TNT’s small-screen adaptation of Bong Joon-Ho’s grim futuristic sci-fi film Snowpiercer ended its first season run in July 2020. While no exact date has been given, the network recently announced it renewed the series for a second season due sometime in 2021.
The show takes place following a global weather catastrophe that has left the world’s remaining population aboard a globetrotting locomotive. The inhabitants are divided into the haves and have-nots, fostering a tense relation among the socially stratified citizens. And just like the movie that it’s based on,Snowpiercer has an array of vintage and futuristic costumes.
Josie’s Tattered Garb
Although quite drab and unglamorous, the ratty and tattered clothing of the impoverished proletariat in the film is nothing if not believable.
One good example of this comes from the character of Josie Wellstead (Katie McGuinness), who sports a filthy oversized sweater with large stains and holes in the back. The costuming of Josie and her indigent ilk help set a tone for the show and form a counterpoint to the more upscale costumes in the show.
Miss Audrey’s Robe & Neglige
Speaking of more upscale garb, Miss Audrey (Lena Hall) dons some of the fanciest and most glamorous costumes in the show. Among her elegant digs includes a sexy negligee.
In specific, Miss Audrey rocks an open Fuschia-colored robe to reveal racy lingerie beneath. The bottom half of the lingerie is brownish-beige while the upper-half is a lacy, black, partially see-through blouse. She also wears a long matching hair-net.
Melanie Cavill’s Bedazzled Nightgown
When the more mature, grown-up characters in the show frequent the raucous Adult Car during certain evenings, the most eye-popping outfits tend to come out of the closet.
One of the best examples includes Melanie Cavill’s (Jennifer Connelly) sparkly black patent leather dress she wears for a night out during episode three, Access is Power. The sleek and bedazzled long-sleeved gown an outfit she wears after arranging a public fight onboard the train.
Retro-Futuristic Military Uniform
Although quite dusty and musty looking, the retro-futuristic military uniform worn by such characters as Bojan Boscovic (Aleks Paunovic), a patrolling Beachworker who has one of the most dangerous jobs aboard the train.
The baggy uniform seems to fuse elements of traditional military garb, aeronautical suits, fighter pilot uniforms, and the like. The large shoulder pads, serpentine contours, and strange design patterns make the outfits feel both natural and foreign to this world.
Bess Till’s Train Uniform
One of the sharper, more impeccable costumes in Snowpiercer is the pristine uniforms worn by the train’s staff members. The professional appearance of the uniform instantly establishes the authority of those wearing it and serves as a wild contrast between the clothing of those in the tail of the train.
Bess Till (Mickey Summer) is one of the main characters seen wearing the uniform multiple times, as she serves as one of the chief Brakemen and works as a security guard for the train.
Lilah Folger’s Rainbow Blouse
In the eighth episode of Season 1, These Are His Revolutions, old-money lawyer Lilah Folger (Kerry O’Malley) breaks out an eye-catching rainbow silk blouse topped with a mountain of pearls.
Folger plays a character hell-bent on protecting her fortune and ensuring nothing bad happens to her daughter, LJ (Annalise Basso). Unfortunately, Lilah suffers a terrible fate near the end of season 1 when a trio of inhabitants disconnects one of the railway cars.
Ruth Wardell’s Top Hat & Tail
As Melanie’s chief confidant, Ruth Wardell (Alison Wright) spends most of her time on the show coddling the rich First Class citizens and expelling troublesome tail-enders.
In episode 2 of the series, Ruth busts out a snazzy top-hat and long-coattail to perform a musical number on stage. Her nails are painted black to match her blazer and have bedazzled tear-drops placed below her left eye.
Pike’s Purple Silk Shawl
One of the strongest and most memorable characters residing in the tail of the train is Pike (Steven Ogg), a hardened armed robber turned faithful warrior fighting on behalf of his people.
In the season 2 finale, Pike can be seen sporting a stylish silk purple shawl with a floral pattern. He wears the garment over a matching purple and yellow hatched long-sleeve coat. The costume differs wildly from Pike’s trademark fur coat.
Miss Audrey’s See-Through Slip
In episode 3, Access is Power, the affluent population of the train is treated to a wild nightclub party involving a lurid strip-tease by Miss Audrey. When she removes her fur coat, she reveals a risque see-through number.
The lacy strap-gown appears to be gold and black with an elegant crisscross pattern going all the way down. Miss Audrey also sports a matching gold tiara pins extruding from her crown.
Melanie Cavill’s Power Suit
Most might agree that the number one best suit on Snowpiercer so far is the blue power-suit worn by Melanie Cavill in multiple episodes of the first season.
The sharp triangular lapel and high-collard coat call to mind fashion from the 1950s and 1960s. The three-button jacket is matched by a moderately-lengthened blue skirt. The costume is not only worn by Melanie but often by her first in command, Ruth Wardell as well.
