Twenty years after she first graced our screens, we remain entranced by Padmé Amidala’s style in Star Wars. In almost every scene, she is adorned in something different. Her style includes sophisticated, regal garments, battle attire, and ethereal, flowing gowns. We are left wondering what it would be like to transcend the mundanity of everyday clothing, to shed the university student garb, and instead embody the Queen of Naboo and Senator in the Galactic Senate.
I have to give my clothing some credit, there is no better feeling than changing into joggers after a long day of wearing… (cue gasp) jeans. If I were Padmé, I would eventually come to long for my joggers too. But it is fun to dream of a world where you can dress in an iridescent, flowing nightgown to bed instead of your ragged t-shirt from five years ago.
Padmé’s style is alluring because of its otherworldliness. There is a whimsical feeling to imagining yourself as a fairy, a mermaid, or a Queen/Senator. Also, many dream of an alternate world in which they not only wear her clothing, but also embody her essence, as a kind, strong, and knowledgeable woman.
This is highly idealised. Padmé represents ideal femininity. Many of us grew up watching Star Wars, imagining ourselves embodying such a woman one day. However, the high femininity depicted in high fantasy is just that, a fantasy. This is limiting, but many of us do sometimes feel an intrinsic desire to fulfil this femininity.
But Padmé’s style is also nostalgic. At least for me, when I was a child, her costumes were fascinating. I admired how they developed her character in each scene.
If so many of us dream of Padmé’s style, then why don’t we all dress like her? Well, her costumes do not belong to our world. Costume Designer, Trisha Biggar said that: “We explored many of earth’s ancient and modern civilisations and cultures, historical, contemporary and ethnic costumes and—as there were no constraints—we drew inspiration and ideas from all over the world.” However, perhaps there are a few ways to incorporate Padmé’s style into our own. Let’s try to break her costumes down to their basic components.
Fit
Obviously, not many of us will want to replicate Padmé’s regal costumes, as they are excessively constrictive and elaborate. As for her other costumes, they are often loose and flowy.
Fabric
Biggar noted the “romantic, lush fabrics like smocked velvet, silk satins and chiffons”. These are notably soft, graceful fabrics. Many of her costumes involve layering different fabrics to create a textured appearance.
Details
Although taking note of the fit and fabric of your favourite Padmé costumes can be helpful, I think that the best way to incorporate her style into your own is to pay attention to detail.
Many of Padmé’s costumes are intricate, with ornamentation such as embroidery. Even her hairstyles contribute to her costumes. She often wears braids or waves in her hair, accompanied by lavish hair accessories such as headbands and hairpieces.
Fan Favourites
If you need inspiration (though I doubt it, with so many costumes to choose from), here are some fan favourites. To begin with, my favourite has surprisingly always been the Peasant Disguise in Tatooine in Episode I. It is comfy and straightforward, with hair that elevated the entire look. While the style is very intricate, it is practical too; it portrays her duality, at once a Queen and a woman on a mission.
I think that we can all agree that her most iconic costume is the White Action Attire in Geonosis in Episode II. Here, Padmé is a strong and independent fighter.
An honourable mention goes to the Meadow Dress in Episode II, which so many fans have remade. It is the epitome of ethereality and romance, flowy and ornamented.
Of course, her regal costumes can’t be ignored. Inspired by Mongol rulers, they convey power at once. Biggar said that: “Her costumes in lavishly embellished royal reds and purples, reflect the confines and constraints of her formal, regal and ceremonial position, her emotions obscured by Kabuki style make-up”. Padmé’s costumes are not just for aesthetic purposes; they also convey her story and her role.
Although twenty years have passed, Padmé Amidala’s style remains a source of both admiration and inspiration for many. They demonstrate the nuances of femininity. Padmé is a Queen and a Senator, a fighter and a lover. Her style reflects her sophistication and transcends the boundaries of our daily attire. She is an idealisation, but perhaps one day, in a galaxy far, far away, when we are getting ready for a debate in the Galactic Senate, we will at last turn to her seriously for inspiration. For now, we can be satisfied with incorporating elements of her style into our Earthly garb.