Produced by acclaimed filmmaker David Puttnam, The Mission (1986) is an epic 18th century set tale of Spanish Jesuits who travel into the South American jungle to protect an Indian tribe from virtual extinction under the Treaty of Madrid (the formation of what we now call Brazil). Jeremy Irons plays one of these adventurous Jesuit priests, tough but mild mannered Father Gabriel. During the film’s first act, as Gabriel undertakes a death defying waterfall climb to reach the Indian tribe, he wears a classic example of early extreme sports attire – a plain linen shirt: Natural linen open-neck shirt with long sleeves. Turn down outer collar and internal stand collar,…

Where to start with Penny Rose? Pirates of the Caribbean? Evita? King Arthur? Most recently of course 47 Ronin (directed by Carl Rinsch). You do not hire Penny Rose for something small. This is not to say she won’t work on independent and low budget projects, just that her CV is becoming increasingly packed with huge scale period and/or fantasy studio movies – basically the kind of pictures that would make most costume designers weep. Multiples, armour, uniforms, plus Ms. Rose practically always builds from scratch. Not a fan of ‘shopping’ or even slightly interested in fashion, Penny Rose is old-school hands on, no-nonsense and no fear. Nonetheless, there is…

Costume designer for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Michael Kaplan, talks us through his choices and intentions for clothing in the film. Prepare to be disappointed if you want Tom Cruise’s blue silk suit worn in Dubai; it was custom made by Mr. Kaplan himself. At least Cruise’s Persol sunglasses are available to buy, however. Michael Kaplan is a powerhouse force in costume design. He is guaranteed to have worked on at least one Hollywood movie you fondly remember from the last twenty years or so. If in doubt consider he designed Samuel L. Jackson’s pimp ensembles for The Long Kiss Good Night (1996) and Randy Quaid’s bad taste brilliance…

Costume designer Michael Kaplan reminisces with Clothes on Film about creating dark tourist Marla Singer in Fight Club. Thanks at least in part to the wintry weather, this week’s costume round up is coats on film.

Oi! Costume! The Fifth Element Jean Paul Gaultier’s original costume for when Prince was cast as outrageous Ruby Rhod. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire A few more words with Trish Summerville about one of the most anticipated costume films of the year. Downton Abbey Caroline McCall discusses challenges of working on the show. Noticed all the purples and blacks worn by Lady Mary this season? That’s because she is still in mourning. Catching Fire Jennifer Lawrence wanted to wear “everything” apparently. Understandable from what we’ve seen of the costumes so far. Video: Ms Summerville explaining even more about those Katniss and co costumes. Exciting, exciting… Costume Cafe Podcast Lauren Delany…

Filmmaker and costume designer Sophie Black recounts her personal interpretation of Heathers, a film defined by vivid visual interpretation. It is just a coincidence that the first time I saw Michael Lehmann’s Heathers (1988) was within hours of the first time I saw David Lynch’s Blue Velvet (1986), and I immediately made comparisons between the two films which I may have not noticed otherwise. More people are quick to compare Heathers to the work of Tim Burton, because of the associates he had on the film (producer Denise Di Novi and star Winona Ryder, to name but two) and the fact that the candy-coloured suburban setting mirrors that of Edward……

Designer outfits belonging to Audrey Hepburn were sold in London yesterday. Her black cocktail dress by Givenchy for How to Steal a Million reaching £60,000.

In a week of exciting trailers, the first for director Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby must surely be the most thrilling of all. There is a man on Boardwalk Empire with even more sartorial presence than Nucky Thompson; That man is Chalky White. A second trailer for Arthur starring Russell Brand in a top hat has arrived. Can the film possibly be as likeable as this footage implies? The Fortune is as pleasing to the eye as it is funny. Smart and loose casual elegance with a lot of silk and herringbone.

Costume designer Louise Mingenbach worked closely with Zach Galifianakis to create Ethan’s camp and blissfully unaware look. Lord Christopher Laverty 2 Comments 21 Jun ’13 14 Dec ’12 11 Jan ’11

Today’s Academy Award nominations were not especially surprising in most of the headline categories. Well, maybe no Christopher Nolan for Best Director or Andrew Garfield for Best Supporting Actor, but in the Best Costume Design category there were a couple of major upsets. First of all, the actual nominees: Alice in Wonderland – Colleen Atwood I Am Love – Antonella Cannarozzi The King’s Speech – Jenny Beavan The Tempest – Sandy Powell True Grit – Mary Zophres Nothing wrong there, and with no desire to take anything away from the recipients, it is especially great to see Antonella Cannarozzi for I am Love (actually made in 2009). However, where is…