Colin Farrell and Kirsten Dunst's 'Beguiled' Sex Scene Was So Intense That Special Outfits Had to Be Made
Costume designer Stacey Battat talks to MarieClaire.com about working on summer's most evocative film.
The Beguiled is inarguably one of 2017's most visually opulent films, and it's in large part thanks to costume designer Stacey Battat, whose creations are best described as evocative, etherial, and "oh my god, why don't I own this exact outfit"-inducing. In an exclusive interview with MarieClaire.com, Battat shares a sketch of Elle Fanning's loveliest dress from the film, recalls an on-set fashion crisis, and breaks down the *very intense* sex scene between Colin Farrell and Kirsten Dunst.
There's a Story Behind the Adorable Bows on Elle Fanning's Wrists (AKA the Look You're About to Steal for Summer)
"The wrist bows are actually a Civil War-era detail. Elle's character was younger, so I thought maybe she didn't have jewelry for the dinner scene. But even when Nicole Kidman and Kirsten Dunst wore bracelets, they wore one on each wrist as well. It was super fun to design."
That Button-Popping Sex Scene Was Styled to a T
"We had to make multiple tops, which we'd loosen. There was one we used all the time, and there were two extras. We talked about how many times we'd cut Colin's pants, how many times we'd rip the shirt. We had prepared two shirts with the sleeve not quite sewn in so it was easy to rip—and same with the buttons‚ if you tugged on them they'd fall off. With Kirsten's bloomers, we did the same thing—they were loosely sewn together."
All That Sumptuous Lace? It Was Antique, and Hard AF to Find
"The lace is all antique, for the most part. I tried my best to use antique material, but it's very difficult. It's delicate, you have to take it out of other clothes. But there are places you can find it. There was a hardware store of all places in New Orleans that had dead stock. It wasn't from 1860, but it was similar quality."
And BTW, the Film Had a Big Fashion Crisis
"There was a really big fashion crisis moment. Someone put bleach in the washing machine and forgot, and then put clothes in the same machine. We had to remake things on the fly because the clothes were completely ruined. Stuff like that happens on all movies. It's very stressful at the time, now it just seems funny."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Holiday Glam Is Easier (and More Affordable) Than You Think
Here's proof.
By Aniyah Morinia Published
-
Amelia and Eliza Spencer Serve Major Princess Diana Energy in the Revenge Dress Reboot Nobody Saw Coming
Princess Diana's twin nieces channeled their royal aunt in off-the-shoulder black gowns.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Nicole Kidman Wears a Piece of 'Sex and the City' History
She's hardly "fashion roadkill."
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
The 100 Best Movies of All Time: The Ultimate Must-Watch Films
We consider these essential viewing.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 65 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Tasteful Nude Movies That Feel Like Art
Steamy and sensual, but in an elevated way.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published