The Grand Budapest Hotel’s Decade-Long Impact on Fashion

by Emily Duff
Film Spotlights
When Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel premiered in 2014, it quickly became a defining film for visual design. Beyond its distinctive cinematography and set design, its costume choices, led by Milena Canonero, have left a lasting impact on fashion as a whole. A decade later, its influence can be seen in collections, campaigns, and styling choices across the industry.

Milena Canonero, a three-time Academy Award winner, intentionally costumed the indie cult classic, blending historical accuracy with a stylised aesthetic. Rather than tying the film to a specific time period, she created a wardrobe generally inspired by Eastern European fashion that matches the movie’s protagonists and settings. This extended beyond fashion research, culminating in inspiration drawn from artists like Gustav Klimt, Kees van Dongen, Tamara de Lempicka, and George Grosz.

The result was a striking use of colour and structure.

Interestingly, Prada also contributed the 21-piece luggage set central to the film’s imagery, reinforcing its luxurious aesthetic.

In fact, Canonero specifically aimed to avoid predictable colour palettes. We see Ralph Fiennes’ character, M. Gustave, in a deep violet concierge uniform, Tilda Swinton’s Madame D. in a gold Klimt-inspired Fendi coat, and Willem Dafoe’s Jopling in a sleek black leather Prada trench.

The wardrobe’s consistent blend of millennial pink, deep burgundy, and rich purple tones has since been embraced by fashion designers looking to evoke a similar vintage elegance.

Anna Sui’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, which launched shortly after the film, directly referenced its palette and geometric styling. Similarly, Gucci’s Alessandro Michele has incorporated Anderson-inspired colour blocking and retro tailoring into his collections, proving the film’s continued relevance.

Luxury fashion has repeatedly drawn from The Grand Budapest Hotel. Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday campaign, The Present Moment, was structured around Anderson’s signature visual style, incorporating symmetry, pastel tones, and nostalgic storytelling. The film’s influence extends beyond direct references, shaping a broader movement where fashion brands prioritise cohesive, cinematic narratives in their campaigns.

Even ten years on, The Grand Budapest Hotel remains a key reference point in fashion. Its aesthetic appears in high-fashion editorials, seasonal collections, and everyday styling. Canonero’s meticulous work on the film didn’t just define its characters—it set a creative standard for how costume design can shape wider fashion trends. As designers continue to revisit Anderson’s world, it’s clear that The Grand Budapest Hotel has secured its place as a lasting influence on contemporary style.

Tyneside Cinema is showing The Grand Budapest Hotel from 27th April and you can book tickets here.