When Lana and Lilly Wachowski, the writer/director sister duo, first brought the world The Matrix, we all fell down the rabbit hole. It became everyday slang to refer to the "red pill or blue pill" regarding our situational awareness—a question inspired by the film's central crux. Yet, little did we know, the 1999 film's forewarning of a ubiquitous cyber-world would be less far-fetched than initially postured. Ironic, given today's Internet-dominated culture, which often dictates social discourse (albeit with fewer robot overlords).
The film's critical social theory was balanced by a cyberpunk aesthetic: equally sexually charged and empowering. The costume designer, Kym Barrett, cemented her place in cinematic history with her leather trench coats, plastic corsets, and avant-garde dystopian goth-thots.
Since its release, The Matrix has inspired countless runway, red carpet, and streetstyle moments, with the fashion industry's top tastemakers all co-signing onto the look. Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto's Fall/Winter 2008 line drew inspiration, as did Tom Ford's Fall/Winter 2019 collection which applied the aesthetic to men's and women's ready-to-wear. Streetstyle superstar, Bella Hadid, has donned the Matrix-inspired piece from time to time, as have Rihanna, David and Victoria Beckham, Kanye West, and Naomi Campbell.
In honor of The Matrix Resurrections' nationwide release, L'OFFICIEL takes a look at the best The Matrix-inspired high fashion moments.
