New stills from the third installment of Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi saga "Dune" have emerged online, and alongside the character photos, creators have revealed details about their costumes. Costume designer Jacqueline West, in an exclusive interview with Vogue (citing a publication by Wave RBC.UA), shared that the outfits for Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Robert Pattinson were inspired by medieval fashion, religious art, the paintings of Francisco Goya, the works of Cristóbal Balenciaga, and even the cult 1976 horror film "Carrie". Set roughly 20 years after the finale of the previous movie, this time jump, according to West, defined the shift in the film's overall aesthetic.
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
While previous installments blended modern and medieval motifs, the designer now deliberately turned to the Renaissance, religious attire, and Balenciaga's legacy. The team paid special attention to how clothing conveys the characters' internal transformations. Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, no longer looks like a young heir to the throne; he is now a powerful emperor burdened by his own decisions. Heavy robes made of thick fabrics, leather, and intricate embroidery were created for him. An unexpected source of inspiration was American billionaire Howard Hughes, who spent the final years of his life almost completely isolated from the world.
Chani's Practicality and Irulan's "Blue Whale Fur"
Meanwhile, Chani, played by Zendaya, maintains a close connection to Fremen culture: her clothing remains practical, understated, and close to traditional desert gear. One of the most fascinating costumes is the cape worn by Empress Irulan (Florence Pugh). The literary source material mentioned an unusual material — "blue whale fur." To capture this fantastical texture, the team discovered an icy blue synthetic fabric with a distinctive sheen in Italy. Blue dominates Irulan's wardrobe, highlighting her loneliness and unhappy marriage, complemented by handmade, collapsible metal headpieces.
Alia’s White Silhouettes and an Unsettling Skytale
Anya Taylor-Joy’s Alia Atreides received an equally unique look: her outfits are predominantly white, featuring long silhouettes and religious motifs. West drew inspiration from Giotto's paintings, Sufi attire, and a photograph of an Iranian woman in a white chador and dark sunglasses. Another reference was the famous blood-covered prom scene from the 1976 film "Carrie". In the third installment, Robert Pattinson plays Skytale, a shape-shifting character. For his costumes, the designer researched the history of the papal court in Avignon and religious imagery of past centuries to make the character visually unsettling and menacing. Jason Momoa returns as Hayt, a genetically engineered clone of Duncan Idaho, whose lavish costumes reflect the status of a character presented to the emperor as a special gift.
Desert Survival Technology
A separate challenge for the artists was the protective suits that help Arrakis residents survive in the desert. In the new film, they have become tighter and more streamlined, resembling diving gear: they were crafted from specially developed lycra with a rubber-like coating, combining elastic fabric with hard molded pieces. Due to the extreme heat on set, cooling systems were created for the actors, with tubes circulating cold water beneath the suits. Meanwhile, some of the fabrics for the imperial robes were handmade by Italian artisans.
The third installment will conclude Denis Villeneuve's cinematic trilogy based on Frank Herbert's novels. The plot centers on Paul Atreides who, after nearly two decades of rule, is forced to confront new threats, political conspiracies, and the consequences of his own power. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem will reprise their roles. The worldwide release of "Dune: Part Three" is scheduled for December 2026: hitting US theaters on December 18, with international distribution starting December 16.
