October 15, 2009
movie costumes

Have you ever taken the time to pinpoint the attributes that your favorite movies have in common? It’s rather vague to say that I like “comedies” or “dramas,” even if both those statements are technically true. After some serious consideration, I’d have to choose period pieces and war movies as my favorites – but only if they’re realistic and believable. And that means scrupulously authentic costumes.

When done right, a movie should make me forget that I’m in the theater and actually watching a film. Anything that draws me out of that engrossing experience is to be criticized. Movie costumes don’t have to be flashy; in fact, they should just look and feel right for a particular time and place. Subtlety and accuracy should be the two foremost goals for any historical costume designer.

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