The cinematic world of 'The Brutalist' has given rise to an unexpected fashion phenomenon: a distinctive gray sweater. Worn by Adrien Brody's character, László Tóth, this garment garnered significant attention from filmgoers and critics alike, prompting its journey from the silver screen to a tangible fashion item. The collaboration between the film's costume designer, Kate Forbes, and renowned knitwear designer, Ilana Blumberg, has made this sought-after piece accessible to the public, blending the film's artistic integrity with contemporary fashion sensibilities. This initiative not only celebrates the unique aesthetic of the film but also champions sustainable fashion practices through its made-to-order, limited-edition release.
Director Brady Corbet's epic 'The Brutalist' delves into the life of László Tóth, a Holocaust survivor and architect who navigates the complexities of 1950s America. The film is rich with visually stunning sequences and emotionally charged moments, from Tóth's architectural masterpieces to the profound betrayals he endures. Amidst these powerful narratives, a seemingly understated costume piece—the gray sweater—managed to captivate audiences. Costume designer Kate Forbes intentionally incorporated elements of beatnik fashion into Tóth's wardrobe, aiming to convey a sense of timelessness and artistic individuality for his character. This approach resonated deeply, making Tóth's style, and particularly the sweater, an "unsung menswear icon."
The sweater, a genuine vintage piece from the 1960s originally sourced by Forbes from the Berlin costume house Theaterkunst, stood out for its sculptural quality and impeccable cut. Its unexpected popularity led Forbes to consider its broader appeal. This vision materialized through a partnership with Ilana Blumberg, a celebrated knitwear designer known for her work with prominent brands and artists like Harry Styles. Blumberg, whose background includes architecture studies, found this project particularly fitting given Tóth's profession and the garment's 'architectural' construction. The collaboration was further sweetened by the fact that Ilana is the sister of Daniel Blumberg, the film's Oscar-winning composer, adding a familial artistic connection to the project.
Recreating the sweater proved to be a meticulous process, as the original was 'fully fashioned'—knitted precisely to its final shape without cutting or sewing, a testament to true knitwear artistry. This technique, rarely seen in modern mass production, emphasizes the garment's inherent quality and structure. To ensure authenticity and maintain this high standard for the new production, Blumberg traveled to Romania. There, she discovered a team of skilled artisans capable of translating the original acrylic blend into a luxurious, soft lambswool, meticulously incorporating hand-stitched details that define the sweater's unique form. This commitment to detail ensured that the reproduced garment would honor the spirit and craftsmanship of the original.
The recreated Brutalist sweater is available for pre-sale in a limited run of just 300 pieces. This decision, made by Forbes, underscores the desire to keep the item truly special and exclusive. Furthermore, all sweaters are made-to-order, a conscious choice to minimize waste and promote sustainability—a principle Forbes strongly advocates against the backdrop of modern fashion's environmental challenges. The journey of this unique knit, from an anonymous vintage find to a celebrated film prop and now a covetable fashion item, exemplifies the power of artistic vision and collaborative effort.
The collaboration between Forbes and Blumberg blossomed into a genuine friendship, highlighting the shared passion and dedication that fueled the project. Forbes commended Blumberg's unwavering energy, enthusiasm, and profound knowledge of knitwear, all of which were instrumental in faithfully recreating the garment. Blumberg, in turn, found the project a stimulating challenge, pushing her to consider not just the technical aspects of knitwear but also the deeper 'soul' of a piece of clothing—its history, its narrative, and its metaphysical qualities. This profound engagement ensured that every fiber of the new sweater embodies the depth and dedication poured into its creation.