True Blood Fashion: The Viking

So far our fashion profiles have focused on the women of True Blood (Maryann, Sarah Newlin, Pam), primarily because the women have the more interesting and varied wardrobes. There is something to be said for consistency, though, and therefore it’s time to turn our eyes to the men. (I know, it’s a tough gig, but I’ll make it through some how.) The first man up for scrutiny is our resident Viking vampire, Eric Northman.  Let’s see what his clothes say about him.

The Warrior
In our first flashback scene for Eric, we see him in the aftermath of a battle taking place 1,000 years ago in Scandinavia. Eric and his comrades are clearly on the losing side and Eric is badly wounded, leaving an opening for a mysterious “young” man to make him an offer of immortality. Clad in chainmail, furs, and an abundance of leather, Eric is every inch the Viking warrior. A closer look at what his fellow warriors are wearing reveals that Eric’s garments are better quality and are better accessorized, for lack of a better word. His fur cloak is fastened by an engraved bronze buckle, he wears a bronze Thor’s hammer around his neck, and his forearms are protected by studded leather guantlets, items neither of his companions are wearing. From this, we can perhaps assume that Eric was a higher ranking member of his clan, either the best warrior or perhaps the son of the chieftan. Or both. Eric’s attitude as he lays dying borders on arrogance, which also lends credence to a high standing within his community, and carries through to modern day. (Get the look: armour/chainmail, cloak buckle & pendant, fake blood)

The Sheriff & The Businessman
In contemporary Louisiana, Eric is the sheriff of Area 5 as well as the owner of Fangtasia, Shreveport’s premiere vampire night club. Old habits die hard and again he favors leather to add an edge to his otherwise understated clothing. Our first look at Eric, presiding over Fangtasia, is of him looking bored yet dangerous in all black. He is, of course, playing up the vampire mystique for the tourists, just as Pam does, but the sheer arrogance of his demeanor makes him that much more intriguing. When we see him acting as sheriff while on the search for the missing Godric, he again wears black leather although this time it’s a biker jacket paired with a tank top. It’s the quintessential “bad boy” attire, yet it doesn’t look a bit cliched on Eric. He may keep his temper under control – most of the time – but you know he’ll rip your arms off given just cause. The Fellowship of the Sun has no idea who they’re messing with here. And yes, we’re pretty sure the gleaming silver belt buckle is strategic in that sea of black. (Get the look: black leather jacket, black leather blazer, black tank top, black shirt, black leather belt)

Every Day is Casual Friday
Eric’s warrior armor and black leather modern wardrobe offer fairly obvious visual cues to his authority, but it’s his casual attire that probably says the most about his character. His laidback demeanor and casual style are evidence of an arrogance born of having lived over 1,000 years with the power to defeat most mortals. This is a case where the man makes the clothes rather than the clothes making the man. Or is it the man not really needing any clothes but succumbing to society’s rules and donning them anyway, albeit the least amount possible to avoid unwanted attention for indecent exposure. Loose jeans and the jacket from a tracksuit (and no shirt?), a green t-shirt, and a canvas jacket all look like he pulled them out of the closet, perfunctorily dropped them on his body, and promptly forgot he was wearing them. For Eric, his off-duty wardrobe is of zero concern other than the ease and comfort of the garments. He is confident in his ability to get what he wants and accomplish what he needs without the outer trappings of “fashion”. (Get the look: jeans, t-shirt, canvas jacket, tracksuit jacket, pendant)

Are you a fan of Eric’s style? Be sure to stop by on Friday for an Eric-inspired giveaway!