Dune: 8 best outfits from the movie, ranked
Director Denis Villeneuve Dune wowed audiences and critics alike with its powerful story and visually stunning shots. Obviously, a lot of work has gone into perfecting every little aesthetic detail, including the outfits of the characters.
Aside from its captivating plot and memorable characters, the cast’s many gorgeous costumes are something fans won’t soon forget. From Baron Harkonnen’s extremely long gown to Lady Jessica’s vibrant ensembles, the film’s best outfits stand out as unique works of art in themselves that help audiences understand. Dunethe characters and the world better.
8 Sardaukar’s armor
Any fight scene with the Sardaukar involved seems to come straight out of some of the best action movies of all time. The Emperor’s army is made up of the best and most skillful warriors of the Imperium, reserved only for the most difficult battles and crucial missions.
That’s why it’s slightly disappointing to see the vicious fighters’ outfits pale in comparison to the other great sets featured in the film. The Sardaukar wear ill-fitting clothing that looks more like astronaut suits than intimidating armor. They definitely favored function over form in this case, which is understandable given their risky jobs.
7 Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam All Black Set
Although Reverend Mother Mohiam du Bene Gesserit only appears briefly in the film, her intimidating presence and strong personality make her a memorable character. She wears dark clothes every time she appears onscreen, with one outfit, in particular, that stands out among her few scenes.
Fans likely won’t forget her all-black outfit when she first meets Paul. It’s her helmet that really catches the eye of viewers, as the large, ornate hat and beaded veil perfectly match her bewildering personality. That said, there is nothing too special about the dress she’s wearing, and the repeating pattern looks somewhat garish and out of place.
6 The dresses of the members of the imperial court
When members of the Imperial Court arrive to officially announce House Atreides’ management of Arrakis, fans see one of the most beautiful shots of Dune. There is a point where their huge ship lines up with the blue carpet as the doors open and passengers begin to exit.
The close-up of members of the Imperial Court gives the public a better view of their elaborate outfits. They wear white helmets, with an opaque dome covering their face. The dome itself is stunning, with its stunning orange color fading to white towards the top. Their white robes are adorned with gold details that match the gold scepters they wear. Because it’s such a brief scene, viewers don’t get the chance to fully appreciate these outfits, which will hopefully make an appearance in a sequel in the future.
5 Baron Vladimir Harkonnen’s long dress
Fans can’t be faulted for feeling a little nervous every time Baron Harkonnen appears in the film. Her presence is meant to make viewers uncomfortable, and one way to do this is to emphasize her unnatural size.
Since the Baron has to rely on his suspensors to get around, he seems to defy gravity every time she gets up. The first time he gets up is especially scary, as the bottom half of his long dark robe creates the illusion that he’s ridiculously tall. The clothes themselves are not too impressive, as it is more of a minimalist dress with a silver pattern on the chest. It’s the way he wears it and how it complements his character that makes him truly stand out.
4 Lady Jessica’s Formal Blue Dress
Lady Jessica’s relationship with Duke Leto is highlighted in the scene where they knowingly look at each other as the Emperor’s representatives approach. She understands as much as he does how important this formality is, as it cements their transition of power.
As usual, Jessica is impeccably dressed for the occasion. Her pastel blue dress fits her perfectly, and her every detail – from carefully placed sequins to her subtle patterns – pairs well without looking overdone. Her matching cape helps soften the look, which would probably be the best of the whole movie without her even better ensemble in a later scene.
3 Gold armor of Paul Atreides
One of DuneThe craziest moments happen towards the end of the film when Paul sees himself as a formidable fighter. Viewers fail to see his face as he defeats enemy after foe in the wilderness, until he turns and his mask lifts to reveal his blue eyes.
Onlookers who aren’t too distracted by all his blue eyes entail might notice he’s wearing a shiny new costume. The golden armor is reminiscent of the expensive gear gamers get when they reach the final stages of a video game. It might be too flashy for some fans, but it makes sense that he wears a powerful new ensemble in the future – he’s destined to follow the Kwisatz Haderach path, after all.
2 Lady Jessica’s orange dress
When the flagship Atreides first lands on the alien planet of Arrakis, Lady Jessica and her staff make a striking first impression. Her outfit steals the show as she walks through the sandy landscape of her new home, with the two women behind her holding her cape as she floats in the strong winds.
Jessica’s bright orange dress and matching cape are her most memorable costume in the movie. Fans can see her embellishments up close as she boards the Thopter and reveals her face, which is partially covered in a luxurious veil of gold metal that extends to her shoulders. It is an intentionally symbolic outfit that is likely meant to reflect the power and wealth of House Atreides. It gets a little unruly when his assistants let go of his cloak, but it’s a sacrifice well worth it for a good first impression in the family’s new territory.
1 The Stillsuit
The Stillsuit is arguably the most iconic outfit of Dune, because it’s a costume straight out of the book series. It combines both form and function to help its wearers endure the merciless deserts of Arrakis. It is almost impossible to survive for long periods in deserts without it.
The all-black suit is designed to preserve and recycle a person’s body moisture. It absorbs sweat and urine then filters impurities before reinjecting the liquid into its recovery pockets, which its wearer can then access. It also has a mask that acts as a filter, with a tube that attaches to the nose to allow better breathing in sand dunes. Liet Kynes explains this process to Duke Leto at one point, proudly noting how anyone wearing a stillsuit in “good working order” […] will not lose more than one thimble of moisture per day. With its sturdy design and sleek details, everyone looks badass while wearing it.
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