300

Challenge: Outfit an army of iconic Spartans

By THOMAS MCLEAN

It wasn't history but Frank Miller's stylized graphic novel that served as the primary reference for the Spartans' striking red capes and leather loincloths in "300."

"In a sense, Frank was giving us the liberty not to stick to 100% historical accuracy, but to work more from our intuition and from our hearts," says costume designer Michael Wilkinson.

Russian linen was dyed, distressed and extensively tested to ensure the capes were up to the stunts and visual effects. The codpieces were also distressed, and a metallic powder was embedded into flexible material to create a corroded armor effect. "All these details really help the audience get involved in the film and help them feel exactly what it would be like to be right in the middle of this incredible battle," Wilkinson says.