Designer Styles Julia Roberts in Luca Guadagnino’s New Film ‘After the Hunt’
In the recently released psychological thriller “After the Hunt,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, Julia Roberts takes on the role of Alma Imhoff, a Yale professor entangled in a complex situation. When a student accuses a fellow faculty member of sexual assault, Alma finds herself at the center of a tense ethical battle. This gripping narrative, which captures the intricacies of human connection, showcases both sharp dialogue and striking fashion choices.
Fashion in “After the Hunt”
The film’s costume designer, Giulia Piersanti, plays a crucial role in visual storytelling. Each piece of clothing not only amplifies the narrative’s tension but also reflects the character dynamics. Roberts’ wardrobe features preppy, tailored cream-colored outfits from luxury brands such as The Row, Celine, and Lemaire. Occasionally, Roberts opts for vintage options from Ralph Lauren and L.L. Bean, solidifying her character’s sophisticated yet approachable persona.
Character Styling and Influence
Alma’s fashion sense is mirrored by Ayo Edebiri’s character, Maggie Price. Maggie embodies a younger, classier version of Alma’s style, showcasing pieces from the rising British designer Grace Wales Bonner. This sartorial connection subtly reveals Maggie’s desire for Alma’s approval. Piersanti remarks on the importance of styling variations among characters, stating, “the same type of looks but worn by different personalities offer unique expressions.”
The Vision of Giulia Piersanti
Giulia Piersanti, originally from Rome, has cultivated a diverse fashion career. After moving to various cities and studying at Parsons School of Design, she began her professional journey at Miu Miu in Milan. Today, she holds a prominent role in knitwear design at Celine, a prestigious French luxury brand.
Philosophy on Fashion and Film
Piersanti emphasizes a unique approach to costume design. She believes fashion is future-oriented, contrasting it with film, which often reflects the past or present. “Creating looks for movies and designing for fashion are two very different things,” she explains, as each medium presents its own challenges.
Connection with Guadagnino
Piersanti and Guadagnino share a longstanding collaboration that began with the film “A Bigger Splash” in 2015. impressed by Piersanti’s keen understanding of character dynamics, Guadagnino has enlisted her expertise for several of his films, including “Call Me by Your Name” and “Suspiria.”
Design Process for “After the Hunt”
For “After the Hunt,” Piersanti started her design with a thorough understanding of the script and characters. She gathered visual references to create a distinct aesthetic that communicates character psychology. “The goal is to ensure the viewer understands the character without overt choices,” Piersanti explains. This careful construction is evident in the cast’s wardrobe choices, which lean towards angular silhouettes that suggest a sense of rigidity.
Concluding Thoughts on Fashion’s Role
Piersanti recognizes the impact of clothing choices in storytelling. She asserts that fashion is an essential aspect of character representation in film. “Everyone makes choices when choosing what they wear. Understanding these choices allows me to design compelling garments that resonate,” she concludes.
- Film: After the Hunt
- Director: Luca Guadagnino
- Costume Designer: Giulia Piersanti
- Main Cast: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield
- Setting: Yale University, Contemporary Drama
