John Wick's suit is undeniably one of the most visually striking elements in men's fashion, complementing the thrilling, bone-crunching action sequences throughout the trilogy. Keanu Reeves' composed demeanor - from his subtle expressions to his sleek, dark ensemble - has cemented him as a global style icon. But it’s essential to recognize that this success isn’t solely attributed to Keanu; it’s also the brainchild of costume designer Luca Mosca.
Mosca has dressed other Hollywood legends, including Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman in Paranoia (2013), and even tailored one of Dwayne Johnson's rare suit appearances in Skyscraper (2018). However, transforming Keanu Reeves into the unforgettable John Wick with a striking yet understated aesthetic was arguably Mosca’s crowning achievement.
At first glance, you might see the outfits as uncomplicated, reflecting the straightforward nature of the assassination contracts in the film: all-black and classically tailored. Yet, collaborating with Keanu, who fully trusts Mosca’s keen aesthetic sense and skill in proportion, came with its challenges. The suits worn by Keanu needed to fit impeccably; off-the-rack options simply wouldn't suffice, making bespoke tailoring a necessity.
In addition to the flawless fit of the custom suits, they had to allow for extra space to accommodate padding and protective gear essential for action sequences. Balancing safety with style is no easy feat, and Mosca certainly faced his share of challenges.
Interestingly, Mosca even made a cameo in the second film, portraying John Wick's tailor.
While many fans rave about John Wick's black suits, the reality is that they are primarily dark gray, with only one black suit appearing in the second film. On-screen lighting often leads to the misconception that these dark gray suits are black.
The dark gray suits worn by John Wick are often mistaken for black due to on-screen lighting.
The interplay of costume effects and Keanu's dynamic action creates the aura of a true nighttime assassin - wherever this “shadow” moves, chaos ensues! 😅 But it’s not all about the monochrome; Mosca also allowed John Wick to incorporate accessories. With a clean and straightforward outfit as a base, accessories like cufflinks or a tie pin can easily take center stage.
Speaking of accessories, the watch is a standout piece. Mosca selected the Carl F. Bucherer Manero AutoDate for John Wick, a timepiece that embodies the clean, sophisticated aesthetic the character’s attire aims to achieve.
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