An epic story deserves epic style. While the stars of Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated summer film The Odyssey have been making waves on the red carpet, we’ve been digging through our archives to find fashion that captures the spirit of Homer’s classic tale of heartbreak, drama, fantasy, and romance. In terms of aesthetics, The Odyssey style tends to favor clothing that celebrates the natural body—unrestricted by loose, flowing drapes and folds, rather than constrained by boning or corsets, which became so common in later periods (and at the fall 2026 couture shows).

The visual essay below showcases standout examples of techniques designers have used over the years to recreate the ideals of classical dress, such as draping, pleating, twisting, and wrapping.

Some of these pieces were created by designers drawing on their own Greek heritage, including Jean Dessès, Dimitra Petsa, Sophia Kokosalaki, and Mary Katrantzou. Pleating was another popular way for designers to mimic the look of ancient statues. The technique—developed by Mariano Fortuny and Henriette Negrin for their unique silk Delphos dresses (worn by some characters in Remembrance of Things Past) nearly 120 years ago—has never been perfectly replicated. But Mary McFadden gave it a try, creating a pleated polyester fabric she called Mari. Another notable fabric sculptor (often working with jersey) was the mysterious Madame Grès (Germaine Émilie Krebs), who has inspired countless designers, including Yohji Yamamoto, Mossi Traoré, Richard Malone, and Francesco Murano.

In any case, fashion history is full of nods to the goddesses and mortals who populate these epic stories. Below, a look at some of our favorite mythical runway looks for modern-day Penelopes and Athenas.

Raquel Zimmermann in Balenciaga.
Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, December 2004

A plaster female form draped with silk jersey by Madame Grès for the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
Photo: Roger Schall, Vogue, May 15, 1939

Zendaya in Matières Fécales.
Photo: Mike Coppola / Getty Images

Givenchy, spring 1999 couture.
Photo: WWD / Getty Images

Raquel Zimmermann in Sophia Kokosalaki.
Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, December 2004

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about how fashion drew inspiration from The Odyssey long before any movie adaptation

BeginnerLevel Questions

1 What does inspired by The Odyssey even mean in fashion
It means designers use themes characters or symbols from the ancient Greek epic poemlike long journeys the sea goddesses and mythical creaturesto influence the colors shapes and fabrics of their clothing

2 Why would fashion look to a 3000yearold poem for ideas
The poem is full of timeless imageryflowing robes sandals dramatic draping and the idea of a heroic journey These elements feel classic and elegant and they connect to ideas of adventure struggle and beauty

3 What specific items from The Odyssey show up in fashion
Youll see lots of draped tunics wide leather belts gladiator sandals gold laurelleaf crowns and long flowing capes Jewelry often includes cameos coins and wave or shell motifs

4 Is this just for fancy redcarpet dresses or can I wear it too
Both Highend designers do dramatic goddess gowns but the inspiration is also in everyday items a simple white linen dress a braided headband a leather wrap bracelet or sandals with crisscross straps

Advanced Deeper Questions

5 How did designers interpret the journey theme before any movie
They used silhouettes that suggest movement Think of a dress with a long trailing train layered fabrics that look windblown or color palettes that shift from deep navy to sandy beige to bright white

6 Which specific designers are known for this premovie influence
Madame Grs in the 1930s was famous for her Grecianstyle pleated gowns Yves Saint Laurent often used column dresses and gold belts Halston in the 1970s created sleek jersey goddess dresses More recently Mary Katrantzou and Erdem have used prints of urns waves and ancient motifs