The best looks from the Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes trailer
Lionsgate
From the rags of District 12 to the indulgent camp of The Capitol, the original Hunger Games films leaned into their elaborate costume design to portal viewers into the fictional world of Panem. The fashions of the franchise are distinct and recognizable. One of the most iconic staples of the Hunger Games costume design was Katniss Everdeen’s Mockingjay pin, but the pastel glamour of Effie Trinket and ever-present white roses on the lapels of President Snow’s formal ensembles are just as memorable.
Fans can thank costume designers Judianna Makovsky (The Hunger Games), Trish Summerville (Catching Fire), and duo Kurt & Bart (Mockingjay: Part I, Mockingjay: Part II) for the success of the films’ attire.
Trish Summerville will return to the franchise for the latest expansion to the universe: an adaptation of Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins’ series prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Lucy Gray Baird’s Dress
Katcy Stephens
This colorful custom dress is sure to be the most talked-about look from Songbirds & Snakes. Rachel Zegler will wear it throughout the film even, as it appears in the trailer, into the Games themselves. The silhouette and color palette are not far from the dress Lucy wears in the novel version of this story. Lucy’s costume is defiant in its material optimism and innocent frills. Rounding out this cheerful ensemble is a corseted back and tall boots that add a slightly tactical component. The dress conveys the innocence of its wearer, while also acting as a vessel for Lucy to maintain her personality against the grimness of her story through her appearance.
Snow’s lapel rose makes an entrance
Lionsgate
In a sure nod to the costume design of Donald Sutherland’s older President Snow seen in the original Hunger Games films, the younger Coriolanus, portrayed by Tom Blyth, wears a red rose on his lapel. It accessorizes a brown vest over a striped white shirt with a stiff collar and slightly puffed sleeves that I would honestly wear. The story behind Snow’s floral embellishments has to do with him covering up the smell of poison on his breath with a floral fragrance, but any more explanation than that might be a spoiler.
Tigris’ Bedazzled Robe
Lionsgate
Hunter Schafer appears as a young Tigris in a velvet robe embroidered with depictions of suns, crowns, and other shapes that are more difficult to decipher in the quick flash we get of her in this costume. This look screams designer-off-duty, which is right on target for the personality of President Snow’s cousin who betrays him by helping to disguise Katniss Everdeen and her team of District 13 rebels in Mockingjay.
Dr. Gaul’s Gory Ombré
Lionsgate
Head Gamemaker Dr. Gaul, portrayed by the iconic Viola Davis, appears in a dip-dyed ombré dress and white trousers that could be comprised of some blend of lightweight cotton or linen. It looks flat out comfy, to be frank. Gaul's villainous set is complimented with what appear to be lug sole derby shoes.
Monochromatic Outerwear
Lionsgate
This is the look I’d want to steal for myself if I had the opportunity. Coriolanus stalks through the Capitol in an enviable red coat, textured red vest and red trousers. The collar of the coat appears to be further stylized with more texture, different from that of the vest but not so visually imperative as to be overstimulating alongside it. The crisp white shirt underneath once again features a stiff collar. Aside from being an excellent costume choice for Snow’s character, this ensemble is simply good menswear design.
Tigris in pastel pink again
Lionsgate
Hunter Schafer’s bleached brows are on full display in this snippet. We see a glimpse of Tigris in a silky pink blazer with large, pointed shoulders, which shows in stark contrast to the red uniforms seen on every single individual in the rest of the frame.
