When Jennifer Hudson took on the role of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in the 2021 biographical film Respect, it was more than a performance—it was a transformation. Hudson didn’t just step into Aretha’s shoes; she inhabited her skin, her struggles, her triumphs, and her evolving personal style. This transformation, rooted in a deep understanding of Aretha’s persona, involved meticulous styling choices that mirrored Aretha’s personal evolution, bringing forth the complexities of her character and career.
From the stunning wardrobe to subtle mannerisms, Hudson’s embodiment of Franklin was as much about capturing the look as it was about embracing the spirit. The clothes Hudson wore in Respect were not just costumes; they were windows into Aretha’s inner world, visually narrating her journey from a shy church singer to a global icon. Let’s dive into how the film’s costume choices mirrored Aretha’s stages of life, underscoring her dynamic character through style.
Clothing as a Reflection of Personality
Defining Aretha’s Early Style
In the early scenes of Respect, Aretha is depicted as a young girl, soft-spoken yet intensely musical, growing up in the confines of her father’s church. Hudson’s wardrobe at this point is modest, reflecting Aretha’s sheltered upbringing and the influence of her religious background. The dresses are simple, subdued in color, with clean lines that evoke the solemnity and discipline of church life. These early choices reflect the quietness Aretha experienced in her youth, setting the foundation for her later, bolder transformations.
As the story progresses and Aretha begins to enter the music world, her wardrobe shifts subtly. Hudson’s costumes move toward vibrant colors and richer fabrics, reflecting Aretha’s journey from a restrained church singer to a young woman discovering her voice. These choices signify her growing confidence as she navigates the male-dominated industry, finding her path and learning to assert herself. The clothing evolves with her courage—a visual indicator of her burgeoning independence.
Finding Her Voice through Fashion
One of the most iconic moments in Aretha’s career—and in the film—is her realization of personal power. Hudson’s wardrobe in these scenes is intentionally eye-catching, often featuring bold prints, statement jewelry, and form-fitting silhouettes that convey Aretha’s authority on stage. These choices embody Aretha’s unapologetic personality and her growing sense of independence. Her style, bold yet elegant, reflects her strength as she begins to shape her career on her terms.
As Hudson steps into these scenes, her wardrobe becomes a direct reflection of the Aretha audiences came to love: fearless, unapologetically herself, and exuding a powerful stage presence. The color schemes, dominated by royal blues, deep reds, and shimmering metallics, suggest a woman not afraid to take risks—a visual echo of Aretha’s bravery in claiming her musical space.
Stylistic Elements Mirroring Key Moments in Aretha’s Life
Moments of Vulnerability and Strength
One of the most moving aspects of Hudson’s portrayal was her ability to mirror Aretha’s inner struggles through subtle style changes. In moments where Aretha’s life seemed to waver—during personal challenges or doubts in her career—the wardrobe reflected this vulnerability. Her clothes were less structured, with softer fabrics and muted tones that created an aura of fragility. This was a deliberate choice by the film’s costume team, allowing Hudson’s Aretha to communicate her personal struggles without uttering a word.
During scenes that showcase Aretha’s intense emotional journey, Hudson’s wardrobe often shifts to reflect her creative breakthroughs and personal empowerment. Bright colors and bold patterns often mark moments when Aretha finds renewed strength and resilience. For instance, after overcoming personal hardships and career struggles, she wears vibrant greens and purples—symbolic colors of renewal and spirituality. These moments remind us that Aretha’s life, while filled with obstacles, was also marked by powerful moments of self-discovery.
The Iconic Aretha Look: A Creative Breakthrough
As Aretha transitions into a full-fledged icon, Hudson dons the wardrobe that fans most associate with Franklin: lavish gowns, sequin-studded dresses, and striking accessories that complement her unmistakable voice. This period in the film reflects Aretha’s peak—her artistic liberation and global recognition. The elaborate wardrobe choices here communicate her stardom, signaling that she has fully embraced her identity as the Queen of Soul.
Aretha’s late-stage wardrobe is heavily stylized, with a focus on bold embellishments, oversized accessories, and daring color choices. Hudson’s portrayal in these outfits isn’t just a tribute to Aretha’s style but to her resilience. Every sequin, every feathered dress, every silk glove worn by Hudson represents Aretha’s triumphs and the hardships she endured. By this stage, Hudson doesn’t just look like Aretha; she channels her—capturing the essence of a woman who was both vulnerable and unbreakable.
The Role of Fashion in Hudson’s Performance
Hudson has remarked that her wardrobe helped her understand Aretha on a deeper level, especially in scenes that showcased Aretha’s strength. By wearing pieces that resembled Aretha’s style, Hudson tapped into her mindset, discovering a newfound appreciation for the courage it took to be unapologetically herself. Hudson’s costumes became more than just wardrobe choices; they were tools that allowed her to inhabit the spirit of a woman whose voice demanded respect.
Aretha Franklin’s strength was often masked in silence—a quality Hudson found intriguing. Through fashion, she accessed this silent strength, embodying Aretha’s ability to command a room without saying a word. Her wardrobe in Respect brought out this intensity, reminding audiences of the silent battles Aretha fought and the dignity she maintained. Hudson, draped in Aretha’s bold colors and iconic dresses, used fashion as a conduit, connecting with Aretha’s quiet power.
Hudson’s Own Style Influence
Interestingly, some of Hudson’s personal style influences found their way into Respect’s wardrobe choices. Known for her love of glamour and appreciation for classic yet powerful silhouettes, Hudson brought a unique flair to Aretha’s character. The wardrobe team often collaborated with Hudson to ensure that certain elements—like the way she carried herself in specific pieces or the boldness with which she embraced certain colors—mirrored both Aretha’s and Hudson’s personalities. This blend of Hudson’s essence with Aretha’s style lent an authenticity to the portrayal, making it not just a tribute to Aretha but also a testament to Hudson’s dedication as an artist.
Hudson’s respect for Franklin is evident in the way she wore each outfit, combining her personal touch with Aretha’s indomitable spirit. In a scene where Aretha records her iconic song “Respect,” Hudson’s own style sense shines through, subtly modernizing Aretha’s classic look while paying homage to her legacy. These wardrobe choices bring Hudson and Aretha together in a harmonious blend, with Hudson’s personal style adding layers of authenticity to Aretha’s character.
Conclusion
In Respect, Jennifer Hudson does more than portray Aretha Franklin; she transforms into her through a powerful blend of vocal prowess, emotional depth, and, notably, wardrobe. The clothing choices in Respect were essential in telling the story of a woman who was not only a musical icon but a figure of resilience, strength, and unyielding self-respect. By using clothing as a narrative device, Hudson and the film’s wardrobe team allowed Aretha’s story to unfold with rich visual cues, offering audiences a deeper understanding of her character.
Hudson’s transformation was a layered process, one that involved more than just costumes or makeup. Through her dedication to embodying Aretha’s spirit—down to the intricate details of her style—Hudson brought a new depth to the Queen of Soul’s story, making Respect not just a biographical film but a celebration of Aretha Franklin’s life and legacy. With each costume change, Hudson gives audiences a glimpse into Aretha’s world, honoring her evolution and leaving us with a renewed respect for both the icon and the woman behind the music.
