Costume Design
“in terms of performance costume contributes equally, if not more so than set. We do need both, but I’m keen to flag up the potential of costume.†~ Anne Curry
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Costume in performance is unavoidable, even if a designer suggests characters perform naked it is still a costuming and design decision - it is part of the performance image.
Costume in performance is an integral part of the scenic image, to many actors it is the final jigsaw in a complex character, often costume will restrict or liberate movement helping to sculpture the physical nature of a character and performance.
Designers convey their ideas in a number of formats and media, often choosing media that best conveys the textures and qualities of shape a particular costume offers. However the costume sketch is very much a “sketch†it is not a work of art in itself, it is a means to communicate to the performer, director and wardrobe team, all of whom look for different things in the sketch.
January 25th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Sometimes costume is subserrvient to overall set design. For example stories by Agatha Christie have simple but true costume designs. The story is important and overall tone and mood is important. I think the palette of colors is important also and in the filming of Marie Antoinette, Sofia Coppola the director indicated to the costume designer the palette of colors that were to be used for the costumes. I saw the costume worn when Marie Antoinette goes to the border.
There is a delicate richness and elegance about the blue costume that Marie Antoinette wears to the border. It complements the icy air; there is a change in the air but really the gown which it is said has a fur lining and over the stays ia worn with carelessness and innocence. I thought it complemented the actress and the fit and construction seemed to be good. Up close there is a tightness in the sleeve and also at the shoulder blade area.
However over all, this simple costume - (it was simple compared to later costumes worn in the film) was elegant and it augured well for the costume. It was a good choice - simple and unassuming.
I would like to know more about the nature of research and how research is translated into design. Was the design of this dress in some way a drect interpretation of what day gowns were like or is creativity involved.
January 25th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I think costume trends shift a lot in theatre. Personally i tend to have an idea of character and costume before i think of the larger image… sometimes that costume may be only a reference point but it’s a place to start.
February 1st, 2007 at 7:01 pm
I agree with martin, I also think that it could be something I do for a career unless it is fashion designj away from the theatre!