Costume Designer Lex Wood Breaks Down 'The Vampire Lestat' Rockstar Wardrobe

Costume designer Lex Wood detailed her approach to the rockstar wardrobe and hidden details in the third season of 'Interview with the Vampire,' subtitled 'The Vampire Lestat,' in a new interview reported by Variety.

Wood, who joined the show's costume department at the end of its second season, said her primary directive for the new season was color. She wanted to move away from the red and black typically associated with vampires to reflect the mania of Lestat de Lioncourt, now a musician and the season's narrator, played by Sam Reid.

What Inspired Lestat's Rockstar Look?

Wood spent significant time researching music by artists that fit the show's vibe, some directly referenced by composer Daniel Hart. While she and Reid avoided modeling Lestat after any single rockstar to preserve his individuality, figures like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, and Freddie Mercury served as key inspirations. "A lot of the actual design we were doing as we were going," Wood explained to Variety. "We had some pieces I designed before we started, but a lot of it, we’re doing on the hoof, because we’re responding to the script."

What Are the Hidden Easter Eggs?

Wood was deliberate with fabric choices to weave in subtle connections. For Lestat and his mother Gabriella, played by Jennifer Ehle, she incorporated silk to create a "physical thread" linking them to their 18th-century origins. "There are a couple of Easter eggs in terms of the use of those fabrics as well," she hinted, hoping fans would spot them.

Jewelry also carries meaning. Lestat uses his rings and colored stones to "try and toy with people," with stones changing based on his emotional state. Louis, played by Jacob Anderson, wears a bracelet with notches that Wood suggests could be counting his kills for the Talamasca.

How Does Louis's Wardrobe Reflect His Story?

Dressing the billionaire vampire Louis presented a budget challenge, but the aim was a "billionaire look and feel." His wardrobe reflects his emotional state following the events of Season 2. "We wanted to have layers on him, so that we’re showing that bit of hiding," Wood said, describing Louis as "kidding himself, thinking he’s fixed." His use of color and pattern signifies his freedom from the restraint of his former lover, Armand.

What About Regina's Costume?

Regina, a waitress and dead ringer for the deceased Claudia (both played by Delainey Hayles), wears a uniform in a yellow hue that nods to the dress Claudia died in. This choice helps her stand out when introduced through a diner window. "Regina is a bit of an enigma, so we wanted her to feel like every girl you know; you wouldn’t look at her twice when you’re walking down the street, and that’s kind of the point," Wood said. As Regina begins impersonating Claudia, her wardrobe includes clear but imperfect nods to descriptions from Louis's story.