Blade Runner Fashion

Sean Young as Rachael

This week Mirror80 celebrates the cinematic wonder that is Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Today we explore the film’s amazing costume design by Michael Kaplan and Charles Knode, as well as its fashion-forward possibilities! With at least part of Blade Runner‘s inspiration rooted in 1940s film noir, it makes sense that the movie’s leads would be decked out in detective- and ’40s-inspired fashion. With a modern twist, of course.

Deckard

Let’s start with Deckard (Harrison Ford), our main character who sports a collar-raising take on a detective trench coat. Though a bit tricky to spot, also note his flecked black shirt and checkered tie:

Harrison Ford as Deckard

To channel our favorite Blade Runner detective, we recommend the following:

Fashion and accessories inspired by Blade Runner’s Deckard

While a trench coat with a raised collar will go far in creating a Deckard costume, we opted for a less bulky take on the character with this Men’s 60s leather jacket (top left) by Etsy shop Average Joe Vintage, a colorful collection of retro finds. Streamlined and accented with diagonal lines that join to form a chevron pattern, the jacket blends a touch of the past with a hint of the future. Don’t fight your urge to raise the collar!

The checkered tie (top right) comes from eBay store The Movie Shop, a great source of costumes and accessories for the film enthusiast. A replica of the tie Deckard nonchalantly wears in the film, this find continues to exude contemporary appeal. Pair it with a Gucci black grid shirt (bottom right) from Gucci online to complete the look.

As for other items we couldn’t resist, we start with an origami horse made of silver poly resin (top right), available at Z Gallerie. It may not be the origami unicorn nearly crushed by Deckard while leaving his apartment in the final scene of the film, but it’s a good start! We finish with a CiBi Double Old Fashion glass by Cini Boeri (bottom left), available through Tuscan Hills. Designed in 1973, this glass and its barware counterparts rose to fame after Deckard drank from it in key Blade Runner scenes.

Rachael

Then there’s replicant Rachael, played by the lovely Sean Young. Evoking the 1940s, the future, (and a bit of flight attendant fashion), Rachael’s costumes are unforgettable. We’d expect nothing less for the wardrobe of a genetically engineered robot:

Sean Young as Rachael

For a look influenced by Rachael, head to awesome Etsy shop Little Iowa Vintage for this Blade Runner Suede Motorcycle Dress, which shop owner Janna tells us is as wonderfully comfortable as it is stylish. Pair it with black heels from Anne Klein, available through Zappos.com:

An ensemble fit for Rachael

To continue Rachael’s look with an edgy take on vintage glamour, add these finds:

Fashion inspired by Blade Runner’s Rachael

Reminiscent of the fur and brocade coat worn by Sean Young in key scenes, go for this Vintage Faux Fur Coat (above, left) from Etsy shop Big Yellow Taxi Vintage, which offers a large assortment of unique retro clothing and accessory items.

Peel an onion and it has many layers. In the moments leading up to the love scene, Rachael removes her coat to reveal a horizontal-striped jacket with a crossover tie (shown at the top of this post), then eventually unbuttons that lovely garment to unearth a romantic blouse. This Harper blouse from Daks (above, bottom right) is high-fashion and old-fashioned at the same time. Finish the look with Semi-Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red by Nars.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our trip to Blade Runner’s Los Angeles of 2019. While cluttered and virtually devoid of sunlight, at least the fashion didn’t have to suffer. A special thank-you to eBay store The Movie Shop, and to Etsy shops Average Joe Vintage, Little Iowa Vintage, and Big Yellow Taxi Vintage for making this post possible!