Castlevania “Romanian Garments”
A 2018 project done after watching Netflix’s ‘Castlevania’. I was excited to watch a show that could potentially incorporate elements of a different culture, but the show’s art and design direction was different. I started this project because I wanted to see how the characters would look like with designs inspired by traditional Romanian clothing.
Castlevania “Romanian Garments” - Sypha Belnades
Even though her clan is not originally from Romania, I assume they could have adopted the local clothing style while they traveled through Wallachia. And I think Sypha would have dressed in men’s clothing, as in cannon lore the men and women had similar clothes and haircuts. So her clothes would be fit for travel, with layers for different weather conditions, perhaps with custom (blue) embroidery to distinguish them as Speakers. The cape-like cloth is inspired by pieces worn in Țara Hațegului.
Castlevania “Romanian Garments” - Trevor Belmont
Trevor’s design is a mix of civilian clothing and more elaborate pieces, specifically the vest with his family crest embroidered in it. I liked the original cape from the animated series, so I wanted to include it as it’s his trademark piece.
His designs’ overall feel is inspired by the historical ‘Haiduci’, the outlaws who would punish the rich and greedy and help the struggling peasants, who were also featured prominently in old Romanian literature.
His designs’ overall feel is inspired by the historical ‘Haiduci’, the outlaws who would punish the rich and greedy and help the struggling peasants, who were also featured prominently in old Romanian literature.
Castlevania “Romanian Garments” - Adrian 'Alucard' Țepeș
For Alucard, I wanted his designs to feel a bit more modern, yet still retain traditional elements. His clothing would be more elaborate and embroidered (golden threads, fine furs, buttons), reflecting his social status, yet loose and casual to allow movement. The more traditional clothing pieces would be a nod to his mother’s roots.
Castlevania “Romanian Garments” - Lisa Țepeș
Lisa is originally from the village of Lupu (which IRL is in Alba district), so her clothing reflect a more sober tone, worn near the mountain areas. She would have been a simple village woman, so her clothing pieces are not as elaborate in decorations.
The last dress would be a gift from Dracula, and Lisa would have worn it only inside the castle. I think she would prefer wearing her simple clothes when treating the villagers.
The last dress would be a gift from Dracula, and Lisa would have worn it only inside the castle. I think she would prefer wearing her simple clothes when treating the villagers.
Castlevania “Romanian Garments” - Vlad 'Dracula' Țepeș
And last but not least, my favorite character to work on, Dracula himself.
I was heavily inspired by the 1979 Romanian movie “Vlad Țepeș”, and also several historical paintings of the Wallachian ruler.
I wanted his attire to be elaborate enough, yet still retain a sober tone. And him being a skilled military man, it would be fit to have a battle outfit as well.
