If you’re a fan of female action figures, you may be familiar with Atomic Blonde. The thriller, which was directed by David Leitch, comes out on Blu-ray and DVD today. It received rave reviews when it debuted in theaters over the summer, and Charlize Theron’s character, Lorraine Broughton, has since been dubbed the best-dressed spy in film.
That’s right, move over James Bond. From her chic coats to her luxurious loungewear, there are many memorable looks in this movie. Below, costume designer Cindy Evans shares some of her spywear secrets.
The action flick is set in Eighties Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. “Stylistically, I tried to adhere to timelessness while carefully paying homage to the spirit of the ‘80s in the details,” she says. “There was so much to pull from during that time in Europe–glam crossed with punk–so from the nightclubs to her hotel room, there’s a clear sense of personal style and confidence. ”
The costume designer looked to the likes of Dior, Burberry, Saint Laurent, Kenzo, and John Galliano for inspiration. She says she continues to revisit these designers again and again, regardless of the season or what’s on-trend.
Evans’s favorite piece from the movie is a long black double-breasted cashmere coat: “It’s the coat she’s wearing on the cover of the Blu-ray, and it’s such a powerful but timeless statement piece. ” She paired it with over-the-knee boots, dark shades, and fingerless gloves to pull off the badass vibe.
The attitude, of course, is crucial, too. “Lorraine has a crystal-clear reverence for style from the beginning to end, or end to beginning really, as the story is told in flashbacks,” says Evans.
If you’re looking for a little more power play in your own wardrobe, Evans says to get yourself a great trench coat and a pair of oversized sunglasses. “They are fun accessories that add a bit of mystery and intrigue to any outfit. ” Finish the look with a pair of leather boots.
The chained pair seen throughout the film are from Saint Laurent and may be hard to come by. “You can get some pointy boots and add boot chains from a western store to recreate the look,” she says.
