David Tennant Reveals Inspiration Of His Doctor Who Outfit

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Summary

  • David Tennant‘s Doctor Who look was inspired by Essex TV chef Jamie Oliver’s suit worn with trainers on TV.
  • Tennant’s costume as the Fourteenth Doctor kept signature Converse shoes, with subtle changes.
  • Tennant’s unconventional Doctor Who look combined the sophistication of a suit and coat with casual, rebellious Converse sneakers.

David Tennant revealed the inspiration behind his distinctive appearance as the Doctor on “Doctor Who.” As it turns out, a TV chef from Essex was the unlikely source of his style for the sci-fi show.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing over a dozen actors don the enigmatic role of The Doctor in the captivating series, ‘Doctor Who’. Each actor brought their unique flair to the character, and this was most evident in their distinctive attire that mirrored their individual personalities.

One such actor who left an indelible mark on the show is David Tennant, who graced our screens as both the Tenth Doctor and the Fourteenth Doctor. His portrayal of The Doctor was characterized by a suit, trench coat, and a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors that exuded casual, youthful, and energetic aura.

In a recent intriguing interview, Tennant revealed the source of his sartorial inspiration in ‘Doctor Who’.

Tenant shared on Ed Gamble and James Acaster’s Off Menu podcast that he drew inspiration for his Doctor Who costume from Jamie Oliver. He explained, “I can trace the idea of the suit back to Jamie Oliver, who wore a stylish suit with trainers on Parkinson.” However, Tenant clarified, “I didn’t directly copy that suit, but it sparked the concept for me.” Jamie Oliver is a renowned English chef, restaurateur, and author. He gained fame through his BBC Two series titled The Naked Chef, which premiered in 1999.

Upon his return to the role of the Fourteenth Doctor, David Tennant’s costume underwent some modifications while keeping his iconic Converse shoes. Costume designer Pam Downe mentioned that Tennant had multiple outfits consisting of trousers, jackets, and coats for his second stint as the Doctor. Additionally, Tennant himself requested some alterations to his costume. As per showrunner Russell T. Davies, it was Tennant’s idea to fasten the top button, a detail that Davies found endearing, stating “instances like these, you trust your lead actor.” In turn, Tennant described the Fourteenth Doctor’s costume as retaining a similar essence and feel to the Tenth Doctor, yet signifying a new narrative. Ultimately, Davies appreciated Tennant’s look as the Fourteenth Doctor, referring to it as a “tip of the hat” to the past while incorporating “fresh, exciting updates.

Indeed, his appearance is quite meticulously designed. It has a distinctly modern take on the classic doctor aesthetic, yet it breaks away from traditional replicas. It’s a tailored outfit, fitting snugly, but with an unusual pattern to distinguish it.

In the series “Doctor Who,” Tennant’s appearance deviated from the norm. Instead of the usual boots, he insisted on wearing Converse shoes. While some viewers found these shoes peculiar, many adored them because they complemented his nerdy yet charming persona. His pinstripe suit and trench coat lent an air of sophistication, evoking images of an old-school professor or detective. Yet, the casual, youthful, and rebellious energy from his Converse sneakers made him seem accessible yet unpredictable. Ultimately, Tennant’s look in “Doctor Who” became iconic and cemented his status as one of the show’s most stylish leads. Moreover, the contrast between Tennant’s formal attire and casual shoes was a distinctive touch that fans appreciated, as it gave him an enduring and effortless cool image. This unique style choice also served as a playful homage to his character, distinguishing him from the formally dressed previous Doctors.

Doctor Who streams on Disney Plus and Season 15 will premiere on April 12, 2025.

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2025-03-13 21:14