Clothes on film

Part 2 of our examination into how the Alien films have used costume design to contextualise primal terror. Ambitious but not overreaching, Avatar is a stunning piece of blue heaven.

Spoiler warning: We examine the use of suits, iron or otherwise, in Iron Man 3 to conceal and recreate identity. Costume Designer Lindy Hemming talks exclusively to Clothes on Film about her work on The Dark Knight Rises. Christopher Nolan once again shows his appreciation for costume in this immensely satisfying end to the Dark Knight trilogy. Hollywood costume comes to London’s Victoria & Albert Museum in the most exciting exhibition of its type ever announced. Somewhat misleading as nowhere is this pic officially tagged as being ‘Catwoman’; officially this is our first shot of Anne Hathway as Selina Kyle.

In the very opening scene of Rocky (1976, costume designer Robert Cambel), we see the title character in the ring, bare chested, hands encased in boxing gloves, the picture of sporting violence and masculinity. But this is no more than a surface assumption. Not two minutes later, we see Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) shrug on his faded brown towelling dressing gown, with “The Italian Stallion” embroidered on the back, and things start to shift. This is not a macho film concerned with the fight alone, but an exploration of masculinity in all its guises – the assumptions, the pretence and the reality. Clothes play an important part in this, both……

Ruth E. Carter’s work on Do the Right Thing is a masterclass in how costume can influence the look and feel of a film. Contributor 6 Comments 4 Nov ’09 6 Sep ’10 9 Mar ’12

Ruth E. Carter’s work on Do the Right Thing is a masterclass in how costume can influence the look and feel of a film. Contributor 6 Comments 6 Apr ’10 3 Mar ’11 14 Aug ’17

Two weeks of costume stories. Sheena Napier DTSFT cover this prolific costume designer’s chat at the V&A. And if you’ve not heard of Ms Napier we’ll just say: Backbeat, Poirot, Enchanted April. Sandy Powell Nice rundown of Ms. Powell’s Young Victoria event at the Getty Center. Lauren Fonville guest posts for Frocktalk. Wendy Benstead The costumer for stage and screen talks to Guise about her career so far, from sewing on her old Bernina to dressing Paloma Faith. We’ve met Wendy and she’s lovely. Debbie Reynolds Auction The Finale. Still time to sell your car, house, spouse. 14 Worst Movie Trainers Actually like most of these. Captain America: The Winter……

By no means intended as an exhaustive list, Clothes on Film ponder an overview of 2011 in costume. 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? Straight away there are overtones of influential crime thriller New Jack City with branded sportswear and 1920s-30’s style hats.

Penny Rose creates incredible costume that feels so much like it belongs; ironically we barely even notice it’s there. Lord Christopher Laverty 1 Comment 26 Nov ’10 5 Nov ’10 5 Dec ’10 Penny Rose talks to us about 800 year old embroidery patterns and priests dressed in bedspreads. Lord Christopher Laverty 18 Comments 11 Nov ’11 17 May ’13 9 Mar ’13

Bonnie and Clyde is a great example of how the simple addition of a hat can say a lot about a character. Contributor 5 Comments 23 Oct ’09 12 Mar ’14 26 May ’09

Kathleen Kennedy chats exclusively to Clothes on Film about her experiences and understanding of costume design. Lord Christopher Laverty 2 Comments 4 May ’11 28 Jul ’10 26 Jul ’10 Costume designer Joanna Johnston has recreated WW1 with staunch accuracy. Lord Christopher Laverty 1 Comment 15 Jan ’11 30 Jun ’12 1 Feb ’13