Aerith's Wardrobe: Exploring the Evolution of Her Costume

Introduction

Aerith Gainsborough, the enigmatic and beloved heroine of the Final Fantasy VII franchise, is renowned not only for her compassionate nature but also for her iconic attire. Throughout the series, her costume has undergone a series of transformations, reflecting her personal growth and the changing nature of her role within the story. This article delves into the evolution of Aerith's costume, exploring its significance and the themes it embodies.

The Original Aerith Costume

In the original Final Fantasy VII, Aerith's costume consisted of a long, flowing pink dress with a ruffled neckline and a flowing cape. The dress featured intricate embroidery and lace details, giving it an ethereal and angelic appearance. The cape was trimmed with fur, adding to her sense of mystery and otherworldliness.

Symbolic Meaning

The original Aerith costume symbolized her innocence, purity, and connection to the spiritual realm. The pink color often represents love, compassion, and femininity. The flowing fabric and ethereal design evoked a sense of fragility and vulnerability, reflecting Aerith's gentle nature.

Evolution in Final Fantasy VII Remake

In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Aerith's costume received a significant redesign. While it retained the iconic pink color and flowing silhouette, it was updated with more modern and practical elements. The dress now featured a shorter length and a more fitted bodice, giving Aerith a more active and dynamic appearance. The cape was replaced with a shorter, more tailored coat.

Reflecting Character Growth

The redesigned costume in the Final Fantasy VII Remake represented Aerith's growth and transformation throughout the game. The shorter length and more fitted bodice symbolized her increased confidence and strength. The coat provided her with protection and practicality, reflecting her willingness to confront the challenges that lay ahead.

Variant Costumes

Throughout the Final Fantasy series, Aerith has been featured in various variant costumes. These costumes often reflect different aspects of her character or explore alternative interpretations of her role. Some notable variants include:

• Black Mage Aerith: A costume that depicts Aerith as a powerful black mage, complete with a black robe and hat.
• Wedding Aerith: A costume that features Aerith in a white wedding dress, symbolizing her connection to Zack Fair.
• Advent Children Aerith: A costume that depicts Aerith in a more mature and elegant style, with a long, flowing white dress.

Cultural Impact

Aerith's costume has become an iconic symbol within the Final Fantasy franchise and beyond. It has been referenced in numerous fan art, cosplay, and other creative works. The costume's combination of beauty, symbolism, and relatability has made it a fan favorite.

Conclusion

Aerith's costume has evolved significantly throughout the Final Fantasy VII franchise, reflecting her character growth, personal journey, and the changing nature of the story. From the ethereal original design to the updated and modern interpretation in the Remake, her wardrobe has conveyed themes of innocence, strength, and vulnerability. As a symbol of the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the Final Fantasy series, Aerith's costume continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide.

Tables

Table 1: Key Characteristics of Aerith's Costume

Table 2: Costume Symbology in Final Fantasy

Table 3: Cultural Influence of Aerith's Costume

Table 4: Costume Statistics