Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane are costume contenders in The Hunger Games sequel

Hunger Games Alexander McQueen costumes
Left: Photography by Peter Stigter; Right: Image courtesy capitolcouture.pn
Hunger Games Alexander McQueen costumes
Left: Photography by Peter Stigter; Right: Image courtesy capitolcouture.pn

Despite being set in a dystopian future, style inspiration for the highly anticipated second Hunger Games film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire seems to be rooted in the futuristic fashions of today. In a series of stills gradually being released by the studio, Jennifer Lawrence and Elizabeth Banks are shown wearing looks that appear to be inspired by the Fall 2012 collections of Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane.

The Telegraph has confirmed that brand representatives from Alexander McQueen are denying that any dresses were custom-made for the movie, but the style inspiration is unmistakable. In one image Banks, who plays the uptight Effie Trinket, wears a standout look with red ruffles that fits right in with Sarah Burton’s Fall 2012 Alexander McQueen collection. Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence also dons a McQueen-esque look in a promotional image which shows Katniss Everdeen looking as regal as a queen. The Telegraph shares another image that has Katniss on stage with co-winner of the Hunger Games and potential love interest Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) wearing a sleek dress with Christopher Kane’s signature moiré pattern from his Fall 2012 collection.

The first Hunger Games film was known for its over the top, almost comical costumes to represent the Capitol’s frivolous lifestyle in contrast to the poorer districts. So why the sudden turn to a more serious high fashion look? Credit goes to new costume designer Trish Summerville, who replaces Judianna Makovsky from the first film. Summerville’s previous work includes Rooney Mara’s fashion transformation for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. If that film is anything to go by, it’s clear that Summerville’s sartorial choices for The Hunger Games will be making a fashion statement upon the Catching Fire’s release this fall.

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