Stage-Inspired Fashion: Jekyll & Hyde

From the costumes to the set, from the words of the script to the movements of the actors, everything on stage tells a story. Stage-Inspired Fashion explores ways to add a little dramatic flair to your style.

Although the story of Jekyll & Hyde is well-known, the musical is not! It transforms the original novel into a stage spectacle and provides some fantastic fashion inspiration.

Behind the Scenes

Frank Wildhorn, Leslie Bricusse, and Steve Cuden adapted Jekyll & Hyde from Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The musical centers on Dr. Henry Jekyll, a scientist consumed by his desire to separate his bad traits from his good ones. After experimenting on himself, he splits himself into two personalities sharing the same body: the good Dr. Jekyll and the evil Mr. Hyde. Hyde grows in power, and Jekyll loses control.

Although both personalities seem simple, neither is wholly good nor wholly evil. Jekyll’s pride and obsession with his work weaken his relationships with Emma Carew, his fiancee, John Utterson, his best friend, and Lucy Harris, a new acquaintance that he tries to help. Even though Hyde is violent and cruel, he feels more alive then Jekyll does.

The show falls somewhere between classical and contemporary; it takes an old story and puts a new spin on it. In the music, for example, the singing often requires classical techniques, but the score has a distinctive rock sound. In creating these outfits, I’ve tried to reflect that concept. Keep reading to see all three outfits inspired by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

This Is The Moment

This is the moment! Damn all the odds!
This day, or never, I’ll sit forever with the gods!

Products: Shirt, Skirt, Jacket, Heels, Ring

For a Jekyll-inspired look, start with a white crop top that represents his lab coat and a luxurious purple velvet skirt that speaks of his desire for grandeur. Add a green utility jacket that emphasizes his austere side, a cameo cocktail ring that symbolizes his love for Emma, and black heels that have a Victorian flare.

Also read: Stage-Inspired Fashion: The Glass Menagerie

Alive

Like the moon, an enigma; lost and alone in the night
Damned by some heavenly stigma, but blazing with light! 

Products: Shirt, Skirt, Jacket, Heels, Choker

This outfit has the same structure as Jekyll’s, but uses very different materials and colors. Show Hyde’s wild side with a leather crop top, quilted burgundy skirt, and studded platform heels. Keep that sense of gothic drama with a cowled black jacket and a set of chokers: one lace, one with skulls, and one with gold studs.

Confrontation

And I know that, now and forever,
They’ll never be able to separate Jekyll from Hyde!

Products: Shirt, Joggers, Jacket, Shoes, Ear Cuff

Hyde says that no one will be able to separate them, so this outfit incorporates both of their personalities. Jekyll comes through in the softer details: the pearl detailing of the joggers, the delicate lace of the shirt, the silkiness of the jacket, the clean white shoes, and the heart and pearl on the ear cuff. Hyde is represented by the bolder aspects: the harsh black of the joggers, the bright red of the shirt, the wild pattern of the jacket, the silver studs on the shoes, and the red rose of passion on the ear cuff.

Epilogue

While Jekyll & Hyde presents a tale of a dangerous combination of personality traits, we might want to apply the opposite idea to our fashion choices. Play around with different fashion ideas! Don’t be afraid to mix it up.

Your Thoughts?

Have you seen a production of Jekyll & Hyde? How do you mix different style “personalities?” Are there any plays or musicals you would love to see covered in this column? Let us know what you think in the comments below!