Sherlock Series 2: The Reichenbach Fall Costume Overview
With the last Sherlock Series 2 episode upon us and the excitement was utterly overwhelming. In the end it was a gut retching fantastic story and the costumes did not disappoint, but do they ever? I don’t think so. Reichenbach Fall starts off with a ripe your heart out moment, John Watson's shirt is a traditional and classic Watson design but in a darker color rather than his regular rust red and coordinated plaids. The viewers soon find out why the change in color, Sherlock Holmes is dead. Switch to happier times, the costume changes are multiple, Sherlock always looking sharp in the classic Spencer Hart suit, Dolce & Gabbana shirt, and Belstaff coat.
John Watson’s costume’s range from an event appropriate suit with a pocket square (folded in a very casual but classic manner) to a brown blazer with a nap and a matching striped shirt, and finally a gingham button up shirt matched earlier with the brown blazer. The passing of time calls for many different costume changes each strongly John Watson in their design.
Sherlock’s deduction of Kitty Riley emphasizes the importance of the costume and character, and I discuss this important correlation in my last Sherlock costume commentary .
In the court-house Sherlock and John are both wearing costumes that are classic them, Jim Moriarty’s costume on the other hand has had a slight shift. The viewer’s first glimpse of Jim Moriarty is casual with an overly touristic hat, this is the first time we see Moriarty casual and in light colors. His jacket has an interesting design that shows off the underlying fashionable Moriarty, even in a casual state he is dressed for the moment. This character knows he will be photographed so why pick such an understated outfit? The light colors are key, white and beige, later on in a cream and light grey ensemble. The story that Jim Moriarty is weaving is part of his new color palette, being intensely photographed and under the media’s microscope he is planting the seed of Richard Brook. Seen by many, he is a mixture of the sharp dressing Jim Moriarty and without sin Richard Brook. Reminiscently angelic Moriarty wears a double vent suit with a round collar Spencer Hart shirt, an immaculate tie pin and pocket square matching his tie, a smart design by Sarah Arthur.
The next time the viewer meets with Moriarty he is seen as a cabbie, his clothing is hard to distinguish but it is dark in color, his normal demeanor calls for his regular Moriarty color palette.
The last time we see “Richard Brook” he is in casual clothing, wearing jeans and a cream knit top with a maroon cardigan. The cardigan being a warm deep color is very different from the angelic colors seen previously and could be signaling a turning point.
Finally the last time we see Jim Moriarty. Let’s save this for the end.
Mycroft, a character I have never discussed on my blog, the reason is I felt a little overwhelmed trying to cover all of the costumes. Mycroft a classic dresser, always wearing a 3-piece suit with a handkerchief, and pocket watch. The evolution of Mycroft’s costumes start with the umbrella, now so iconic, the umbrella was first used to create a pleasing silhouette and adds an ominous aura to the characters first appearance. The umbrella contributes to the mystery and villain image but once that is thrown to the side the umbrella becomes a classic and upper class portrait of the character. Mycroft’s costumes are always consistent in style but changing in color, textile, and style of pocket square. From A Study in Pink wearing a 3-piece suit with a red tie, red being such a strong color and contrasting with the muted tone of his suit, is the viewers first introduction to who Mycroft is. This character is classic and tailored like his 3-piece suit but the pop of red denotes a fiery and quick-witted person. These traits become much more apparent when the viewer first observes the exchange between Sherlock and Mycroft. The last time viewers see Mycroft is in The Reichenbach Fall, always in the classic 3-piece suit but the red of the tie and handkerchief just pop off the screen, such a strong contrasting color hiding some sort of contemplative pain.
Below is the changing of Mycroft's suits, from A Study in Pink to The Reichenbach Fall. Often in pinstripes, so classic!
Molly Hooper, I have loved her since the beginning and her story is taken to a whole new level. The moments between her and Sherlock are character development heaven and the costume designs are prefect. The mismatch patterns and over sized coat, a prefect look for a hard-working woman who does not have the time to be keeping up with fashion trends. The ruffles of her shirt and the pattern of the textile are in line with her young girlish like qualities, much like her Christmas outfit in A Scandal in Belgravia. Her color palette is not muted, much like the first series but she is now popping with color, red cherries and mauve printed blouse, showing much more of her strength and willingness to speak up. Once a self-described doormat, Molly has found the strength she always had. I am curious to see how her costumes will change in the upcoming third series.
The beautiful city views from the rooftop, the superb acting, and the fall. A tear your heart out scene with great costumes. Sherlock wearing his classic costume, the slim suit, scarf tied like a noose, purple shirt, and the billowing coat. Jim Moriarty back to his darker color palette and wearing a beautiful coat just barely seen in A Scandal in Belgravia. The Vivienne Westwood suit, and a pointed collar shirt, he is once again dressed to kill just like the end of The Great Game. The coat has beautiful lines, a mandarin collar with leather trim, these factors bring a fantastic edge that only Moriarty can bring to a scene. Their collars and color palette mirror each other, and together they look complete and beautiful.
Leaving us wanting more yet so satisfied, the ending of series 2 could not have gone more perfectly. Who knows what series 3 will bring us but I'm excited!
Check out my other Sherlock costume posts:
Sherlock: John Watson’s Costume: Part 1
Sherlock Series 2: Irene Adler
Sherlock Series 2: A Scandal in Belgravia Costume Overview
Sherlock Series 2: The Hounds of Baskerville Costume Discussion