Black Swan’s Fashion Paves a New Path

Consider Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers, transforming into the White Swan. Her costume is a vision of ethereal purity—a stiff, intricately feathered tutu that billows out from her torso. The delicate, almost fragile-looking bodice is a mosaic of beading and lace, a perfect reflection of Nina’s initial innocence and disciplined precision. Paired with the iconic feathered headpiece and a shimmering tiara, it’s a look that feels both historic and hauntingly contemporary. The makeup is precise, almost severe, with a stark winged eye that foreshadows the darkness to come.

Then there’s Mila Kunis as Lily. On-screen, her look is a masterclass in off-duty dancer style: a mix of relaxed, almost-grunge practice wear that hints at a carefree, effortless nature. In behind-the-scenes images, we see her in black tank tops, gray athletic shorts, and worn leggings—a stark contrast to Nina’s pristine ballerina aesthetic. This casual, street-style approach to dancewear became an unexpected trend, proving that even a rehearsal room can become a runway. It was a subtle fashion coup—Lily’s outfits signaled a freedom that Nina craved but couldn’t attain.

The film’s aesthetic is an immersive, almost suffocating experience. The costumes aren’t just worn; they are extensions of the characters’ psychological states, a metaphor for the struggle between light and dark, control and abandon. The transition from pristine white to the dramatic, feathered black of the Swan Queen costume is a cinematic rite of passage.