Hannibal  S2, Ep4 – Takiawase 

Costume Designer: Christopher Hargadon

Dr Frederick Chiltern

Beginners welcome

Whilst this was a very enjoyable episode, there really wasn’t too many style takeaways with regards to the style. However, if you are a beginner when it comes to coordinating your suits with your ties, then you’ll do worse than to learn a lesson from Dr. Chiltern. (Played by Raul Esparza).

In terms of professionalism Dr Frederick Chiltern never takes a day off when it comes to his wardrobe and dresses how you’d expect a psychiatrist to dress. Well presented, enough money for tailored clothes, yet not too showy. Hannibal on the other hand is the exception to the rule. He runs his own practice and we presume has a lot more disposable income for suits. Hannibal also has refined tastes therefore it makes sense that his work wardrobe has a lot intrigue than Dr Chiltern’s.

Dr Frederick Chiltern and Will Graham

Dr Frederick Chiltern (left) and Will Graham (right)

Getting the basics right

Dr Chiltern doesn’t dress with quite the same theatrics as Dr. Lecter. Yet he does get the basics right. For example in the photo above he is wearing a brown on brown houndstooth single breasted blazer with blue overcheck, that looks to me made from a city tweed cloth. He has paired this brilliantly with a blue and brown medallion tie and blue and brown striped shirt. He has kept it simple sans a pocket square.

Dr Frederick Chiltern with red tie and check blazer

Pairing

He achieves this effect earlier in the episode with a red solid silk tie, that lifts the red from the olive, brown and red chequered blazer. (See Above). It’s not a rule set in stone to match your tie colour with your overcheck, however if you’re struggling to find a colour or pattern that will, then you can always follow Dr Chiltern’s simple yet effective approach. He certainly does better when he sticks to the basics, rather than trying to out do Hannibal like he did in episode 6 of the first series where he rolls back the cuffs of his blazer to show off his cufflinks.

We can only assume his near death experience at the hands of Dr. Abel Gideon has humbled his desire to show off his wealth in the most crass and cringe-y way possible.

Credits & Disclaimer & Further Reading

All screen grabs taken from the Hannibal Series currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Used here under the fair use doctrine. If you don’t have Prime Video you can buy the box set on DVD & Blu Ray below.