Right after Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025) premiered, a Reddit thread quickly went viral with thousands of upvotes: “Completely Obsessed With Elizabeth’s Wedding Dress.” And it’s not hard to understand why.

Elizabeth’s wedding dress, designed by Kate Hawley, is considered by the online community to be one of the most impressive costumes on screen this year – breathtakingly beautiful and layered with symbolic meaning tied to the story, the characters, and the very essence of the Frankenstein universe.

A design reminiscent of the 1935 “Bride of Frankenstein,” yet completely fresh

Many Reddit users immediately recognized elements that echo the iconic costume of the Bride from Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Beyond that classic inspiration, Hawley transforms the dress into:

• Layers of bandage-like wraps, reminiscent of the Creature’s stitched body

• Imagery suggesting rebirth and reconstruction, true to the Frankenstein spirit

• A design that is both classical and surreal, modern yet rooted in gothic tradition

One popular comment noted:

“The arms look wrapped in gauze. It gives off Bride of Frankenstein vibes completely.”

A delicate, insect-like beauty created from five layers of organza

According to viewers’ analysis, the dress is made from five layers of organza and other lightweight fabrics, creating an effect that is:

• Ethereal and translucent

• Shimmering with movement

• Resembling insect wings or delicate exoskeletons

This directly connects to Elizabeth’s love for entomology in the film, making the costume not only poetic but deeply aligned with her character.

Exposed ribs and exoskeleton symbolism: Elizabeth tied to the Creature

A highlight praised by many is the bodice crafted from Swiss ribbon, giving the impression of:

• An exposed ribcage, or

• A protective exoskeleton, echoing the Creature’s form

This positions Elizabeth not simply as a bride but as a figure mirroring the Creature – connected symbolically, not only through Victor.

One standout comment summarized:

“The bodice looks like an exposed ribcage or an exoskeleton, tying Elizabeth directly to the Creature’s form.”

Tiffany & Co. sterling silver pieces: symbols of power and Frankenstein family history

The chest of the dress features two sterling silver brooches bearing the Frankenstein family crest — custom-made by Tiffany & Co.

Along with them are fealty chains, inspired by traditional Swiss-German attire.

These details:

• Establish Elizabeth’s social status

• Reflect themes of duty and obligation

• Add historical authenticity to the design

The red necklace: a prophecy of death, religious devotion, and the force of rebirth

The most debated detail is the red beaded necklace Elizabeth wears at her wedding. Some viewers believe the color red appears as a death omen, since several characters in the film are shown wearing red just before they die.

Additionally, according to the community’s analysis:

• It is a rosary-style necklace crafted by Tiffany & Co.

• The red color symbolizes: blood, vitality, sacrifice, sin

• The crucifix contains a hidden garnet scarab beetle, symbolizing rebirth and regeneration

• This also reflects Elizabeth’s fascination with insects

One comment stated:

“The cross contains a hidden scarab beetle representing rebirth and regeneration.”

A dress that tells an entire tragic story

More than beautiful, the wedding dress encapsulates Elizabeth’s entire fate:

• The fragility of the living

• The burden of being tied to the Frankenstein family

• The interplay of life – death – rebirth

• The roles of “mother,” “wife,” and “woman shaped by tragedy”

It’s no exaggeration that many viewers said they want to rewatch the film a third time just to find more hidden meanings in the dress.

Conclusion: A modern masterpiece of cinematic costume design

From expert craftsmanship to profound symbolic layering and direct connection to the legacy of the original work, Elizabeth’s wedding dress is not just a costume – it is an artistic statement.

It’s no surprise that the global film community is “obsessed” with it. And if one day this dress becomes a new cinematic icon of the 21st century, it would be entirely deserved.