The intersection of fashion and horror has long been a compelling and often unsettling spectacle. The fashion industry's enduring fascination with the macabre is more than just a seasonal trend. Instead, it is a deep cultural exploration that seeks to capture the ultimate transgressive aesthetic by converting fear and cult imagery into iconic fashion statements.
Now, with Halloween finally upon us, it's the perfect time to revisit some of the most iconic Horror x Fashion collaborations. These range from high-fashion collections, such as Alexander McQueen's 90s runways inspired by The Hunger, to modern streetwear collaborations like the Hellraiser x Supreme collection.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where fashion meets horror, and perhaps find some inspiration for your Halloween fit, with the 10 of the most pivotal horror x fashion collaborations below.
The Hunger x Alexander McQueen, SS96
McQueen's Spring/Summer 1996 collection, The Hunger, established the foundation for luxury horror. Drawing inspiration from erotic vampire films, the show served as a raw and dramatic critique of societal violence against women. Despite a limited budget, the collection achieved iconic status, featuring the notorious Worm Corset—a clear plastic piece encasing live worms—alongside fabrics adorned with "bloody handprints" and claw marks.
Eyes Without a Face x Rick Owens, FW16
For his Fall/Winter 2016 'Mastodon' collection, Rick Owens drew inspiration from the 1960 French film Eyes Without a Face, channeling a sense of philosophical dread. The collection explored the tormented act of self-concealment, with models sporting "ghoulish Kabuki makeup" that echoed the film's stark white mask. This surgical motif was further emphasized by the clothing, which featured "dripping white paint" on elongated mohair sweaters and monumental, voluminous trousers, thereby merging themes of trauma with a prehistoric grandeur.
Hellraiser x Supreme, SS18
Supreme's Spring/Summer 2018 collaboration with Hellraiser stands as a prime example of successful horror IP integration within streetwear. This partnership capitalized on the 1987 film's cult status and transgressive appeal, primarily focusing on the iconic imagery of Pinhead, the antagonist characterized by his needle-studded head. The collection was heavily graphic-focused, featuring a range of items from collectible trench coats and football jerseys to skate decks, all of which sold out quickly and commanded high resale values.
The Shining x UNDERCOVER, SS18
Jun Takahashi's Spring/Summer 2018 'Janus' collection drew inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, employing the film's duality as a subtle structural element. The runway show featured identical models walking hand-in-hand, a direct and unsettling homage to the film's memorable Grady twins. The collection juxtaposed innocent 1950s aesthetics with a sinister undertone, exemplified by dresses adorned with strands of red beads.
Jaws x CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC, SS19
For his final CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Spring/Summer 2019 collection, Raf Simons used Jaws as a metaphor for fear and unknown threats, reflecting American political anxiety. The runway was crimson red, featuring the film's ominous score and direct iconography, such as sellout poster t-shirts, red Chief Brody beanies, and deconstructed wetsuits.
Frankenstein x Prada, FW19
Miuccia Prada's Fall/Winter 2019 collection, "Anatomy of Romance," was inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, focusing on the monster's loneliness. The collection merged military practicality with gothic fragility, seen in elements like lace and ruched dresses. Padded shoulders, a direct nod to Frankenstein's signature silhouette, and the wilted rose, representing doomed love, served as key horror motifs.
Suspiria x UNDERCOVER, FW19
UNDERCOVER's Fall/Winter 2019 collection was a direct and aesthetically refined nod to Suspiria's 2018 remake by Luca Guadagnino. The collection was heavily graphic, showcasing actual stills from the film and featuring actresses such as Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson, often presented in "blood-red" color schemes. This approach successfully produced luxurious commercial items that appealed directly to a dedicated and visually discerning cult following.
Raf Simons, SS21
Raf Simons' Spring/Summer 2021 'Teenage Dreams' collection explored themes of youth anxiety, drawing inspiration from horror films such as A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. This psychological shift was evident in the collection's use of unsettling materials and silhouettes, including torsos "tightly cinched in cellophane," oil-slick textures, and designs mimicking "disintegrating cheerleader's pom poms."
Carrie x JW Anderson, FW22
For its Fall/Winter 2022 collection, JW Anderson drew inspiration from the cult horror film Carrie (1976), creating a capsule that celebrated its iconic fashion moment. The collection featured puffer jackets and satin shirts emblazoned with the blood-soaked prom queen image, accompanied by the tagline: "If you've got a taste for terror, take Carrie to the party."
Donnie Darko x Heaven by Marc Jacobs, 2023
Heaven by Marc Jacobs secured a major win with the 2023 Donnie Darko collaboration. This collection resonated with a generation that views the 2001 film as almost a "religion," embracing the "sad teenager" anti-hero aesthetic. Key elements of the line included the iconic Frank the Bunny mask, 'Time Travel Corp' graphics, and the unique All-In-One Zip-Up featuring a skeleton print. The campaign's authenticity was further enhanced by being filmed at the movie's original locations.
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