5 Hannibal Characters Whose Wardrobes Have Hidden Meanings

NBC's psychological horror series Hannibalran from only 2013 to 2015 but gained a cult following despite its premature cancelation, and even 10 years later, there may yet be hope for Hannibal season 4. This modern-day reboot is based loosely around the events of Red Dragon (2001), with Hugh Dancy playing Will Graham to Mads Mikkelsen's Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

The weirdly funny Hannibal TV show boasts complex character arcs and heavy themes but is also known for its stunningly moody visuals, with critically acclaimed cinematographer James Hawkinson (The Man in the High Castle) utilizing shallow focus and angled lighting.Additionally, creator Bryan Fuller made use of famed Spanish chef José Andrés as a culinary consultant, and this strategic choice turned the NBC show into a visual feast.

With so much rich visual detail present in every episode, it should be no surprise that even the character wardrobes of NBC's Hannibal are rife with meaningful symbolic choices. Costume designer Christopher Hargadon (The Umbrella Academy) was highly intentional in his use of saturated colors, eclectic patterns, and unique fabric choices throughout his costuming of the series' cast. Some Hannibal character wardrobes are more thoughtful than others, however, and have hidden meanings that tease elements of their storyline in the series.

5 Dr. Alana Bloom

The Complete 180

Psychiatrist Dr. Alana Bloom (Caroline Dhavernas) has what is arguably one of the most impressively dynamic arcs — and wardrobe changes — of the series, especially for a supporting role. Early in the show, Dr. Bloom is costumed in what could be considered traditionally feminine wardrobe choices, which primarily feature floral prints, soft fabrics, and curve-hugging fits. As the series progresses, Alana's highly femme styling begins to morph to include progressively darker color choices and bolder prints. This change runs parallel to her character development as Alana comes into her own, becoming more assertive and self-assured.

"Friendship with Hannibal is blackmail elevated to the level of love."
- Dr. Alana Bloom, season 3, episode 4, "Aperitivo"

The most notable change follows on the heels of Hannibal season 2, with Alana's feminine dresses and pencil skirts being replaced by boxy pantsuits in starkly contrasting patterns. While highly chic and well-suited to her characterization, Dr. Alana Bloom's wardrobe in the final season of Hannibal includes far more traditionally masculine fits. Her later outfits also emphasize highly contrasting colors, heavy knit fabrics, and occasionally less fitted tailoring.

This shift from more subdued jewel tones and florals into blood reds and bold patterns hints at Alana's growing disillusionment. Her trust in Will Graham, Hannibal, and the FBI is shattered following Will's incarceration, and even more so after Hannibal's attack. Additionally, Alana's break from seasons 1 and 2's heteronormativity into season 3's queer dynamic with Margot Verger (Katharine Isabelle) is underlined by her costuming's departure from the hyper-femme. The change from dresses to suits (which are traditionally a symbol of authority) is a not-so-subtle nod to Alana reclaiming her power after the traumatic events of Hannibal season 2, episode 13, "Mizumono."

4 Freddie Lounds

The Drama

One thing this love-to-hate character has going for her is her sense of fashion. Tabloid journalist Freddie Lounds (Lara Jean Chorostecki) does not experience a drastic change in her wardrobe like that of certain other Hannibal characters; instead, her clothing is bold and dramatic right from the start of the show. This relatively static costuming may be an intentional reflection of Lounds' more unwavering nature. If Freddie is one thing, it is consistent — she regularly creates drama and chaos, often causing significant problems for the characters of Hannibal, and the FBI in particular.

Hannibal Season	IMDb Score	Rotten Tomatoes "Tomatometer"	Highest Rated Episode (IMDb)	Lowest Rated Episode
Season 1	8.4/10	83%	S1:E13, 9.2/10, "Savoureux"	S1:E5, 7.9/10, "Coquilles"
Season 2	9.0/10	98%	S2:E13, 9.8/10, "Mizumono"	S2:E8, 8.4/10, "Su-zakana"
Season 3	9.2/10	98%	S3:E13, 9.7/10, "The Wrath of the Lamb"	S3:E2, 7.9/10, "Primavera"

Freddie's wardrobe consists primarily of dark reds, busy animal prints, and layered textures. She is also frequently costumed with large, wide-brimmed hats and patterned lace. One exception to her generally exaggerated style occurs in Hannibal season 1, episode 3, "Amuse-Bouche," which sees the unethical reporter sporting a casual leather jacket and jeans. Lounds wears a more characteristically dramatic outfit to Will's trial in Hannibal season 2, episode 3, "Hassun," when she waltzes in to testify in a blue alligator skin suit jacket and a black and white cartwheel hat.

Character	Actor	Number Of Hannibal Episode Appearances
Will Graham	Hugh Dancy	39
Dr. Hannibal Lecter	Mads Mikkelsen	39
Dr. Alana Bloom	Caroline Dhavernas	39
Jack Crawford	Laurence Fishburne	39
Jimmy Price	Scott Thompson	27
Brian Zeller	Aaron Abrams	27
Dr. Bedelia du Maurier	Gillian Anderson	21
Beverly Katz	Hettienne Park	18
Freddy Lounds	Lara Jean Chorostecki	13
Frederick Chilton	Raúl Esparza	12
Bella Crawford	Gina Torres	5

Freddie Lounds' styling uses these chic but in-your-face outfits to represent her character's generally brash nature. As one of the primary sources of friction in the series, Lara Jean Chorostecki's gender-bent version of the original Lounds needed a wardrobe that was as loud and attention-grabbing as her character was intended to be. Additionally, the blood reds, contrast, and busy patterns featured in Freddie's wardrobe run throughout Hannibal, creating a visual sense of darkness and chaos.

