Carbon Costume 
Katherine Hepburn
The Aviator chronicles the career and downfall of Howard Hughes. For a brief period, he was dating Hollywood Starlet Katherine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett), who managed to ease the symptoms of his worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder. Still regarded as an important cultural icon and the epitome of the “modern woman” in the 20th century, Katherine Hepburn deviated from traditional gender roles by shunning marriage, dating younger men, playing sports, and wearing trousers before it was fashionable or acceptable to do so. The film takes place between the 1920’s and the 1940’s, but her fashion is comprised of over-sized menswear in bold colors and patterns.
Howard Hughes
The film, The Aviator, is based on the real-life Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio), an aviation pioneer and Hollywood director who succumbed to his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. The film chronicles his life from the 1920’s to the 1940’s, so his wardrobe is influenced by those time periods.
Thelma the Cigarette Girl
In The Aviator, Howard Hughes has a brief flirtation with Thelma (Josie Maran), the cigarette girl in a supper club. Cigarette girls worked in speakeasies and clubs during the 1920’s, offering cigarettes, cigars, or other novelties from a tray they carried around their neck. Similar to a cocktail waitress, this tipped position was given to young, attractive women who were typically dressed similar to saloon girls, flappers, or burlesque dancers. Due to their portrayal in film, cigarette girls became a staple and grew in popularity until the end of Prohibition, when they moved to public nightclubs. Thelma’s outfit is similar to a belly dancer and can be achieved with similar clothing, though the belly dance skirt will need to be cut to the appropriate length. Cigarette trays are an expensive vintage item now, but they can be easily made with a shallow box and some ribbon.
Noah Dietrich
In The Aviator, Noah Dietrich (John C. Reilly) is Howard Hughes‘ chief executive officer for his business empire. He served Hughes from 1925 to 1957, before they had a falling out over Dietrich’s capital gains income. Though the portrayal is accurate in terms of style, personality, and mannerisms, one criticism is that the film downplayed his role in Hughes’ success.
Errol Flynn
In The Aviator, Errol Flynn (Jude Law) is a 1930’s actor known for his romantic swashbuckler and action roles. He was known for his charm, good looks, and off-screen scandals. He crossed paths with Howard Hughes many times during their respective careers.
Jean Harlow
In The Aviator, Jean Harlow (Gwen Stefani) was an actress and sex symbol in the 1930’s. She got her start in film in Hell’s Angels, directed by Howard Hughes. She was one of the biggest and most glamorous stars of the 1930’s, known as the “Blonde Bombshell,” “Platinum Blonde” and the “Laughing Vamp,” though she tragically passed away at age 26.
Faith Domergue
In The Aviator, Howard Hughes finds a new love interest in 15-year old Faith Domergue (Kelli Garner), after Katherine Hepburn leaves him. Because of her experience with Hughes, Faith Domergue was launched into a successful film and television career. Set in the 1920’s to the 1940’s, her wardrobe is demure and typical of the era.
Ava Gardner
The film, The Aviator, chronicles the career and demise of Howard Hughes, the aviation pioneer and film director. He briefly dates Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale) during this period. Throughout her film career, Ava Gardner became known for her elegance and sophistication, often portraying women of royal lineage. This is reflected in Kate Beckinsale’s performance and wardrobe in The Aviator.
