Hey there! This year is full of new post-apocalyptic premieres, with the new Planet of the Apes, Frostpunk 2 coming up and of course the long awaited backstory of one of the baddest women in history: Furiosa! We will tell you a bit more about the whole costume history of this ruined world!

The Mad Max saga is still alive, with the new Mad Max: Furiosa being released this month, it promises to continue this trend with fresh aesthetic choices and materials while maintaining the core vibe of the saga. It does show a completely new view of the post-apocalyptic world, introducing new characters, more complex lore and of course - new costume style. The Mad Max franchise has long been celebrated for its distinctive and innovative costume design, reflecting the gritty, post-apocalyptic world in which the series is set. Let's see how the costumes evolved through the years!

Early Mad Max Films (1979-1985)

The original Mad Max movies differ greatly from the new, dirty, heavy aesthetic. The costumes were designed by Norma Moriceau, and were made out of a mix of everyday clothing and repurposed materials to create a look that seemed familiar yet dystopian. 

Leather dominated Max Rockatansky's iconic look, complemented by scavenged pieces like hockey masks, feathers, and metal scraps, which conveyed a sense of survival and resourcefulness. The costumes were practical and utilitarian, mirroring the harsh environment and the characters' needs to adapt to it. Here we can see the difference in how the producers saw the post-apocalyptic world: nowadays you can’t find a white, clean T-Shirt just laying around on the wasteland.

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome is where the more complex and stylized clothing was introduced - paving a way for the unique Mad Max style. Moriceau continued to use leather and metal but now with more intricate accessories. Detailed bracers, belts, personalized pieces introduce you to something totally new - a post-apocalyptic fashion trend. Here we are starting to see how important clothing is when it comes to expressing yourself or showing your ideology. This film's costumes began to hint at a developing civilization, albeit one still deeply rooted in chaos and decay. Characters like Aunty Entity, played by Tina Turner, wore costumes that combined elements of high fashion with post-apocalyptic materials, such as chainmail and mesh. 

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road marked a significant leap in costume design under the direction of designer Jenny Beavan. The aesthetic was both a continuation and a renovation of the old ones. Beavan employed a broader range of materials and a more sophisticated design approach. You could probably recognize the Immortal Joe’s mask everywhere you go - which means they did an excellent job. When you think of Mad Max that is where your mind wanders - stained, rugged clothes, warpaint, rust and dust. Characters such as Imperator Furiosa and the War Boys wore attire that told their own stories—Furiosa's practical yet worn clothing contrasted sharply with the War Boys' ritualistic and almost fanatical get-ups, which included white body paint and grotesque, custom-made armor pieces. The costumes in Fury Road were pivotal in conveying the diverse cultures and factions within the post-apocalyptic world.

Mad Max: Furiosa (2024)

Although we have not seen it personally yet, early previews suggest a blend of familiar and new elements. The design team, led again by Jenny Beavan, has reportedly pushed the boundaries even further, incorporating more advanced techniques and materials. There is an emphasis on sustainability, using recycled and eco-friendly materials to create the costumes. This choice not only aligns with our human need to care for our planet but also adds to the authenticity of the post-apocalyptic setting.

The aesthetic in Furiosa delves deeper into the cultural and societal structures hinted at in Fury Road. Costumes reflect a variety of tribes and factions, each with its distinct style. For instance, there is a greater use of natural fibers and handmade items, juxtaposed with high-tech scavenged elements, suggesting a world where the remnants of the old civilization are increasingly rare and treasured. Armor and protective gear are extremely common here - which underlines how dangerous the world has become.

Outfit evolution summarized! 

Costumes we see in Mad Max developed from being an addition to the whole story into being one of the main, most recognizable parts of the whole franchise. They went from basic, utilitarian outfits to complex, story-driven, personalized pieces that reflect the characters’ identities and their world. 

Materials have evolved from primarily leather and metal to include a wider variety of found and repurposed objects, along with modern sustainable materials. This evolution not only enhances the visual storytelling but also ensures that each film builds upon its predecessors while bringing something new and exciting to the screen.

With all of that said, we can safely say that dressing well is an advantage even in end-of-the-world times. New trends, new styles and new ways to express yourself will survive even the atomic bombs or plagues. So, which part of Mad Max is the most aesthetically pleasing for you? Are you a fan of the clean-cut leather jackets or the rusty armour?

Since we know how important your style is now, how about you check some of our handmade Mad Max inspired outfits? Witness this!