Before the Kim and Kanye era or even the iconic pairing of Posh and Becks, there was Priscilla and Elvis Presley—a fashion-forward couple whose tumultuous relationship left an indelible mark on pop culture. Their distinctive style continues to be celebrated as a hallmark of their legacy.
The story of Priscilla and Elvis begins in 1959 when 14-year-old Priscilla was introduced to the 24-year-old Elvis during a party at his residence in Bad Nauheim, Germany, where the rock ‘n’ roll superstar was stationed for military service. Their love story would span over a decade, eventually leading to the birth of their daughter, Lisa Marie, before their eventual divorce in 1973.
Memorable Moments in Fashion History
Among the many memorable moments that defined the couple, their surprise Las Vegas wedding in 1967 stands out. Priscilla made a stunning entrance in a pearl-embellished white shift dress accompanied by a 3-foot-long tulle veil, while Elvis donned a custom black paisley tuxedo. Another remarkable snapshot from their history is a family portrait captured in 1970, featuring Priscilla in a lilac shirred puff-sleeve shirt and matching purple trousers, and Elvis dressed in a two-toned blue taffeta suit with an exaggerated high collar. Even their 2-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie, underwent costume changes, donning a polka dot summer dress and a miniature white fur coat for the shoot.
In the world of filmmaking, recreating these iconic moments accurately is a challenge. Costume designer Stacey Battat embraced this challenge for director Sofia Coppola’s latest film, “Priscilla,” a biopic that delves into the couple’s private life. Jacob Elordi takes on the role of Elvis, and newcomer Cailee Spaeny steps into the titular role of Priscilla.
Blending Historical Accuracy and Creativity
Battat’s approach was to start with the key historical anchors and then fill in the gaps. She explained, “We looked at magazines and other references to pull together what those middle looks would be—the pieces between those benchmarks, so we had a clean timeline that didn’t feel abrupt.” Priscilla, although credited as an executive producer on the movie, took a hands-off approach when it came to the film’s costumes.
Working within the constraints of an independent film budget and a tight 30-day shooting schedule, Battat utilised resources efficiently. On some occasions, costumes were shared between characters, and Coppola’s connections in the fashion industry played a pivotal role.
Valentino and Chanel Collaboration
One standout collaboration was with the fashion powerhouses Chanel and Valentino. Chanel designed and produced a replica of Priscilla’s wedding gown, showcasing their partnership with Sofia Coppola, who has been a brand ambassador for the French fashion house since 2019. Elvis’s iconic knitwear pieces were sourced directly from Valentino, a brand known for its luxury and craftsmanship. The knitted sweaters Elvis wore in the 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” were recreated for the movie.
Power Dressing and Personal Expression
In “Priscilla,” the couple’s extensive wardrobes and their shared interest in image-making take center stage. Clothes were not merely garments; they were a means of intentional self-expression. For instance, after the birth of Lisa Marie in 1968, Priscilla greeted paparazzi with regal poise, wearing a hot pink wool collared shift dress and a meticulously styled appearance. Conversely, Elvis’s eccentric rhinestone jumpsuits in the early 1970s were a calculated move to rebrand himself and appeal to a broader audience.
Clothes were both their armour and their identity. The film subtly explores how Elvis exerted control over Priscilla’s image and style after her move to Graceland, erasing her autonomy. The costumes in “Priscilla” serve as powerful storytelling devices, conveying complex emotional landscapes and the dynamics of the couple’s relationship.
Collaborative Costuming
In creating the characters’ looks, Battat collaborated closely with the actors, Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny, to uncover the psychological factors influencing their fashion choices. Cailee Spaeny, playing Priscilla, even delved into the character’s emotional state, asking questions like, “When Priscilla is feeling insecure about Ann-Margret, do you think that changes the way she dresses?” This collaboration allowed the film to delve into the psychology behind the characters’ clothing choices and their evolving identities.
In summary, “Priscilla” not only revisits the captivating relationship between Priscilla and Elvis Presley but also immerses us in the dynamic world of their fashion choices. The film beautifully captures the intricate ways in which clothing can communicate power, identity, and vulnerability, making it a must-see for fashion enthusiasts and fans of the iconic couple.
