Hamlet and Laertes

Hamlet, prince of Denmark, trying to avenge his father's murder

Laertes, son of an official, protective of his sister

Hamlet had to be dressed all in black, given a script reference to his 'customary suits of solemn black.' The director wanted a little color, so the burgundy bar was added as a stripe of office. The actor's hair was straightened and bobby pinned extensively to keep it out of his face (and because he rather enjoyed the fuss of sitting to get it straightened before every show), but efforts proved to be in vain once he started moving around.
Laertes is dressed all in khaki for his base, as a foil for Hamlet's black. For color and interest, he wears a blue blazer, in contrast to Hamlet's red, and to complete the outfit, a slim black tie. His black tie, shoes and belt break up the khaki of his outfit, preventing him from looking completely fake (or like a UPS deliveryman).

Since many scenes took place outside, and the setting was in cold Soviet Russia, most of the characters needed coats. Laertes's coat is blue like his blazer, to continue his opposite effect with Hamlet. Hamlet's coat is of course black, and the length and wight of the coat (a solid black wool) gave it a good flow for storming moodily around the stage.

The khaki versus black concept was designed specifically for the scene below (the fight between Hamlet and Laertes at the end of the play), to visually represent the clash of their personalities.