‘Hunger Games’ fashion

Clothing and style play a large role in Suzanne Collins’ young adult trilogy, “The Hunger Games.” Costume designer Judianna Makovsky, who previously worked on the “Harry Potter” films, had a difficult task of bringing to life the elaborate garments of the rich Capitol residents, and accurately portraying the largely impoverished coal mining region of District 12.

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The sources behind the film launched a Tumblr site, Capitol Couture, completely dedicated to the elaborate fashions in the series. The site featured the looks from the central characters, including the Capitol’s head gamemaker Seneca Montage (Wes Bentley), pictured, as well as designs by Rodarte, Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier. For Seneca, costume designer Judianna Makovsky kept a classic, refined look with clean lines.

Photo by Murray Close / Lionsgate

Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks, left) acts as an official envoy for the tributes from District 12, including Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who will be brought to the Capitol to compete in the games. Her fashions are a window for the two into the opulent, and flamboyant styles of the wealthy, appearance-obsessed Capitol citizens. Effie is depicted in the novels with large, brightly colored pink and green wigs, pale makeup that covers her face and striking eye and lip colors that mimic her outfits. In contrast, Katniss attends the reaping ceremony, where she volunteers for the games, in a pale blue, worn dress of her mother’s.

Photo credit: Murray Close / Lions Gate

Effie's outfits, reflecting the sartorial inclinations of Capitol residents, conjure images of a modern Marie Antoinette with large, colorful wigs and exaggerated proportions. Makovsky’s designs for the film pull from various eras and influences, including modern-day runway shows from the house of Alexander McQueen, creations by John Galliano, vintage milliners and Elsa Shiaparelli, a designer known for her surrealist visions and partnerships with artists such as Salvador Dali.

Photo by Murray Close / Lionsgate

Effie was described throughout the book as teetering around in high heels. For the reaping ceremony, the announcement of the tributes to be sent to the games, Effie's look included golden heeled booties from Alexander McQueen.

Photo by Murray Close / Lionsgate

Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), the head stylist for District 12 who is charged with outfitting the tributes for their television debut before the games, endeared himself to Katniss with his minimalist style and natural hair color, a departure from the extravagance she expected. Makovsky kept Cinna’s look simple with a Lurex Prada sweater.

Photo by Tim Palen / Lionsgate

For the opening ceremony of the games, Cinna transforms Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, left) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, center), dressing them in black leather body suits that are engulfed in flames as they ride through the Capitol and are broadcast across the country. Their striking appearance is vital for their success in the games, as a lasting impression will ensure sponsors will send food and provisions during the competition.

Photo credit: Murray Close / Lions Gate

For the televised interviews with Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) the night before the games, Katniss is again made to look like the “girl on fire,” which has become her persona. In the book, the dress is described as covered in jewels, which catches the light and mimics the idea of flames. But for the film, Makovsky used an orange-hued silk taffeta and organza with crystal embroidery to keep light and less overwhelming.

Photo credit: Murray Close / Lions Gate

President Snow, the figurehead of the Capitol, exudes the high-society atmosphere of the ruling class. Snow was kept in a white clergy shirt underneath button-up vests and sharkskin jackets in deep colors.

Photo by Murray Close / Lionsgate

For the games, Katniss is transported back to her comfortable style based on functionality. She wears her long brown locks in a signature solid braid, a utilitarian jacket, loosing fitting pants and leather boots.

Photo credit: Murray Close

Jennifer Lawrence seemed to channel her character’s persona as the “girl on fire” at several events leading to the release of the film. At the the the world premiere of "The Hunger Games" on Monday March 12, 2012, Lawrence wore a gold lame Prabal Gurung gown with symmetrical cut-outs. The golden look could easily translate to a trend for this summer with fiery pieces and the over-the-top opulence of Capitol fashions.

Chris Pizzello / AP

At the U.K. film premiere, Lawrence continued the gold look, wearing a full-length gown by Ralph Lauren.

Joel Ryan / AP

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