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SYFY WIRE Captain Marvel

The Captain Marvel cast takes superhero style and makes it fashion

By Emma Fraser
Captain Marvel

Carol Danvers has been through a lot of style changes over the years, including but not limited to leotards, armor, and a whole lot of clothing cut-outs. The stars of the new Captain Marvel paid homage to some of these bold looks at both the European Gala in London and the film's world premiere. Marvel knows how to turn it out and turn it up when it comes to these big fancy events, so any post-awards red carpet fatigue can be left at the door.

Just a week after being home to the Academy Awards, the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles got a Captain Marvel makeover. Brie Larson stuck with her earlier sparkly theme, but while the Celine sequinned gown was a favorite of ours, it has nothing on this spectacular custom Rodarte. There are dresses for presenting at the Oscars and there are dresses for when you are the face of a huge movie; this Rodarte very much falls into the latter column.

Captain Marvel
Larson and her stylist Samantha McMillen have hit every mark on this press tour, working closely with an array of designers. If Brie Larson wasn't already a household name, she is about to become one, and this ethereal gown was perfect for this crowning moment.

The star symbol is a vital part of Captain Marvel's — and Mar-Vell’s — superhero costume, and Larson’s frock was covered in them, which is in line with both the romantically infused Rodarte brand and this iconic character. It is a subtle beaded interpretation, as opposed to a direct attempt at bringing Carol Danvers’ superhero suit to the red carpet. Rather than cosplaying as Carol on the red carpet, Larson is sartorially tipping her hat to this character. Rodarte designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy are no strangers to using science fiction as inspiration, as their Star Wars-influenced fall ready-to-wear 2014 Rodarte collection can attest.

Captain Marvel
Her accessories also took the celestial route with a star style explosion in honor of Carol; Larson doubled down in Sydney Evan Starburst drop earrings, paired with Graziela Gems star studs.

In London, Larson dialed back the galaxy jewelry, but there was definitely a coordinated effort with both the decor and her co-stars. Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli took the “superhero but make it fashion” concept and ran with it; the striking cobalt blue gown came complete with a cape and gold lamé lining.

Captain Marvel
This number let Larson tick off the "dress with pockets" box, mostly because it's harder to pull off a fashion utility belt and all dresses should come with pockets. Not only that, but it also added the slouchy appeal. You might think it would be easy to blend into a carpet of a similar shade; however, there was definitely no chance of this happening.

Captain Marvel
Obviously, it was not a coincidence that Larson’s co-stars were doing block color in London and shimmering in Los Angeles. Red carpet coordination is a fine line to walk, as it might look too contrived, but these are not the same dress in a different shade. Far from it.

In London, Gemma Chan’s red Brandon Maxwell caped and pants two-piece appeared to be paying homage to the first Carol Danvers superhero costume from 1968. Unlike that particular style choice, this was far more practical for the red carpet, and Chan has proved she can pretty much pull any style off. Hot pink is the hot color of the moment, and their co-star Lashana Lynch delivered dramatic shoulders and a high leg slit in an on-trend Michael Costello gown. If they hadn't already shot new Charlie's Angels, then this would be a great lineup.

Captain Marvel
Switching bold block color for metallics, each woman had a different interpretation of the theme; again, this is cohesion rather than replicating. Lynch stuck to a classic red carpet silhouette in silver open-back Jovani, while Chan leaned full disco in Ralph & Russo. Overall, this is a powerful image for this cultural moment.

Captain Marvel

If a superhero was also really into disco, then this would make a great ensemble, as Chan could be heading to Studio 54 in its heyday. A floor-skimming pleated top that looks fun to twirl in and iridescent pants, which were made to Boomerang. No, really, these are perfect for Instagram Stories — head to Chan’s page before it disappears.

Captain Marvel
Other MCU stars were on hand to lend their support at the premieres, including Chadwick Boseman, looking his typically super stylish self in a jacquard Kimono Dzojchen suit as he posed with Samuel L. Jackson at the Los Angeles premiere. Jackson is looking suave AF in pinstripes.

Captain Marvel
Jackson also hung out with Chan, who changed from disco dancing vibes into something more casual. Perhaps the Fila is paying homage to the ‘90s period of the film — the sports brand is having quite the resurgence of late. Either way, she still looked effortlessly glamorous. This is what having a sartorial power looks like. Preacher star (and Chan’s boyfriend) Dominic Cooper was also working the relaxed aesthetic.

Captain Marvel
At both premieres there have been plenty of cosplayers in attendance — Larson shouted them out — but one indelible image is of Larson being interviewed by an 8-year-old girl, who also happened to be dressed as Captain Marvel. Illie was at the London premiere with nonprofit organization The Female Lead, who are “dedicated to making women’s stories more visible and offering alternative role models to those ever-present in popular culture.”

Captain Marvel is number 21 in this franchise, and while it shouldn't have taken this long to get a female-led MCU movie, images of Larson with Illie — as well as with her co-stars — show just how powerful it is to finally have a Marvel woman headlining the main event. And she, as well as her fellow cast members, are doing so in style.