Game Of Thrones may be over following a controversial series finale, but the HBO phenomenon based on George RR Martin’s A Song Of Ice And Fire book series will be remembered for a long time. The popular fantasy series featured a cast of iconic characters who were all brought to life with the combined efforts of talented acting and meticulous costume design, some of which have become symbolic in popular media.
Costume designer Michelle Clapton created several stunning pieces for the show, all of which have intricate hidden details of their own. Here are ten of the most iconic costumes from Game Of Thrones.
Daenerys Targaryen’s Winter Coat
Daenerys’ wardrobe changes dramatically in season seven. After the Targaryen queen sets sail from sunny Essos, the Mother of Dragons trades her lightweight Essosi gowns for thick fur and layers to accommodate for Westeros’ colder climate.
Daenerys dons her white winter coat for the first time in “Beyond The Wall,” when she flies north with her three dragons to rescue Jon Snow and his companions. The white fur gives Dany an angelic appearance as she descends from the sky to rescue Jon, as well as showing her growing connection to the North.
Darth Sansa
When Sansa revealed a new look in season four’s “The Children,” it seemed to hint at a big change in her character. No longer was she the frightened “little dove” from King’s Landing; now she was a strong player in the game of thrones.
Costume designer Michelle Clapton commented that Sansa would have designed and created the dress herself, as she is a talented seamstress. Real raven feathers were incorporated as Sansa would have had to make the most of her resources.
Cersei Lannister’s Black Dress
In “The Winds Of Winter,” disgraced queen Cersei Lannister debuts a bold new look. Whilst awaiting her trial at the Sept of Baelor, Cersei sheds her trademark crimson kimono dresses for a strong black number with an attached chain that resembles armor.
This symbolizes Cersei coming into her power as opposed to relying solely on her femininity to manipulate people from the sidelines. Her smirking face, as she watches the sept explode, has become one of the series’ most iconic scenes.
Khal Drogo’s Dothraki Attire
Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen’s romance was uncomfortable, but the Dothraki proved pivotal in the journey of the Dragon Queen. Daenerys adopts the Dothraki culture as her own and wears several outfits inspired by her husband’s nomadic culture.
Drogo was only around for one season but his distinctive clothing and warpaint set him apart from the Medieval inspired clothing of Westeros. Jason Momoa reprised his role for a guest appearance in season two due to his popularity with the writers.
Ned Stark’s Northern Furs
Like Drogo, Ned Stark only survived one season of Game Of Thrones before meeting a grisly end, but his character undeniably altered the course of the story forever. His thick fur cloak symbolized the North and his connection to Winterfell, as well as making him visually stand out whilst in King’s Landing.
Ned’s cloak is seen again, as Sansa makes a replica to give to Jon in season six. It is a touching moment between the reunited ‘siblings’ as well as an unspoken declaration that Jon is a Stark.
Arya Stark’s Braavosi Dress
Arya Stark spends most of the series in dirty leathers as she traveled through the Riverlands, though she gets an interesting new look after journeying to Braavos. Whilst training to become a Faceless Man, Jaqen H’ghar instructs Arya to disguise herself as ‘Mercy’ to assassinate actress Lady Crane.
It is the only time the audience ever sees Arya wear something remotely feminine, which is further symbolic as she is pretending to be another person. Arya herself told Ned in season one “that’s not me,” something she echoes after returning to Westeros and reuniting with her direwolf, Nymeria.
Oberyn Martell’s Dornish Robes
Oberyn Martell made a dramatic entrance to the narrative in season four, though, like Ned and Drogo, his character does not see a second season. Nevertheless, he immediately became a fan favorite, and his colorful Dornish robes set him apart from the rest of the inhabitants of King’s Landing.
Dorne is much warmer than the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, and Oberyn and Ellaria’s attire reflects this. As a Prince of Dorne, Oberyn also wears the colors of House Martell.
Margaery Tyrell’s Wedding Dress
Margaery Tyrell was married three times before her death in the Sept explosion in “The Winds Of Winter,” but her Purple Wedding dress remains the most iconic. Costume designer Michelle Clapton stated that the dress and crown symbolize her control over Joffrey, with the Tyrell rose wrapping around the Baratheon stag.
Margaery’s dress speaks of her ambition, with tiny iron thorns adorning her dress as a subtle means of protection. It is a bold and confident look for the brief Queen of Westeros.
Daenerys Targaryen’s Blue Dress
Daenerys debuted a different look in season three that symbolized the young queen coming into her power. In season one, she wears the Dothraki clothing of Drogo’s culture, and, in season two, she dons a Qartheen gown, but her blue dress is Daenerys making her own choices as she liberates the slaves of Astapor and Yunkaii.
Michelle Clapton has stated that the color blue is a reference to Drogo, as blue was the color he chose to represent his khalasar. This is Dany honoring her late husband whilst also building her legacy.
Sansa Stark’s Northern Dress
Sansa’s outfits often mimic the ladies who inspire her. In season one she dresses like Cersei, and after befriending Margaery Tyrell her dresses begin to reflect the Tyrell queen’s style.
When Sansa dons her new dress in season six adorned with the direwolf of House Stark, it is her reclaiming her identity and embracing her Stark heritage.
