gender | Clothes on Film

For this month’s Fabric of Cinema column in pan-India publication Arts Illustrated, Clothes on Film editor Christopher Laverty discussed the game changing costume design work of Trish Summerville. This makes that terrible title pun you’ve just read almost acceptable. The theme of the issue was women, specifically women approaching their role in society with a powerful, fresh perspective. This is sex rather than gender based, as none of the women featured conform to pre-established definitions of masculine or feminine. They are creatives achieving wonderful things not because of their sex, or in spite of it, but because of raw, unabashed talent. Costume designer Trish Summerville is this month’s Arts Illustrated…

If you have played The Last of Us on Playstation 3 it has likely ruined video gaming for you. The world created is so vivid and believable that every game afterward just feels dated and empty. Throughout, The Last of Us is unwaveringly real, full of seemingly inconsequential details such as every weapon or object you carry being attached or able to fit into your character’s backpack. Contrast this with Grand Theft Auto V where a rocket launcher appears out of your trouser pocket and it’s clear that if game developers really want to create a living, breathing parallel to reality they need to treat it as reality – no…

A look at late Margaret Thatcher’s colour specific wardrobe as represented in the film The Iron Lady.

We analyse exactly what Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin need to get right for their costume design in The Great Gatsby.

Doris Day’s last hurrah for 1950s fashion wearing some of the most exquisite costumes ever seen on screen.

Crazy, Stupid Love is every inch the ‘fashion film’, both in terms of narrative and costume designer Dayna Pink’s elegant menswear styling.

All the recurring themes in Desperately Seeking Susan are linked to one jacket.

A ferocious work from a filmmaker at the height of his game, Black Swan is an incredibly satisfying piece of cinema.

Clothes on Film chatted with Darren Aronofsky about the challenges of portraying perfection in Black Swan, method acting and The Wolverine.

The international trailer for Black Swan brings anticipation to the max.

We have it on good authority that Black Swan is ‘spectacular’ so here are some striking images to get you in ‘that place’.