More from Cathy Whitlock
Brothel Chic: The Sexualized Costume Design of ‘Poor Things’
Well-versed in the modern period drama with a twist, director Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth, The Favourite) had a simple edict for the costume design of Poor Things. As British costume designer Holly Waddington notes, “He didn’t want it to be like a period drama, he didn’t want it to be like a sci-fi film, and he didn’t […]
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The Top 10 Costume Design Schools in the U.S.
For the aspiring costume designer who dreams of creating looks for film, television, theater and concert stages, the journey typically starts with the right school, where a host of considerations awaits. Classroom size, location, specialized classes, participation in theater programs, job placement, networking with alums and, most important, tuition are all part of the equation. […]
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Designing Margot Robbie’s Crowdsurfing Playsuit for ‘Babylon’
Director Damien Chazelle’s mandate to his costume designer on Babylon was simple: “I don’t want this to look like another ’20s movie.” That edict translated into no flapper dresses, no cloche hats (on the principals) and no feathered headbands in the Paramount film, set to hit theaters Dec. 23. As the movie’s three-time Oscar-nominated costume […]
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The “Juicy Dress” and More Costumes That Turn Ana de Armas into Marilyn Monroe in ‘Blonde’
For BAFTA-nominated costume designer Jennifer Johnson (I, Tonya), working on Blonde was all about authenticity. Armed with a directive from writer-director Andrew Dominik — who would not approve a creation unless it was a perfect match — everything from the shades of Marilyn Monroe’s pink opera gloves to the placement of a pocket needed to […]
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Creating Costumes for ‘Elvis’ That “Exaggerate the Wiggle”
For Oscar-winning costume designer Catherine Martin, creating the looks for the new biopic Elvis came down to sexuality, the swerve of a hip, and a little bit of shake, rattle and roll. She says of working with director Baz Luhrmann, her husband and longtime collaborator: “Baz wanted to make sure contemporary audiences could connect to […]
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Capturing the Fun and Glam Style of Betty Ford in ‘The First Lady’
As the proverbial woman behind the most powerful man on earth, the first lady plays an often undefined role as political ally, emissary, hostess and, in some cases, arbiter of style. Showtime’s new series The First Lady takes a look at three women who lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in the years spanning 1933 to […]
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The Top 10 Costume Design Schools in the U.S.
The best places to study the art and technology of costume, from millinery to video game character wardrobes.
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How Gina Lollobrigida Inspired Lady Gaga’s ‘House of Gucci’ Look
One of the major influences behind Lady Gaga’s look in House of Gucci was Italian actress and international siren Gina Lollobrigida, who inspired style choices for the character of Patrizia Reggiani Gucci, including a white lace coat, jacket and dress worn at the Lake Como birthday party of Aldo Gucci (played by Al Pacino). As […]
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In Wes Anderson’s ‘The French Dispatch’ Set Design Is “All About the Feeling of the Places”
When it comes to being on the same creative page, director Wes Anderson and production designer Adam Stockhausen have mastered the term shorthand. As the architect of Anderson’s worlds, Stockhausen’s work on the film The French Dispatch was all about the details. “I don’t think I am breaking any news here that Wes likes arranged […]
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How Jessica Chastain Transformed Into Tammy Faye Bakker in New Biopic
For the creative team who designed the hair and makeup looks of Searchlight Pictures’ new biopic The Eyes of Tammy Faye, there is a fine line between real-life character and caricature. In the movie, Jessica Chastain portrays the legendary televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, who rose from modest beginnings to founding Christian television program The PTL […]
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‘Halston’ Costume Designer on Finding the “Freedom” of the Late Fashion Legend’s Looks
Jeriana San Juan, the costume designer of Halston, the Netflix series about the life of America’s first fashion superstar, says the designer’s genius during the ’70s and ’80s was to offer his customers a feeling of freedom. “He believed in a very minimalist approach, with as few seams as possible, that allowed women to have […]
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The World’s Top 10 Costume Design Schools
COVID-19 hasn’t stopped these institutions from teaching Hollywood's next generation of costume designers.
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