John Wick’s sharp, all-black suit is as much of an action icon as Keanu Reeves himself. Paired with jaw-dropping fight sequences and his cool, calculating persona, the suit has become a symbol of understated elegance. While Keanu’s portrayal of the character is unforgettable, it’s the work of Luca Mosca, the brilliant costume designer behind these iconic looks, that truly makes the character stand out.
Mosca has a history of tailoring for some big names, including Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman in Paranoia (2013), and even Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's rare suit appearance in Skyscraper (2018). But his work on John Wick may very well be his crowning achievement.
At first glance, John Wick’s outfits might seem simple - classic black, sharp tailoring, and no-nonsense cuts. However, crafting these suits for Keanu was far from straightforward. It wasn’t just about creating a sharp silhouette; it was about making sure each suit fit like a glove while also being practical for the intense action scenes.
The suits had to be perfectly tailored, a task that off-the-rack options simply couldn’t fulfill. Mosca’s solution? Bespoke tailoring. But that wasn’t all. The suits had to accommodate protective pads and gear underneath to ensure Keanu was safe while performing those brutal action sequences. Balancing safety with style was no small feat, and you can bet Mosca faced some challenges in making sure every suit worked for both the camera and the action.
Mosca even made a cameo in John Wick: Chapter 2, portraying John Wick’s trusted tailor - a fitting role for the man behind the iconic wardrobe.
Now, if you thought John Wick’s suits were just plain black, think again. Most of the time, they’re actually a very dark gray. In fact, only one black suit appears in Chapter 2.
The special lighting effects used in the films make the dark gray suits look black, adding to the mysterious aura of the character.
John Wick’s suit, while dark and minimalist, isn’t as simple as it seems. Accessories are key to making the look stand out. Whether it's a pair of sleek cufflinks or a tasteful tie pin, the little details give his outfit a refined edge.
And let’s not forget the watch. For John Wick’s timepiece, Mosca selected a Carl F. Bucherer Manero AutoDate - a watch that mirrors the suit’s elegance and precision, perfectly complementing the character's sophisticated yet lethal style.
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