Since the release of Patty Jenkins' new "Wonder Woman" film on June 2nd, there have been multiple articles written both praising and critiquing the latest addition to DC's cinematic universe. Some sources argue that Gal Gadot's Diana of Themyscira is the ideal feminist icon for 2017 and others claim that, while the heart of the movie was in the right place, it still lacked in complete independency from the lead's male counterparts.
But whatever your opinion may be about the overall feminist quality of the latest superhero movie with a leading lady, or should I say, "only" superhero movie with a super-powered female that has purely "good guy" intentions (because Harley Quinn of "Suicide Squad" is still considered a villain and Halle Berry's "Catwoman" tends to walk the fine line between good and evil), a common theme amongst movie reviews was, of course, the signature Wonder Woman costume. So, I thought I'd dive into a question that is all-too frequently asked to women, "What was she wearing?"
As a disclaimer, I personally am not of the mindset that what you wear defines who you are. However, I do think that looking into the evolution of Wonder Woman's signature style reflects our societal mindset in how we perceive and want to perceive strong women, especially within a genre that is dominated almost entirely by men.
Wonder Woman made her comic debut in December of 1941.
Diana Prince's first signature look consisted of a strapless bustier with a golden eagle emblem (because she immediately fights for team USA in the midst of World War I, of course), a star-spangled skirt that cuts off just above the knee, in keeping with the more modest style of the early 40's, and includes her iconic knee-high boots, bullet-proof cuffs, and triangular tiara. Still very traditionally feminine, but perhaps not the most practical option when marching into battle.
Luckily, in 1962, she got to lose the skirt.
In 1968, however, things got a little bit "interesting" for Ms. Diana Prince in the fashion department.
The "New" Wonder Woman featured a Diana that had given up her powers for a more peaceful, domestic life. She traded in the jumpsuit for black leggings and color-blocked blouse, but still kept the boots. Thankfully, this costume did not last long and in 1972 she returned to her iconic red and blue.
Even before Gal Gadot's appearance in "Batman vs. Superman," Wonder Woman's look was adapted for live-action movies and TV shows. In 1974, actress Cathy Lee Crosby sported a Star Trek-esque long-sleeved jacket dress and leggings. She kept the boots and cuffs but left behind the tiara.
The made for TV movie she appeared in, however, wasn't so popular and her style was re-vamped yet again for Lynda Carter's run as Wonder Woman in the CBS series.
Similar to '62-era Wonder Woman, Carter's portrayal wore everything from the red and white boots to the starred tiara. The golden detailing on her bustier was eagle-like, a nod to the character's original design, and her golden lasso of truth was kept on her waist.
In 1987, WW's comic character was given some new life by artist, George Pérez.
Her costume is essentially the same as her 1962 self, including the stacked W symbol that still represents the original eagle design.
This costume has remained the most popular, as it served for her inspiration in the "Justice League" animated series that ran from 2001-2004 on Cartoon Network.
(Personally, I quite like her sass in handling comments from her fellow Justice League teammates).
Then in 2010, Wonder Woman's style was modernized for Issue #600.
It's a bit more modest in the sense that it covers more skin, but it also updates her look with the addition of a tough, denim jacket and sleek, black pants while keeping her accessories and color scheme the same.
In keeping with the more-covered theme, her post-New 52 comic series design added even more. (I would include her New 52 design, but there really isn't too much difference from her 1987 era).
This time, her costume fits more like a traditional suit of armor. She keeps the blue, red, and gold, but adds spikes to her cuffs and shoulder protection. Arguably, this is the most similar her battle outfit has ever looked to that of the other members of the Justice League.
That brings us to today, where Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman made her debut in 2016's "Batman vs. Superman," and that same costume design was kept for "Wonder Woman".
Compared to the other live-action versions, although not quite as covered up as Crosby's or as true to the comics as Carter's, Gadot's Diana unmistakably wears armor. The color is a bit more subdued than in earlier versions of the character, but it draws inspiration from Ancient Greek battle armor that included a breastplate and "greaves" or protective shinguards. Sure, she's still got quite a bit of skin showing, but when you're literally immortal, I suppose you can afford to recover from a few scrapes here and there in record healing time. Her newest look is protective, mobile, and badass, encompassing the heart of the 1940's femme hero while appropriately adjusted for a new century. She looks, in a word, "wonderful".
