With the final installment of the Hobbit trilogy on the horizon, it’s time for an unexpected journey of the costumes from the films, designed by Bob Buck, Lesley Burkes-Harding and Ann Maskrey. After extensive research of art history, fashion and textiles trends, Maskrey began to envision the fantasy costumes fit for Middle Earth.
Expanding on the wardrobe developed from The Lord of the Rings series, the team of designers strived to create a fresh revamp of the classic looks. Bilbo, the film’s protagonist, wears a costume which reflects the simple farm lifestyle lived in Hobbiton. Featuring a chester coat layered over a plain waistcoat, Bilbo carries a leather backpack and shows heritage and folk style inspiration.
In The Hobbit films, the story features less Hobbits and more on the company of Dwarves, along with Elves and Humans. The rugged Dwarves are characterized as being sturdy and resilient, their costumes consist of a full length leather coat with fur trim.
Their weighty armor is durable for any adventure, with thick leather belts for their swords and axes, along with bulky gloves and arm greaves that offer ample protection in battle. The attention to detail is award-worthy, featuring leather and armored pieces that are marked with intricate embroidery of runes and archaic symbols.
In similar suit, Bard the Bowman sports a fur trimmed coat and leather quiver for his bow and arrow. Both ethereal and surreal, the costumes for the Rivendell Elves create a light contrast to the heavy textiles found in the underground for the Dwarves.
The Elves are known for being swift, strong and light on their feet, favoring their skills with archery. Tauriel, the film’s fictional she-elf dons a fitted leather corset over a dark green dress. Her minimalist armor is only a set of leather arm greaves paired with riding boots.
Other elves, like Legolas, Thranduil and Elrond feature more detailed armored sets, including leather pieces imbued with fluid lines. Be sure to check out more of these amazing costumes in action on the big screen. “The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies” hits theaters December 17th, 2014.
Written by Jade Nicolette
It’s cool to think about how much research went into these designs, because the costumes feel historically grounded despite being fantasy.
It’s interesting that Maskrey pulled from real art history and textiles, because the costumes never feel random even in such a fantasy-heavy setting.
Your breakdown of how the Dwarves’ belts, gloves, and greaves are built for durability helps explain why they look so bulky compared to other races.
I liked how you pointed out Bilbo’s chester coat and simple waistcoat, it really anchors him to Hobbiton despite all the chaos around him later.
Highlighting the designers by name was a nice touch, since their work often gets overshadowed by the story and visual effects.
Bilbo’s leather backpack is such a small touch, but it really reinforces his reluctant adventurer identity throughout the journey.
The way Tauriel’s fitted leather corset is paired with minimal armor shows how agility was prioritized for the Elves, which fits their fighting style perfectly.
The mention of fluid lines in Elven armor is spot on, especially with characters like Thranduil who look almost sculptural in their design.
The description of the Dwarves’ full-length leather coats with fur trim makes me appreciate how practical their wardrobe is for battle scenes.
I appreciate how the article contrasts Rivendell’s lighter aesthetic with the underground heaviness of the Dwarves’ environment.
I didn’t realize how much the Hobbit costumes evolved from Lord of the Rings, but your mention of a “fresh revamp” really makes sense.
The contrast between the Dwarves’ heavy leather armor and the lighter Elven pieces was explained really well, especially with those rune-embroidered details.
The emphasis on leather throughout different cultures in Middle Earth shows how versatile the material is, from Bilbo’s bag to full battle armor.
Bard’s leather quiver and fur-lined coat always stood out to me, and it’s nice seeing that small but important detail highlighted here.
Those intricate runes and archaic symbols on the armor are easy to miss on screen, so I’m glad you called attention to that craftsmanship.