When you think of OnlyFans, fashion might not be the first thing that pops into your mind. Yet, costume designer Mirren Gordon-Crozier has turned the digital fantasy into a dazzling reality on screen through the outfits of Margo Millet, portrayed by Elle Fanning, in the adaptation of Rufi Thorpe’s book, 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles.' As Margo's alter-ego 'Hungry Ghost' comes to life, Gordon-Crozier's designs take center stage.
“I researched OnlyFans, but I think some of it is a little bit more tame than what we did,” Gordon-Crozier says with a laugh.
The story revolves around Margo's whirlwind journey from university student to single mother, after an affair with her professor. As her life spirals into financial chaos, Margo finds solace and a new identity through OnlyFans, where cosplay becomes her secret weapon.
Every piece of Margo's wardrobe tells a story of her dynamic life journey. From the sweater vests of her college days to the edgy cosplay looks, Margo's style reflects her personal growth. Gordon-Crozier shares how she infused Margo's wardrobe with playful touches, ensuring that even in her darkest moments, Margo's vibrant personality shone through.
“It’s Margo’s world, it’s very bold and vibrant even though we’re touching on some difficult themes,” Fanning comments. “There’s a boldness there that I’m happy we got to portray.”
Gordon-Crozier further reveals how Margo's costume evolution was meticulously tracked, from her early days as a college student to her transformation into a cosplay queen. Her character's journey is reflected in her clothes, demonstrating how she regains her light and creativity through her alter-ego.
The power of cosplay is a central theme not just for Margo but for all the characters in the show. As she embraces her 'Hungry Ghost' persona, Margo collaborates with fellow creators KC and Rose, played by Rico Nasty and Lindsey Normington, respectively. With their help, Margo crafts a fantastical alien character that becomes a patchwork of DIY projects and imaginative storytelling.
Gordon-Crozier talks about how these costumes were created with a crafty, thrifty approach, matching Margo's own resourceful spirit. The attention to detail and collaboration on set mirrored the onscreen teamwork, creating an authentic and engaging narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
The supporting characters, including KC and Rose, each have their own distinct styles that add depth to the story. KC, with a flair inspired by Rico Nasty's personal style, and Rose, with her sweet Harajuku-inspired looks, bring a vibrant contrast to the narrative.
Gordon-Crozier shares how even the seemingly small details, like KC's eye patches, were creatively incorporated into the characters' looks, adding layers and personality to the overall design.
“What’s funny is she actually had an eye infection, so we were like, ‘okay just another quirk, we like it!’” Gordon-Crozier recalls, highlighting the playful approach to costume design.