The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began with the release of “Iron Man” in 2008. It has since become one of the most successful movie franchises in history. Over the years, it has expanded to include multiple films and TV shows that are popular for their high-quality storytelling, action sequences and character development. MCU also has an edger due to exemplary use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) for the characters and their costumes both. With the upcoming releases of new movies and TV series, the MCU shows no signs of slowing down. Tomorrow.events foresees its influence on the fashion industry to grow even more rapidly as more brands and fashion houses continue creating collections based on Marvel’s iconic characters.
Marvel Fashion and Technology
Superhero costumes have become a significant trend in the fashion industry. Marvel Studios, the production company behind the MCU movies, has utilized AI and machine learning technologies to develop and enhance the costumes of the superheroes and villains portrayed in the films.
AI and CGI Technology
The use of AI and other advanced technologies in MCU movies has helped to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of fashion and costume design. One example of this is the use of CGI to create the intricate and detailed superhero suits that characters like Iron Man and Spider-Man wear. The use of AI and CGI allows for greater creativity and flexibility in designing and producing these suits. This results in need-based modification and adjustment for any desired look and functionality.
3D Print Technology
Another example of AI in the context of MCU costumes is the use of 3D printing technology to create various costume elements, such as masks and accessories. This technology allows for greater precision and accuracy in creating these elements, which can be critical in achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality. The use of 3D printing technology also helps in saving time in production. Costumes (or components of costumes) take days tp print instead of weeks it took in the past to create them. This has influenced the fashion industry by inspiring designers to incorporate more advanced technologies into their own work, such as 3D printing and augmented reality.
Iron Man
Tony Stark’s suit in Iron Man 2 is a result various 3D print components. The term for this process is ‘print-to-wear.’ It was printed by the designer in PLA on a Prusa i3 printer.The parts were printed and then applied using glue, paints, primers or other such materials to prepare the suit as a result making the armor look more authentic.
Guardians of the Galaxy
The production of costumes in Guardians of the Galaxy copiously uses 3D printing. Star Lord’s helmet features several 3D print parts while the main structure is a 3D print mold. The entire armor outfit of Korath the Pursuer is also a product of 3D print.
Black Panther
In the movie “Black Panther,” costume designer Ruth E. Carter used 3D printing technology to create the costumes of the Wakandan characters, and AI to create the patterns and textures of the costumes. The high-tech suit that Shuri, T’Chala’s sister, wears is designed using AI. The suit has advanced features such as energy shields and sonic disruptors, and its creation is a combination of traditional costume design techniques and AI technology. The costume designers used computer programs to design the suit and then print it using 3D printers.
Moon Knight
Parts of the costumes of Moon Knight are also a product of 3D printers. As a result it has more details such as Moon Knight’s mask is a # print mold with the fabric print on top of it. For the wings of Layla El-Faouly’s character, Scarab, the designer Meghan Kasperlik did five inches of the pattern off of the arm and the rest is a product of CGI.
MCU and the Fashion Industry
Additionally, the popularity of the MCU movies has had a significant impact on the fashion industry. The characters in the films have become iconic and their costumes have inspired fashion designers and enthusiasts around the world. The MCU movies have also influenced popular culture and mainstream fashion trends. For example, the popularity of the character Iron Man and his high-tech, futuristic style influenced the trend of wearable technology in the fashion industry.
Marvel Themes Apparel
Many fashion designers have taken inspiration from the costumes of the MCU characters and incorporated similar designs and styles into their own collections and fashion shows.
In 2016, the French fashion brand, Eleven Paris, released a collection of clothing featuring graphics and slogans inspired by the character of Iron Man. The collection included t-shirts, jackets, and other items featuring the iconic red and gold color
The French fashion shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, created a line of shoes inspired by the character of Maleficent from the Marvel comics. The shoes reflect the character’s dark, Gothic style and feature red soles and spikes.
Her Universe, the fashion brand, which specializes in geek-inspired clothing for women, has created several lines of Marvel-themed apparel featuring characters like Black Widow, Captain Marvel, and Scarlet Witch.
Luxury fashion brand, Coach, collaborated with Marvel Studios to create a collection of bags and accessories inspired by the character Spider-Man. The collection included pieces such as a backpack featuring the character’s mask and web-slinging design.
Marvel Inspired Makeup
Bésame Cosmetics is a makeup brand that has created several collections inspired by the MCU. For example, they created an Agent Carter line in 2018 and later a Captain America-themed makeup collection in 2019, which included lipsticks, eyeshadows, and a shield-shaped makeup brush set.
Marvel Inspired Accessories
Love Your Melon, a company that sells hats and apparel, partnered with Marvel in 2020 to release a line of hats and beanies inspired by Black Panther and Iron Man. A portion of the proceeds from the collection was donated to non-profit organizations supporting children battling cancer.
The luxury department store, Saks Fifth Avenue, has a versatile collection of MCU inspired pieces such as a leather jacket inspired by the character Hela, Robert Graham x Marvel Spidey Battle Graphic T-Shirt, to name a few. They carry mugs, cufflinks and ties as well in their Marvel inspired merchandise.
Loungefly is a brand that creates accessories like bags, backpacks, and wallets. They have several lines of Marvel-themed accessories, including a collection inspired by the Disney+ series WandaVision. They also have accessories of other Marvel characters including Iron Man, Spider Man, Ms. Marvel and Black Panther among others.
Hero Within is a clothing company that creates officially licensed Marvel apparel. Their collection includes jackets, blazers, and accessories inspired by characters like Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider-Man.
Marvel Themed Footwear
Adidas has a Marvel-themed collection of sneakers and athletic wear. The collection features designs inspired by Black Panther, Iron Man, Captain America, and other Marvel characters.
Nike also has sneakers inspired by Marvel characters including Hulk, Deadpool and other characters.
These are just a few examples of fashion houses that have been inspired by the MCU. It’s clear that the Marvel franchise has had a significant impact on the fashion industry. Tomorrow.events predicts it will, likely, continue to inspire designers and brands in the future. With an amazing line-up due to be released in 2023 there is a lot to look forward to!
