A Series of Unfortunate Outfits

A_Series_of_Unfortunate_Events_Season_2_Behind_the_Scenes_IN_and_OUT_Netflix-2 — A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 Behind the Scenes IN and OUT Netflix-2

What is IN or Out

We've all seen the amazing costumes of both the movie and the Netflix series. The garments capture the Snicket esthetic of appearing timeless and yet unique at the same time, something that is difficult to capture in media today. They also give us context to the characters without saying anything. However, there are hardly any opportunities to see the detail and attention given to each piece, which can often be considered works of art. On this page, we are given the opportunity to see the costumes up close and personal.

A great deal of credit goes to the ASOUE costume team:

For the Movie:

Colleen Atwood, the head costume designer

For the Show:

Cynthia Summers, the head costume designer
Kelsey Chobotar, assistant costume designer
Pheobe Parsons, assistant costume designer
Lorelei Burk, costume supervisor
Courtney McKenzie, costume supervisor

Movie[]

While the movie only managed to adapt the first three novels and is not always well-liked by Snicket fans, it did set an expectation for future adaptations, especially in the costume department. Headed by Colleen Atwood, the designs for the movie were extremely detailed and keeping with the Snicket esthetic appears timeless and sophisticated. Some fans might see it as "steampunk" style, but expresses the characters' personalities in visual form. In fact, many fans have attempted to duplicate the designs, especially Violet Baudelaire's dress, which is not an easy feat.

Sketches[]

Costumes[]

Season 1[]

Expectations were high when the series came to Netflix and many fans were interested in how the characters would be dressed for the unfortunate events to come. Long time "Researchers" of the book series only had the movie to make comparisons and expectations were indeed high if the show could capture the timeless and whimsical style that made the books so engaging. When images of the show began to leak, the reactions were numerous. Some fans even objected to Violet Baudelaire wearing pink due to the multiple mentions in the book that the eldest sibling despised the colour. (Like sisters, Sunny seemed to have a distaste for it as well)

Initial impressions or first impressions in any form of media is important, especially in what the characters are wearing. It gives the viewers subtext and communicates who these characters are as people without saying anything. As Mr. Snicket states, first impressions are often entirely wrong; however, in this specific situation, the initial impressions were just perfect. Each individual costume did an excellent job of capturing the characters' personalities. From Sunny's little bonnet to Olaf's improvised costume to become Yessica Haircut, each garment made the characters memorable when appearing on the screen. Count Olaf's disguises were especially well done and captured what readers envisioned in the books and were similar to Brett Helquist's illustrations. Even Snicket himself had several costume changes in order to blend in with the particular situation that he was describing.

Season 1 Costume Sketches[]

Season 1 Costume[]

Season 2[]

A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 is when the costume designers had a lot to work with, especially with the introduction of everyone's favourite IN and OUT fashionista, Esme Squalor. The costume designs became more daring and unique, while still keeping the Snicket Esthetic. Even the Baudelaires were forced outside their comfort zones when they were on the run and had to disguise themselves by various means.

Additionally, The Vile Village Part 1 costumes were nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes.

Season 2 Costume Sketches[]

All these sketches were done by Cynthia Summers and Images are Courtesy of Netflix

Season 2 Costumes[]

The Carnivorous Carnival[]

Cynthia Summers Fotor Collage — Cynthia Summers at the Carnivorous Carnival exhibit

Season 3[]

In the third and final season of A Series of Unfortunate Events, the outstanding, a phrase which here means exceptionally good and pleasing, continued. Esme Squalor continued to be the star of the show from her fire skiing costume to her octopus costume that possibly resembled a certain Disney character. However, her "adopted" daughter of Carmelita Spats, also brought flair with her combination costumes of various jobs she might enjoy doing when she grows up. Additionally, the Baudelaires continue to adapt and disguise themselves as they become part of VFD and travel to different locations, each with their own sense of style. The viewers are even given glimpses into the past of the agents before and how they still maintained class and flair, despite the schism. Even Snicket himself comments, "If I could go back in time, I would tell him that a light gray suit looks good, but... it is easier to hide in a darker shade." Additionally, the costumes from The Penultimate Peril part 1, were nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes, no wonder Esme Squalor tried to be in fashion!