Discover the Designer Behind Julia Roberts’ Stunning Outfits in Luca Guadagnino’s Film After the Hunt: Dressing a Professor in Crisis

Intriguing Costumes Elevate Luca Guadagnino’s Film “After the Hunt”
Exploring Complex Narratives with Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield
In Luca Guadagnino’s latest psychological thriller, “After the Hunt,” Julia Roberts takes on the role of a Yale professor who must navigate her loyalties when a student accuses another faculty member of sexual misconduct. With each scene brimming with tension, the movie features a stellar cast, including Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield, navigating a labyrinth of moral dilemmas. Their performances are impeccably matched by their attire, making costume a defining element of the film.
Costume Design as a Character in Itself
The movie stands out for its sartorial brilliance, with costumes designed by the talented Giulia Piersanti. Known for her knack for integrating fashion with cinematic storytelling, Piersanti has once again made every outfit speak volumes about the characters’ inner workings.
- Julia Roberts’ character, Alma Imhoff, wears tailored cream-colored pieces from luxury brands including The Row and Celine.
- Ayo Edebiri’s character, Maggie Price, opts for designs by Grace Wales Bonner, emulating Alma yet retaining a youthful flair.
Giulia Piersanti: Bridging Fashion and Film
Born in Rome, with a diverse background from Paris to New York, Giulia Piersanti has crafted her expertise in knitwear and high fashion, currently serving as the head of knitwear at Celine. Her journey into costume design began unexpectedly when Luca Guadagnino invited her to work on “A Bigger Splash” after being impressed by her understanding of social dynamics and aesthetics.
Psychological Depth Through Costume Choices
The movie, set against the backdrop of the #MeToo era, captures a time where power dynamics and societal norms undergo scrutiny. Piersanti meticulously curated wardrobes that reflect the film’s deep-seated issues of power and perception. “We wanted to express higher bourgeoisie chic with an edge,” she explains. Her choices, such as angular blazers and rigid fabrics, underline the characters’ struggles and societal positions.
Creating a Visual Dialogue
Piersanti’s work relies heavily on visual immersion, allowing the actors to step into their roles more fully when surrounded by the mood boards in the costume department. She delves into the psychology behind clothing choices, considering the characters’ personal tastes and lifestyle, to ensure each outfit resonates with the narrative’s essence.
The Artistic Synergy of Fashion and Film
“Fashion is about the future, while films often explore the past or present,” Piersanti reflects, highlighting the contrasting yet complementary nature of her dual roles. Both fields demand a keen understanding of human nature and visual storytelling, skills that Piersanti wields expertly. For her, fashion is anything but trivial; it’s a nuanced form of expression that mirrors both character and customer.
With “After the Hunt,” Luca Guadagnino and Giulia Piersanti demonstrate the potent narrative force of costume, capturing the viewer’s imagination through meticulously crafted visual cues. The film transcends traditional storytelling, making clothing an integral player in its absorbing exploration of human complexity.