Yesterday, a Christmas Queen! Today, a sparkly femme fatale. In 1992’s Batman Returns, directed by Tim Burton, Michelle Pfeiffer got the chance to tear up the screen as the literally unraveling Selina Kyle, more commonly known as Catwoman. You can read our piece on the meanings and implications of her iconic cat-themed costume here. For now, we’re more interested in the character’s one moment of high-end glamour.
Selina, a formerly mousey secretary to retail mogul Max Schreck turned feline femme fatale by the latter’s attempt to murder her, has been spending the film tormenting Batman in her Catwoman identity while circling Bruce Wayne romantically in her civilian persona. Here, she arrives at Schreck’s annual Christmas charity gala, where she runs into Bruce, figures out his identity, and reveals that she came here to kill her boss.
As you can see, she has a ladylike gun and a sparkly garter to match her dress. Catwoman is prepared. Catwoman accessorizes well. It also tends to illustrate her whole vibe and arc. She’s stunningly beautiful and desirable on the outside, but underneath, she’s violently unstable. As for the gown itself, it’s one of those inarguable cinema looks, created by costume designer Mary Vogt. You put 1992 Michelle Pfeiffer in a slinky beaded black gown, give her what may be the best beat her mug ever sported on film, and she’s going to pretty much become the definition of female beauty in that moment. One thing we like about this gown is that it looks beautiful and glamorous on her, but it’s almost entirely featureless. Describe this gown. Beaded. Black. Aside from the pointed sleeves, there’s no wink or reference to her feline persona here. It’s just a darkly glamorous gown with a hidden secret. In other words, it embodies its wearer’s mindset, like all the best costume design does.
Next: A Yuletide Wild Woman!
[Photo/Still Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures]
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