An Indie Film Journey Celebrating Creative Hat Designs
Hats Take Center Stage in the Fantasy Film "100 Nights of Hero"
In the medieval fantasy realm of Migal Bavel, the film 100 Nights of Hero blends modern dialogue and contemporary fashion, featuring characters adorned in pieces from designers like Cecilie Bahnsen. Directed by Julia Jackman and based on Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel, the film includes pop sensation Charli XCX among its cast. The result is a timeless aesthetic, despite the absence of a historical foundation.
At the forefront of this unique visual style is the film’s costume designer, Susie Coulthard, whose innovative use of millinery transformed the traditional portrayal of medieval attire. “It immediately just sprung to mind as I was reading the script,” Coulthard explained in a recent interview. Her vision was inspired by a Steven Meisel photo shoot from the March 2006 issue of Vogue Italia, known for its unconventional styles.
Coulthard collaborated with renowned hat makers Adèle Mildred and Gabrielle Djanogly to craft a collection of eleven bespoke hats, plus an additional thirty sourced from various outlets. These designs range from ominous hoods worn by the film’s antagonists to whimsical bonnets that highlight the personalities of the characters. For instance, Emma Corrin’s maidservant, Hero, sports a distinctive hat that resembles a delicately placed handkerchief.
Maika Monroe’s character, Cherry, is depicted wearing two specially designed bonnets that convey both innocence and underlying complexity. "What Susie wanted with Cherry was to show her chasteness," Mildred noted, pointing out a black square-topped bonnet that symbolically balances Cherry’s apparent purity with a sense of agency.
Coulthard enjoyed the creative freedom afforded by the fantasy genre, enabling her to blend elements from diverse cultures and historical periods. This artistic choice resulted in headpieces like Cherry’s bonnet, inspired by both the Dutch masters and ancient folk costumes. Each piece was meticulously hand-stitched, creating a sense of continuity and timelessness.
The emphasis on hats was not only an artistic decision but also a practical one. Coulthard highlighted that hats, being prominent in frame, offer greater visibility than other elements of costume, making them a cost-effective choice within the budgetary constraints of independent filmmaking. "It’s more impact for the money,” she noted, elaborating on the strategic importance of headwear.
However, integrating millinery into the film also posed challenges. "Putting hats on screen can be quite difficult," Coulthard admitted, citing the need for cohesion between headgear and garments from other departments. Mildred added, “You’d be surprised how hard it is to match whites.”
Not every actor suits the various hat styles, but Coulthard felt confident in her cast. Both Monroe and Corrin received praise from the team for their ability to pull off the designs: “They have hat heads,” said Djanogly, underscoring the significance of the characters’ headgear in embodying their roles.
The awe-inspiring millinery in 100 Nights of Hero serves not just as a stylish element but also enhances the narrative depth of the film, illustrating the ways fashion can influence character portrayal.
