The final season of the acclaimed Netflix series, Stranger Things, is now available for streaming, and costume designer Amy Parris plays a crucial role in bringing the characters to life. For Parris, costume design transcends mere aesthetics; she views her work as a form of storytelling. “Costume designers are storytellers,” she remarked, highlighting how clothing can express both overt and subtle aspects of a character’s journey.
As Parris joined the production team, she faced the challenge of evolving the show’s established aesthetic while introducing fresh elements for the final season. “I didn’t show up empty-handed,” she recalled of her first meeting, where she brought inspiration boards to reflect the changing tone of the series. The new season takes place in a summer setting, prompting Parris to delve into her collection of old family photographs and 1980s magazines. “I think the producers were really excited to see the show in a lighter, brighter tone,” she added.
Challenges of Costume Design in Season Five
Despite the colorful attire seen in Season Three, Stranger Things has shifted to a darker visual language, particularly in its fifth installment. Parris noted that this season presents unique challenges, including fewer costume changes for the ensemble cast. “The challenge in that is making sure the outfit is something telling their story while being pleasing to watch,” she explained. The need for comfort, especially in Atlanta’s diverse weather, adds another layer of complexity.
The final season also requires numerous costume duplicates to accommodate the action-packed storyline. “This season has a lot of action, so many multiples were needed for all that the cast goes through,” Parris stated. The ensemble includes returning favorites like Winona Ryder and Finn Wolfhard, alongside newcomers such as Jake Connelly, who plays a character named Derek.
To curate the wardrobe, Parris drew inspiration from 1980s cinema, referencing films that encapsulate the era’s spirit. “I was looking at movies with school bullies in 1987,” she shared, noting titles like “Three O’Clock High” and “Adventures in Babysitting” as valuable resources. “When I saw Jake, I realized we could go in a completely different direction,” she added, highlighting the importance of adapting characters’ attire to fit their narratives.
Character Growth Reflected in Wardrobe
Parris expressed pride in the character development showcased through costume choices across the series. She noted how the clothing evolves as characters transition from adolescence to young adulthood. “You’ll see patterns and silhouettes change and become more mature,” she explained. For example, Dustin’s wardrobe reflects his emotional state, transitioning from lighter to darker colors as he grapples with personal challenges.
The clothing also serves to symbolize characters’ journeys, as seen in Hopper‘s protective attire and Eleven‘s training gear, which showcases her strength. “The clothing goes through a lot,” Parris remarked, while teasing that many revelations await in the series finale.
The fifth season of Stranger Things follows telekinetic teen Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, and her friends as they confront the evil entity, Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower. The first part of the season is currently available for streaming, with the second part set to debut on December 25, 2024, and the series finale scheduled for December 31, 2024.
Parris’s insights into the costume design process reveal the intricate balance between visual storytelling and character development that defines Stranger Things. As the series approaches its conclusion, the costumes will undoubtedly continue to enhance the narrative, offering viewers a vivid glimpse into the characters’ lives and the cultural backdrop of the 1980s.
