Beyond the Sand: How Medieval Popes and High Fashion Shaped the Costumes of ‘Dune: Part Three’

Image: Collected

Vogue offers an exclusive look behind the scenes at Jacqueline West’s visionary wardrobe for Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic, highlighting Anya Taylor-Joy’s high-priestess aesthetic.

As anticipation mounts for Denis Villeneuve’s trilogy conclusion Dune: Part Three, a newly released behind-the-scenes spotlight from Vogue reveals how Academy Award-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West brought the film’s imperial, religious visual landscape to life.

At the centerpiece of the latest visual showcase is Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides, Paul’s formidable sister. Clad in a sweeping, stark-white papal shroud that sits in stark contrast against the dark, rune-inscribed green velvet of the imperial court, Alia’s look blends sacred authority with haunting visual elegance.

Key Highlights of the Wardrobe Direction

 ● Papal & Medieval Influences: West drew heavily from historical religious vestments—specifically early Avignon Papacy attire—to emphasize the divine cult of personality surrounding House Atreides following Paul’s rise as Emperor.

 ● High-Fashion Silhouette: The crisp tailoring and dramatic lines pay homage to mid-century haute couture master Cristóbal Balenciaga, bringing a modern architectural silhouette into the sci-fi universe.

 ● Textile Innovation & Textures: To convey the vast luxury of off-world aristocrats and the harsh reality of Arrakis, the design team experimented with specialized textiles, intricate draping, and otherworldly tactile materials designed to simulate alien luxury.

 ● A Transformed Royal Court: Set 17 years after the events of Dune: Part Two, the costumes signal a shift from desert survival gear to rigid imperial majesty, reflecting the heavy burden of Paul's galactic rule.

The Final Chapter Approaches

Adapting Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah, the upcoming film explores the heavy toll of Paul Atreides' (Timothée Chalamet) reign as he faces mounting internal rebellions, political conspiracies, and an evolving dynamic with his sister, Alia.

Dune: Part Three is scheduled to hit theaters and IMAX on December 18, 2026.