The upcoming Hellfire Gala sees the X-Men and their allies donning impressive new costumes, and some of these high-fashion looks are a cut above.
The upcoming “Hellfire Gala” is set to be one of the biggest X-Men stories of the year, with the celebration poised to plot a new direction for the nation of Krakoa and introduce a new X-Men team. To celebrate the occasion, many notable mutants have been given impressive and stylish new outfits to wear to the event, courtesy of mutant fashion designer Jumbo Carnation.
With all of the “Hellfire Gala” designs now released, we’re taking a closer look at which pieces of X-Men high fashion truly stand out.
WHITE QUEEN
Emma Frost has long been among Marvel’s most image-conscious mutants, and she’s always high fashion and culture as a part of her upper-crust personality. Befitting that, Emma hasn’t chosen just one outfit for the Hellfire Gala but three, with the ability to shift between them as the night wears on. Designed by Russell Dauterman, all of them incorporate diamonds and an X motif in some way, with two of them actively utilizing her diamond form as part of their designs. Even in her flesh and blood form diamonds play a chief element, with her diamond crown and heels providing some pop outside of her massive fur coat.
COLOSSUS
Colossus has always been one of the most unassuming of the X-Men, often more at peace painting or in the field as opposed to being the center of attention. But his impressive fur-lined black cloak and exposed steel chest through a sheer shirt is turning eyes both in-universe and in the real world (where the reveal of Colossus’ design resulted in him trending on Twitter.) Designed by Lucas Werneck, the largely monochromic cloak also incorporates some crimson and gold as well, helping draw the eye away from the sheer black. Perhaps most striking though is his beard, which even the Hellfire Gala Guide can’t stop focusing on.
KATE PRYDE
As the Red Queen of the Hellfire Corporation, Kate Pryde has drastically risen in importance as of late. Her gown for the Hellfire Gala reflects not just her current role but also her personal history. In this Russell Dauterman-designed look, she wears an asymmetrical red outfit with her signature Star of David prominently around her neck. Elements of her outfit seem to reflect two of her closest friends — an eye patch seeming to recall Prestige’s Hound markings while the buttoned left arm could be seen as a reference to Magik. Kate even references her history as an X-Man with a diamond broach containing a single bullet — alluding to how she saved the world from a giant bullet in Astonishing X-Men.
NIGHTCRAWLER
Nightcrawler has always had a theatrical side to him, with the classic X-Man often embracing a performer-esque design into his costumes. His designs and personality reflect his inner swashbuckler, so Nightcrawler’s clothing for the Hellfire Gala reflects a high society approach to that idea. The Bob Quinn-designed red and black ensemble references his classic costume color scheme, and the cavalier-looking suit he wears to the Hellfire Gala gives him a touch of dashing class. With a high-fashion take on Errol Flynn’s Three Musketeers costume showing off his fun side and an ascot that looks like an extended priest’s frock, this high-end look captures the many complexities of the Way of X star.
ICEMAN
Iceman has increasingly embraced a more open perspective on his powers, his potential and even his design choices. Matteo Lolli’s design for Iceman captures him at this moment, with the veteran X-Man seemingly using his powers to grow out his hair and come to the event adorned in a flowing ice gown — complete with naturally-created platform heels. Iceman isn’t the only male mutant arriving on the scene in a gown, but he might have the most distinct one, fully utilizing his powers in a clever manner. He also found a way to incorporate a decorative X into the design and paired it with wraparound glasses that prove he’s too cool for everyone else.
SUNFIRE
Sunfire has long been one of the most prominent Japanese superheroes in the Marvel Universe, with Shiro Yashida often being presented as incredibly proud of his home nation. This is showcased in his Lucas Werneck-designed costume for the Hellfire Gala, which uses many traditional flourishes. His haori flows down to his ankles, incorporating both fire imagery as well as more traditional formal designs. His mask incorporates elements of his classic Sunfire mask while feeling more ornate for the occasion. He even has an X at waist level, likely referencing his upcoming role as a member of the X-Men set to premiere to the world at the event.
MANIFOLD
Manifold has become one of the Marvel Universe’s most prominent Australian heroes, working not just with the X-Men as a member of S.W.O.R.D.’s Six, but also becoming allies with Black Panther and a member of the Avengers. Reflecting his laid back and more personable side, the teleporting, space-folding Manifold arrives at the Hellfire Gala with an orange jacket and bandana that give his S.W.O.R.D. costume a high fashion update. The back of the jacket, outfitted with shimmering diamonds, is cited as bringing a bit of science fiction to his look. He also incorporates his First Australian heritage into the Valerio Schiti-designed look, with a distinct ncecklace white paint on his chest and the left side of his face.
MYSTIQUE
Mystique’s gown is a distinctly furry affair, incorporating what at first appears to be feathery apparel into the design. As noted within the Hellfire Gala Guide though, Mystique’s Stephen Segovia-designed gown is specifically tailored so that it’s difficult to tell for sure where the gown ends and the shapeshifter begins. It’s a befitting mysterious gown for the mystery-filled shapeshifter, largely utilizing her normal color scheme to make a distinct dress feel all the more unique. It also hints at her general mysterious nature, with Mysqitue’s past indiscretions in-flux loyalty being reflected in a gown that one can’t fully pin down at first glance.
