Hi everyone! I know I haven't posted a lot lately on this blog and I apologize deeply for that but now I'm back! :)
Today I wanted to go into something I've really become fascinated with recently- a form of fashion- costume design! Especially ones in period dramas and fantasy costumes. So here I present to you some of my favorite designs and designers and some analysis/input from yours truly!
- Once Upon A Time, Eduardo Castro- One of my personal favorites; I have been avidly watching the TV show since it aired a few years ago, and fell in love with the costuming right away, in fact, that it part of what made me keep watching. All of the costumes are absolutely fantastic and gorgeous and believable in the best ways. Castro skillfully weaves fantasy with history with the characters' own personality into his designs, especially with the Evil Queen/Regina's. I think its doubly fascinating that he so seamlessly transfers the characters' style from their "alter ego" as a fairytale character to a simple small-town citizen. He also is a master at altering certain well-known fairytale character's signature outfits, such as Belle's or Cinderella's, in a way that is similar to the original but at the same time, unique and different in its own way (and also not so cheesy looking). Shown below are some of my favorites he has designed, and a little input from me:
 |
| This is near the beginning of Regina's story, far before she is the Evil Queen; she wears light pale colors, usually pastels or whites, signifying her innocence. |
 |
| Following the tragic death of Daniel, she seeks guidance from The Dark One and wears outfits that are natural, comfortable, far different from what she wore before. |
 |
| The beginning of her transition into the Evil Queen, she is no longer that naïve nice little girl, she is in with dark magic and these outfits reflect that: dark colors, although still yet pretty simple. |
 |
| This is when she is truly transformed into something quite different, an Evil Queen. Her ensembles are black or dark red, very elaborate, and fit for a terrifying dark magic user. |
~Emma Swan's analysis - Emma is lost at the beginning of the season, with no family or true identity, and her outfits are clearly reflective of that. Gradually, Castro shows her transformation through what she wears.
 |
| Emma's signature red leather jacket; she often is seen wearing this in the early first season, along with high leather boots, and fairly dark colors.
And I just want to take a moment to appreciate all of Regina's elaborate extraordinary costuming...just look at all that detail!
    |
- Snow White and the Huntsmen, Colleen Atwood - Once again, Queen Ravnenna (Charlize Thereon) costumes are my favorite. They are just so wonderfully made and designed, all the little details and jewels and colors and textures. Her dresses are rich, with bold textures (i.e. feathers for her cape, pure metal, silver) and rather frightening, although beautiful. The accessories are also very intriguing, for example, her silver crown that looks like it is made of deadly daggers is perfectly fit for the evil witch she is. But what I find most fascinating, is the fact that her ensembles aren't like typical villainess outfits; they are not just black and red and flowing, they are eye-catching, in metallic colors, unique textures and materials...
- The Great Gatsby- These flapper style costumes are in one word, gorgeous. They evoke the moods of the movie - carefree partying of the rich, Daisy's innocence, etc. It is sparkly and glamorous and beautifully designed. It thoroughly reflects the excess and careless spending of the rich; the endless sequins and jewelry, at times, odd styles, the elegant headpieces. Daisy's outfits are usually in pastel colors, and pretty soft, the least to get attention, as opposed to some of the other ensembles the flappers wear. However, all these costumes are absolutely radiant and elegant, it makes you wish you were a flapper in the Roaring 20's just so you could wear some of these amazing dresses. But I think that it is something better explained through pictures...
And that is all, for now at least, for I'm sure I'll find plenty more costume design that I will want to share on this blog. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this and appreciated the amazing costume design(s) like I do. :)
~Rachel
