Reflection Of The Costume On The Time-honoured Character

Firstly, at the beginning of the movie you might see Napoleon, the emperor-to-be, in a position of limited means. In fact, after the Siege of Toulon, he faced financial difficulties so he was unable to afford a traditional, elaborately embroidered general's uniform. Therefore, the designer mirrored his status crafting his costume as a civilian coat with a flat collar. Later, he was wearing the fully embroidered general’s costume.

The next one is the correction. According to the designers, the costumes for the correction is entirely inspired by the picture, the Coronation of Napoleon, by the artist named Jacques-Louis David. Napoleon Bonaparte is depicted standing tall and majestic in the centre of the composition. He is dressed in regal attire, wearing a golden coronation robe and a laurel wreath on his head, symbolizing victory and glory. Napoleon is in the act of crowning himself Emperor of the French, while Empress Josephine kneels beside him, receiving her crown. The painting captures the solemnity and grandeur of the coronation ceremony, portraying Napoleon as a powerful and authoritative figure at the pinnacle of his reign. 

Upon his coronation as emperor, on campaigns he wore the famous green coat, a plain grey riding coat, and a plain black bi-corn. The green coat became iconic as it was worn by Napoleon during many significant military victories and campaigns, including the Battle of Marengo and the Battle of Austerlitz.

Empire Waistline

The empire waistline style originated in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly during the Regency era in England and the Napoleonic era in France. During this time, the fashion favoured a high waistline positioned just below the bust, creating a long and slender silhouette.

-The empire waistline was popularized by Empress Josephine, Napoleon's first wife, who frequently wore dresses with this style. The simplicity and elegance of the empire waistline became associated with romanticism and femininity, offering a departure from the structured and restrictive fashion of previous eras. This style of dress was often made from lightweight fabrics such as muslin or silk, featuring delicate embroidery, ruffles, and lace trimmings.

Modern Fashion Trends Incorporating Empire Waistlines

1.Bohemian Dresses: Flowing maxi dresses with empire waistlines are popular for their relaxed and free-spirited vibe, often featuring floral prints, crochet detailing, and billowy sleeves.

2. Maternity Wear: Empire waistlines are ideal for maternity wear due to their comfortable and flattering fit.

3. Vintage-Inspired Fashion: Tea dresses, swing dresses, and 1940s-inspired frocks frequently feature this waistline style, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless glamour.

4. Bridal Gowns: Wedding dresses with empire waistlines are often adorned with lace, beading, or intricate embroidery, creating a graceful and feminine silhouette for brides.

Disclaimer: 'Napoleon' was released in the UK on November 22, 2023, and the designers, Janty Yates and Dave Crossman, were nominated for Best Costume Design in 2024 Oscar.