Lydia Deetz’s Elvira-Inspired Look in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Revealed

Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” draws inspiration from Elvira through costume designer Colleen Atwood’s thrift store find. Atwood, a long-time collaborator of Tim Burton, emphasizes character evolution in the sequel. The costumes visually express unexpected pasts, while the designs embody a detailed narrative reflecting the cast’s quirky buried histories.

In the whimsical world of the long-awaited sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” audiences once again journey alongside Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder, who now helms a reality show called “Ghost House.” This new iteration, set 35 years after the original, showcases Lydia’s eclectic style, heavily influenced by the iconic Elvira. Costume designer Colleen Atwood, her collaborator before, dug up a thrift store gem to craft Lydia’s striking ensemble, adding her unique flair to embody a goth-glam aesthetic that would resonate with Elvira fans everywhere. Atwood’s accolades span decades, including a prestigious Creative Impact award from Variety. She recounted her journey at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, emphasizing her gratitude for every opportunity, especially when working with the formidable director Tim Burton. Their long-standing partnership is reflected in numerous celebrated projects, illustrating a bond fueled by creative synergy. When Burton summoned her for the sequel, it marked another collaborative chapter in their artistic saga. As Ryder and the original cast reunite, Atwood’s approach to costuming is akin to peeling back the layers of a family portrait, revealing the eccentricity and transformation of beloved characters. Although she wasn’t responsible for the original 1988 designs, Atwood ensured that Beetlejuice’s updated wardrobe reflected his evolution through the afterlife, aging him and bringing a seedier quality to the character. Atwood described how the creative process with Burton involved delving into the textures of fabrics, observing his reactions like a maestro gauging the rhythm of an orchestra. Together, they conjured vivid depictions of the characters’ untimely demises, weaving their stories into their garb—whether it was depicting a drowning, a tragic car accident, or a terrifying shark encounter. Each costume tells a story, a snapshot of the characters’ quirky past, waiting to unfold in the batty universe of Beetlejuice.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” resurrects the beloved character Lydia Deetz, now transformed into a goth-glam reality show host, navigating a world filled with supernatural chaos. Costume design plays a pivotal role in bridging nostalgia and new storytelling; Colleen Atwood’s ambitious designs invoke inspirations from iconic figures like Elvira. Her collaboration with Tim Burton enriches the film with nuanced costumes that mirror character evolution while highlighting their otherworldly journeys with vivid storytelling.

In “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Colleen Atwood seamlessly channels Elvira’s essence into Lydia Deetz’s captivating ensemble, marrying nostalgia with a contemporary twist. Her collaboration with Tim Burton continues to illustrate their deep creative bond, paving the way for garments that tell rich, vivid tales of transformation. As characters face their eccentric pasts, Atwood’s imaginative designs weave a spellbinding narrative in the supernatural realm, keeping the spirit of the original film alive while engaging new audiences.

Original Source: variety.com