In last weeks blog, we talked you through some of the most famous film costumes in Hollywood and the process involved in taking the ideas of a costume designer from page to screen. Of course, the main thing most people notice about a glorious costume will be the fabrics but as dressmakers we know that no outfit or costume would be possible without the use of good quality Haberdashery. Underneath the layers and layers of sumptuous fabrics will be hidden pieces of Haberdashery which will work with the chosen fabrics and the dressmakers precision oriented skill to give the finished piece it's shape and structure. The chosen shape of any costume will depend on a number of factors including the shape and size of the actor or actress and the period in which the film is set.
[caption id="attachment_6618" align="alignright" width="242"] This corset worn by Kate Winslet in Titanic was most likely made from a steel boning.[/caption]
One of the most popular items of Haberdashery used in costume making is boning. In the epic 1997 production of Titanic, the corset is a prevalent wardrobe item throughout the whole film. In 1912, when the film is set, corsets were a very popular item of undergarment. At the end of the Edwardian Era long, column like dresses would be worn over a corset to give the body an upright posture and hourglass waist as was the fashion of the day. In one memorable scene, we see Rose's mother lacing up her exquisite Edwardian style corset; this scene was meant to symbolise how trapped Rose was feeling due to her relationship, wealth and her family's societal standing. In reality, this piece of corsetry is not an exact replica of an authentic Edwardian corset; most corsets at this time would have been cut much lower under the bust and paired with a tightly tucked chemise but as with anything in Hollywood, the costume designers flaunt their artistic licence to convey a particular message to the audience.This style of corset will have been created using a range of Haberdashery items to achieve the finished shape and was most likely built using a steel boning which is a particularly rigid type of boning and is a popular Haberdashery item not just for corsets but for dress hoops and for incorporating into wedding gowns. Corsets are a particularly popular item for Hollywood film costume and have been seen in varying guises in everything from period dramas such as The Other Boleyn Girl to musical pieces including Burlesque starring Cher and Christina Aguilera and the Nicole Kidman classic, Moulin Rouge.
Moulin Rouge is a film which is almost as popular for it's costume as it is for it's content. Nicole Kidman is seen in a variety of show stopping outfits which encompass a wide range of Haberdashery items. At the 74th Academy Awards, costume designers Angus Strathie and Catherine Martin were rewarded with the award for Best Costume Design and for anyone who has seen the movie and been captivated by the dazzle and sparkle; it is not hard to see why. For customers recreating iconic movie costumes for Cosplay and other conventions, Moulin Rouge is one of the most popular movies to be honoured. As well as Haberdashery used to create the corsets, costume designers used a variety of other Haberdashery items to achieve the authentic showgirl look including bugle beads, seed beads, sequins and dress net. The costumes of Moulin Rouge use a range of different fasteners including hook and eye fasteners and metal eyelets and encompass further Haberdashery items such as bust forms and elastics which all work together to create the foundation for these Oscar winning designs.
[caption id="attachment_6619" align="alignleft" width="277"] Costume designers working on Black Swan used a variety of Haberdashery items to achieve a show stopping twist on the traditional ballet tutu.[/caption]
The 2010 smash hit movie, Black Swan caused something of a controversy when designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy missed out on being nominated for an Oscar for their incredible costume design, due to a technicality. The Mulleavy sisters created a gorgeous collection of ballet tutus for this darker, more modern take on the classic Swan Lake. Natalie Portman's character stuns in an array of breathtaking costumes including the virginal White Swan costume to the darker, more threatening side of the Black Swan. The costume designers took a twist on the traditional ballet tutu and by incorporating Haberdashery items such as black feathers and Swarovski crystals; created original and exciting costumes which took the fashion and movie worlds breath away. For a film which depends so heavily on the visual it was important that the designers were able to get the costumes exactly right in order to convey the characters transition from innocent ingenue to wicked prima. In order to capture this evolution of their character, costume designers used fabrics and Haberdashery in colours from innocent pink to somber black.
Hav you used any of our Haberdashery items to recreate any iconic movie costumes? As always, we love to see pictures of your creations uploaded to our Facebook page.