#costume-design

#costume-design

Stepping through the doors of the Fashion and Textile Museum at the moment feels like stepping through the back of a wardrobe into a land where the air smells faintly of lavender sachets and starched lace, and everyone looks ready to promenade along a gravel path. Here, corsets whisper secrets, petticoats swish in approval, and gentlemen's coats stand at attention, ready for their next close-up.

Wellington's extravagant World of WearableArt is back for 2025, including pieces by 85 finalists that showcase the some of today's most elaborate and fanciful costumes. One hundred designers from 17 countries competed for a prize pool of more than $200,000 New Zealand dollars across 25 awards. The competition culminates in an elaborate performance, with this year's top honor, known as the WOW Supreme Award, handed to design duo Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould.

When you're in a state of amorous delusion, everything is romantic, which is perhaps why Emerald Fennell uses Charli XCX's "everything is romantic" featuring Caroline Polachek to set the scene in the first teaser trailer for her adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Margot Robbie, playing Cathy, zones out reminiscing on tactile memories - hands kneading dough, a rippling back, a finger slipping into a fish's mouth - as she loses herself to the memories of Heathcliff, played here by a bearded and dirty Jacob Elordi.

Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl, showcases her in extravagant showgirl couture with stunning cover art and a behind-the-scenes theme.

Beyoncé's Emmy win for costume design on 'Beyoncé Bowl' signifies a cultural milestone, showcasing a masterclass in style and storytelling rooted in Black Southern culture.

The modular, retro-futuristic production design of The Fantastic Four: First Steps features children’s drawings of flying cars, cute robots, and Technicolor space travel, which contrast with modern elements.

"As much as it concerns itself with artisanal produce and the turmoils and triumphs of found family, it is also a show about menswear..."

Takashi Miike's 'Audition' and 'Ichi The Killer' explore violence and psychosexual dynamics, showcasing the director's stylistic flair through contrasting narratives and visual styles.

At its core, The Handmaid's Tale's costume design is a matter of status. Each handmaid is given a red 'uniform' - a scarlet letter that distinguishes them as 'other' while making them easily identifiable should they attempt a futile escape.

Bob Mackie reflects on his career, showcasing his designs for iconic entertainers like Madonna and Elton John, emphasizing his unique blend of artistry and performance.

Clothing is essential in character design as it conveys information about personality, role, culture, and social station, beyond just physical attributes.