeniable that the show has had a huge impact on the entertainment industry and pop culture. However, something that has come as a surprise is the impact the series has had on the fashion industry.
Interestingly, it is now being suggested that the most avant garde and incredible pieces of clothing are not displayed on catwalks at high end fashion shows, but instead on our screens in big budget TV series.
It’s no secret that the costumes worn by the cast, in particular Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) and Kit Harrington (Jon Snow), are incredible. Due to the medieval, fantasy nature of the show, it should come as no shock that the costume designers had the freedom to create intricate and extravagant outfits for the characters.
But who would have thought that these costumes would have such a big influence on the fashion industry? Here is a brief look into how the show has impacted fashion.
Capes
Experts have stated that the character that’s has “the greatest impact on the runway to date” is Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys Targaryen. The character has sported many stunning outfits.
However, the outfit that has arguably had the largest impact on the fashion industry is the white caped dress.
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This outfit changed the game when it came to fashion, with many designers creating similar styles. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry were both seen sporting a similar style after the show aired.
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It is also important to note the effect this outfit had on bridal dresses. Many wedding dress designers, such as Ellie Saab began to create pieces that incorporated capes. There has been a dramatic growth in brides opting to wear a dress with a long cape, instead of a veil.
Faux fur
Another Game of Throne inspired fashion trend is faux fur. Whilst fur has been prominent on and off in fashion for several years, the trend is certainly back in.
Many high street and high end designers are opting to take notes from the iconic overcoats worn by the likes of Jon Snow and Sansa Stark.
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It has become common to see outerwear with faux fur collars and sleeves. The trend of the ‘teddybear coat’ with its over-sized, faux fur appearance could be seen as a modern interpretation of this trend.
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The faux fur trend coming back into fashion is clearly inspired by the outfits on the show.It is said that a range of different designers have “produced collections inspired directly by GoT or the medieval period”.
Leather
Leather is a prominent fabric used for costumes in the show; this is most commonly worn by male characters or androgynous characters (such as Arya Stark and Brienne of Tarth).
This trend has therefore also influenced men’s fashion, with experts claiming “With… leather, Snow is the original bad boy encouraging men to grow out their hair”.
Experts have also said that the leather worn by many characters in the series, such as Jon Snow, “is a reference to the modern punk,”
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More alternative fashion items are becoming more popular with designers and have been “seen on the runways of Saint Laurent and Celine’s first menswear show”.
Fashion and entertainment experts have both noted that the Game of Thrones fashion appeals to the edgier dresser. “The cast of Game of Thrones is different to the traditional Hollywood celebrity — they appeal to a more alternative crowd,”
It has also been suggested that “It’s a look that’s not afraid to push the boundaries in terms of individuality.” It appears that the fashion industry is taking notes from shows such as this and is becoming more open to experimenting with more alternative and interesting styles.