Why you need to find fashion inspiration in The Matrix
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By Hannah Schmidt-Rees
Created by the Wachowski siblings in 1999, The Matrix is a cult sci-fi blockbuster. Inspired by Hong Kong action films and known for it’s plot twists and intensely choreographed fight sequences, The Matrix still holds up in todays world. Fusing together gothic and cyberpunk silhouettes with the streamlined aesthetic of futuristic technology, The Matrix singlehandedly created an aesthetic that is both incredibly unique and timeless.
(Don’t worry, in preparation for writing this article, I did watch all three films in one sitting; which was definitely just for research purposes and not for my own enjoyment.)
Influenced by Plato's Allegory of the Cave, Jean Baudrillard's Simulacra and Simulation and the work of 17th Century philosopher Rene Descartes (Cartesian Scepticism), The Matrix presents the idea that the world we experience, simply isn't real. Nothing but a simulation created by someone else or something else. Simulations of reality have become more real than the real world itself, and we have no choice but to believe the world around us. With a unique colour palette, soundtrack, storyline and fight scenes, The Matrix should be at the top of your to-watch list. But why should The Matrix be your next style inspiration? Well, simply because the world presented in The Matrix the world that we are beginning to experience right now.
“When we made The Matrix, we were aspiring to what the world could be, which is happening now.”
The world of The Matrix is incredibly diverse, full of different ethnicities, genders, ages and cultural backgrounds; a world that we are currently aiming to embrace. The threat of AI lead machines is a discussion we are currently having. 'The Construct' (the empty space in which The Matrix (the fake world) is created) is highly reminiscent of the fake lifestyle and beauty standards promoted on social media in today's world.
Designed by Kym Barrett, two different sets of costumes were created for the film; one for Zion (the real world outside The Construct) and The Construct (the fake world created and controlled by the machines). The Zion costuming was organic and distressed, a reflection of the dystopian and post-apocalyptic lifestyle of the characters. Clothing was repaired and recycled, handmade and worn for utility only. However, the clothing for The Construct was exactly that; constructed from technology and computer information. When going into the Matrix, the character's costuming wasn't restricted by resources, and could look like anything the character wanted.
“When they (the characters) go into the Matrix, they create their persona, which is how they see themselves. So that was a chance to have a little bit of fun.”
The idea of using 'The Construct' to create an 'avatar' allows the main characters to experiment with their self-image through their fashion, a contrast from the distressed and recycled nature of their clothing in the real world. When they are in The Construct, what they wear are simply projections of themselves from their own minds; "the mental projection of your digital self" as Morpheus puts it. Acting as superheroes; jumping across buildings, proficient in hand-to-hand combat and flying at some points; the long coats represent a superhero's signature cape. Trinity's iconic wardrobe made from skin-tight PVC accentuates her fighting style; flexible and fast moving. "I wanted her to seem like an oil slick. She's there, but she's not there." (Kym Barrett). Being 'The One', Neo's costuming referenced multiple cultures and religions. Mixing Japanese Samurai, 18th century Chinese warriors with western religious figures (specifically 'cassocks' worn by clergy leaders), Neo's fashion embodies the powerful qualities of multiple cultures to achieve and reflect his destiny.
Capturing the zeitgeist of the 90s western world, the film's touchstone to minimalist and bleak/monochromatic colour schemes was a reflection of the social climate at the time. Released in 1999, The Matrix became popular because it provided an answer to the audience's concern of what the next millennium would look like. With the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, the consideration of doomsday threats and the Y2K scandal, the Matrix is a perfect reflection of the 90s zeitgeist.
Whilst the majority of the costuming was custom-made for each character, the sunglasses were the most unique. Every character that knew the truth about the Matrix wore glasses, the hiding of their eyes and who they really were, to add mystery and to conceal what they were really looking at. Every character had three pairs custom-made for them, both in style and exact fit (each actor had to have plaster head casts to ensure the glasses fit perfectly). Barrett commission indie designer Richard Walker (from Blinde Design) to hand make each pair. Since every aspect of the character's 'avatar' costume is custom-made, not exactly referencing a specific fashion trend or culture, they've successfully stood up against the test of time.
As the characters evolve throughout the three films, so does their fashion. Starting with Trinity, she becomes more aware as a woman rather than an army lieutenant. As she falls in love, her clothing becomes more curvy and rounded. Morpheus' look become more royal, his signature coat becomes longer; reminiscent of a royal robe as Morpheus becomes a leader in the final film. Lastly, as Neo grows into himself and his 'chosen one' status, his fashion becomes more serene and monk-like. His coat in The Matrix: Revolutions is highly reminiscent of traditional Chinese clothing and western religious uniforms, which is completely different to his utilitarian costuming in the first Matrix film.
The Matrix's influence in the fashion world isn't hard to recognise. John Galliano references the original film in his Fall Haute Couture Collection for Christian Dior in 1999 (just months after the film was released). Kanye West's Fall 2015 collection references the distressed neutral knitwear in the real world. Alexander Wang's Fall 2018 Ready-To-Wear collection features long leather coats inspired by Trinity. Whilst the influence of The Matrix is easy to see on the runway, it's influence is also clearly seen in recent streetwear/street style trends. The return of the statement eyewear trend in 2017 is without a doubt a reference. The return of utilitarian fashion in 2018 is also a reference (especially to the lobby scene in the first film). The introduction of cyberpunk-inspired fashion is a reference to the society explored in The Matrix.
In the age of Millennials and Generation Y's having a major impact on today's influences and pop culture (as they all would be influential adults by now), it's no surprise that The Matrix is constantly referenced. Millennials and Generation Y's grew up in a time of vast technological advancement, as well as grim concern for the unstable nature of their current and future societies. The two aspects are thoroughly explored in The Matrix, so when you think about it, it just makes sense.
“The costumes are reflecting back more obviously to what’s really going on in the world. So maybe subconsciously, people are connecting to it.”
The world around us is becoming more and more similar to The Matrix. The increased influence of technology, AI and social media in our everyday lives is creating a new world order that is far from the real world around us. We are becoming so invested in what's being shown to us from the screens in our hands than in the world around us. With the new generations growing up with technology and social media already in their hands, who's to say that they're not growing up in a modern version of Plato's Allegory of the Cave? Who's to say that we haven’t transitioned into the Matrix already and just haven't realised it yet?
The Matrix needs to become your next style inspiration because in my opinion, we're now in the Matrix. We're now too invested in the simulated world that it's far too late to turn back now. Our only choice now is to; follow the white rabbit and take the red pill. Reinvest yourself in the real world. Stand back from technology and reconnect with your surroundings. Bring attention to the simulated lifestyle we're living. Stand out from the masses and live your truth; and if that means finding your own pair of statement sunglasses or getting your own leather coat, then so be it. Create your own ‘avatar’; wear an intense black coat, embrace PVC materials, go as utilitarian as you want. The world around us is barely real anymore, so wear whatever you want.
The Matrix will always have a special place in my heart. I remember watching the films as a kid, loving the intense soundtracks, the fight scenes and (obviously) the costuming. I found the flowing black trench coats, utilitarian details and distressed knitwear incredibly interesting. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that I realised how much my personal style is inadvertently inspired by The Matrix. And after researching for and writing this article, I'm planning on infusing more of The Matrix fashion into my wardrobe (and I encourage you to do so too!). Who doesn't want to look like a badass gothic cyberpunk character that knows the truth about the world around them?
And in case you're wondering, yes I'm now going to buy a pair of those sunglasses that Neo wears in The Matrix: Revolutions. I need them in my life.