3 Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier

The Life Line

Similarly to Freddie Lounds, psychiatrist Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier's (Gillian Anderson) costuming stays relatively consistent. Throughout the series, we see her character dressed in extremely chic, elegant, and typically feminine fits. Her wardrobe primarily features satins and silks, neutrals and jewel tones, and a very occasional and tasteful bit of bling. As the series goes on and Dr. Du Maurier finds herself having eloped to Florence, Italy with Hannibal, her wardrobe becomes all the more couture.

"I've had to draw a conclusion based on what I glimpse through the stitching of the person-suit that you wear, and the conclusion that I've drawn is that you are dangerous."
- Dr. Bedelia du Maurier, season 2, episode 2, "Sakizuki"

This progression in Bedelia's costuming is made not only to reflect the setting and her need to keep up appearances as the wife of Dr. Fell (Jeremy Crutchley) but also to mirror the character of Clarice Starling from the 1999 Thomas Harris novel, Hannibal. In the source material novel, Clarice is the one to elope with Dr. Lecter and be showered with expensive dresses, perfume, food, and wine. However, due to a rights issue with Hannibal, series creator Bryan Fuller created Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier as an original character and stand-in for Clarice, though her role as Hannibal's psychiatrist is vastly different.

Two of Bedelia's most memorable outfits include a royal blue skirt suit with a matching cartwheel hat, and later, in Italy, a jeweled, strapless black and gold ball gown. In terms of character arc, Bedelia remains a constant voice of calm and carefully controlled reason, often providing Hannibal — and even the FBI — with guidance. Her calculating nature and intelligence go hand in hand with the soft femininity of her character, and the consistent emphasis on classic but bold styles seen in Bedelia's costuming perfectly highlights this dichotomy.

2 Dr. Hannibal Lecter

The Carefully Controlled Facade

Mads Mikkelsen's iconic portrayal of the notorious serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter surely deserves a spot on the list, as his highly polished style arguably set the bar for the remainder of the cast. Somewhat surprisingly, Mikkelsen's wardrobe in the series bears little resemblance to that of Anthony Hopkins' legendary portrayal. Hannibal's wardrobe is composed of heavy woolen fabrics, very dark tones, unusual color combinations, and layering of prints. Hannibal is costumed almost exclusively in three-piece suits — which are, of course, impeccably tailored, and generally complete with pocket squares.

"Yeah, that was an amazing fabric. I really love that. I made the identical suit up for Brian Fuller. Because he was always quite covetous of Mads' suits. So I had to reorder some of that fabric. I have a picture of him and Mads somewhere standing together in the same suit."
- Costume designer Christopher Hargadon on Mads Mikkelsen's red windowpane suit from Hannibal season 2, episode 3, "Sakisuki" (via fromtailorswithlove.co.uk)

Of the many beautiful wardrobes created for the NBC series, Hannibal's stands out the most. Some of his most memorable fits include a three-piece in a Robin's egg blue windowpane pattern (season 1, episode 1, "Apéritif"), a wide array of plaids, and the memorable red windowpane three-piece, which Hannibal pairs with a light blue silk floral tie (season 2, episode 3, "Sakisuki"). Dr. Lecter's suits often involve odd color combinations, such as reds and greens. His costuming is also largely done in heavy twill plaid, with the occasional floral, paisley, or even geometric accent in his ties.

The symbolism present in Hannibal's styling is undeniable, with wardrobe choices that exude a sense of affluence and refinement. Mikkelsen's costuming reflects the old-money origins of Dr. Lecter's character, who hailed from a Lithuanian upper-class family in the Harris novels. The dark tones, heavy fabrics, and clashing prints not only display Hannibal's intelligence but also hint at his carefully controlled facade and dark undercurrent long before it comes to light in the show.

1 Will Graham

The Glow Up

While Will Graham's costuming contains what is perhaps one of the more obvious examples of hidden symbolism in Hannibal character wardrobes, his is also conceivably the most profound. Hugh Dancy's portrayal of the criminal profiler sports a scruffy and disheveled look throughout Hannibal season 1, even in spite of his relatively professional garb. Early on, Will's wardrobe consists primarily of flannels, jeans, and puffer vests, though his work attire occasionally includes a pair of khakis. However, as his character arc progresses, the viewer sees Graham's attire begin to evolve into far more stylish and well-groomed looks.

"What you did to me is in my head, and I will find it. I'm going to remember, Dr. Lecter, and when I do, there will be a reckoning."
- Will Graham, season 2, episode 1, "Kaiseki"

After his trial in season 2, Will abruptly begins opting for button-down shirts and trousers, a close shave, and carefully coiffed hair. Will's less polished wardrobe in season 1 directly mirrors his mental decline as he is affected by the trauma of Hannibal's psychic driving and an insidious case of encephalitis. In later seasons, Graham's costuming becomes more refined as he begins to reclaim his control. In the emotional Hannibal scene from season 3, episode 6 "Dolce," Will can even be seen wearing a suit.

While Emmy award-winning costume designer Christopher Hargadon has commented that his over-saturated colors were actually intended to compensate for the gloomy lighting of the Hannibal series, many of these wardrobe choices not only complimented the dark lighting but also the dark subject matter. Hargadon's pervasive usage of blood reds and chaotic prints emphasized the vaguely unsettling nature of Hannibal's cinematography. Luckily for viewers, these Hannibal costume design choices enhanced the rich symbolism of this visually stunning show, whether intentional or not.

Source: fromtailorswithlove.co.uk