Fashion in The Hunger Games: How the Outfits Shape the Story + Movie Ticket Giveaway!

Fashion tells stories, with colors, fabric, cut and cleanliness all playing an important part in showing who someone is. The new movie, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is no exception, with clothing playing an extremely important role in shaping the characters, as well as progressing the plot. Below will be a deep dive on how fashion shapes the Hunger Games, as well as designs from EVIT fashion students inspired by the new movie, and a movie ticket giveaway.

Colors

The most prominent colors in the new movie are purple and gold. Purple is associated with royalty, due to the labor-intensive process to harness purple dye that only the wealthy could afford. The link between the throne and purple is so strong that a sumptuary law in the 4th century CE mandated that Tyrian purple could only be used by the Roman emperor. This resulted in the synonym “donning the purple” for taking the throne. Gold, of course, represents wealth and prestige. Gold is, and has been, the most sought-after precious metal in history, due to cultural demand, global liquidity, and investment.

These two colors represent the Capitol and are seen during the tribute chariot parade in the new movie trailers. The usage is clearly purposeful, with the Capitol being the physical embodiment of everything the two colors represent.

In comparison to the many bright, shiny colors of the Capitol, the Districts are seen in muted, natural tones throughout the book and movie series. The Districts are only sporting the colors of the Capitol when they are in the tribute parade. Their assigned stylists dress them in outfits that are a fantastical, shiny representation of the industry of their District.

The only times the Districts flip the switch are Haymitch and his flint striker, and Katniss’ mockingjay pin. Both items are gold, and are used as a symbol of defiance against the Capitol, with the Districts finally being able to harness the power that the gold represents. It is also important to note that both tokens were gifts from those close to the two winners. Haymitch received the striker from his girlfriend Lenore Dove. Katniss received the pin from Madge Undersee, the niece of Maysilee Donner, the pin’s original owner and one of the four tributes in the 50th Hunger Games. Both were given to the respective individuals before they were reaped.

Fabric

Fabric is a very easy, visual way to tell audiences about the wealth of each District. The tributes from District 12 are seen wearing fabrics consisting of coarse wool, canvas, and denim, all made to survive harsh conditions. Districts closer to the Capitol, such as 1 and 2, are dressed in cottons and synthetic fabrics, showing their access to privilege due to the Capitol favor they have. Regardless, the line in the sand is still clear between the two regions, as the Districts will always be controlled by the Capitol. In comparison, the fabric worn by the Capitol consists of synthetic silks, velvets, and sequins. These aren’t fabrics built for the workforce, they are built for the wealthy.

Cut

The silhouettes seen in the Sunrise on the Reaping resemble those worn in the 1970s. The cuts of the clothing in the Capitol consist of sharp lapels, flared pants and high-collared jackets. The broad shoulder lines and geometric angles parallel the fashion seen in the television-age, filled with theatrical performances and the rise in broadcast media.

Characters such as Caesar Flickerman embody this new age of technology and cultural shift in fashion. Effie Trinket’s outfits are often inspired by nature, with her sporting lighter fabrics, butterfly designs, and flowers. This is ironic as those in the Capitol are not what their outfits paint them out to be; they are rich aristocrats rather than people who are down-to-earth. It is important to note that Effie is one of the few in the Capitol that repeatedly makes allusions to nature, showing her kind personality and how she allies with District 12 later on in the series.

In comparison, the Districts are dressed in cuts of rectangular utility jackets, collared work shirts, and straight-leg pants, mirroring workwear seen in the 70s. The cuts of the Districts are so different from those of the Capitol likely due to the years it takes for the Districts’ clothing to catch up with trends.

Cleanliness

A very clear visual that separates the two regions of Panem is how clean clothing is. The Capitol is crisp and spotless, with fabrics that never show wear or tear. The Districts have worn seams, patched clothing, and dirt covering their clothing. Even after the tributes are dressed in the same white outfits for the 50th Hunger Games, the clothing quickly gets dirty due to the actions the tributes must take in the arena, showing the consistent difference between the Capitol and the Districts.

EVIT Fashion Student Designs

Many EVIT fashion design students took on the challenge of designing original outfits based on the Sunrise on the Reaping. The students were given certain guidelines for time, colors, and material they could use when constructing their outfits.

At the advance screening of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, students will welcome guests in their completed outfits and work the crowd before the audience votes on their favorite outfit.

Advance Screening Ticket Giveaway

The Pulse is giving away 4 pairs of tickets to an advance screening at Harkins IMAX at Arizona Mills on Monday, November 16 at 7:00pm. 

To enter, go to @pulseradioaz on Instagram, and check out the pinned post on the page. There are three guidelines that must be followed to enter the contest: like the pinned post, follow @pulseradioaz, and tag the person you would bring in the comments section of the respective post. 

 The Pulse will announce the ticket winners on Friday, November 13. May the odds be ever in your favor!