At the onset of silent movies, there was no such concept as costume or wardrobe in filmmaking. The filmmakers at that time had never even considered the clothes or any costume worn by the actors. Everything about the film industry was new territory and experimental, including wardrobe, lighting, sets, etc.
Over the course of time, it was noticed that the audience had an issue mixing up one character’s clothes or outfit from one scene to another scene. It is then that the brilliant idea came about that if each actor was dressed significantly differently the audience would better understand.
This was when the idea of wardrobes, clothes, and costumes was born.
The Astounding and Astonishing Early Days of Cinema: The Advent of Wardrobe in Filmmaking.
Those of us today who grew up with movies, music videos, TV, and even YouTube just take it for granted and expect that actors are unique individuals who look and dress conventionally.
We lose track of the fact that these fantastic characters have been created by scriptwriters (the person who writes the story for a film) and directors’ input and contribute deep meaning to the narrative. Working together with wardrobe and costume designers the entire movie as well as the TV look for the performer is decided and covered from head to toe in great detail and requires visionary inspiration. And that is how it remains today. The actors and who they portray should be a perfect match in every film.
Cinematic American history in time progressed throughout the world as did filmmaking big time and along with this cinematic revolution wardrobe and costume became an essential crucial element in the overall look of the film.
It was now necessary for the costume designer to search out and design specific looks that blended in well with the sites. Today, every major movie company has an entire wardrobe and costume department that it fully relies on. The costume department’s role is to dress each character.
Everything a character wears in a film and on tv (clothing, belts, shoes, scarves, etc.) defines the character. Hairstyles and even the makeup artist fell under the watch and auspices of the wardrobe department and the Hair and makeup department film considerations had to complement the costumes. costume designer .
It was now possible to make fantasy stories such as “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Alice in Wonderland.” The Busby Berkley productions are incredible examples of what the wardrobe staff and costume designers can do. Nothing like this had ever been seen by anyone anywhere, in any film.
The Extraordinary Dazzling Golden Age of Hollywood: Glamor and Spectacle
This period in California movies came into being in the 1930s. Interested filmmakers could not wait for spoken dialogue in movies and learned that extraordinary movies (talkies) with interesting sites, favorite characters, beautiful costumes, and moods could now be made with dialogue and color and that they were no longer just dreams. This opened the possibility for spectacular spectacularly incredible moviemaking.
Classic drama movies, historical events movies, western movies, musicals, and musical comedies could now be presented in movie theaters on the big screen throughout the world in living color.
The Exciting Impact of Genre and Setting on Wardrobe Choices
As mentioned above the introduction of movies and later on TV from other historical periods and musicals opened up the door completely for wardrobing and costume designers.
In the later 1930’s all the major Hollywood studios (Paramount, Warner Brothers, Fox, etc.) had very large and extensive wardrobe and costume design departments, and when casting did their best to pair and partner actors with actresses with compatible chemistry.
These departments were responsible for designing and producing all costumes in fabrics for a film. Workers sought out wardrobe department film jobs. The studios had a complete factory set up with tailors, sewers, drapers, pattern makers, and cutters permanently on staff.
This was necessary as with time many more movies and tv series with interesting sites were being produced annually. And this required costumes to be made continuously.
Silent movies at first were caught up with everyday stories and favorite characters that took place in that current time period of the early 1900s. They were totally oblivious as to how the actors were dressed.
However, as we learned above, an individual character was often seen in the film in the same outfit worn throughout the entire film; the reason for this is so that their character would be distinctly identifiable and not confused as being another character in the film. The idea of costume as a phenomenon wasn’t even considered.
As time went by film and tv producers wanted to present to the public films that had greater meaning, inspiration, and depth. This led to scripts being influenced by religious themes, other periods in history, historically famous individuals, and classic novels. That is when wardrobe in filmmaking became a must. So, wardrobes and costume designers were suddenly indispensable.
These designers were forced to research past periods and search for imagined looks in the future in order to realistically bring to the screen actors that looked credible and from that particular era. Wardrobe in Filmmaking now found its place in the cinema for the first time.
In Hollywood after sound was invented for films a new genre of cinema was born. Storylines that were taking place in the 1930s were comical. escapist and spoofs which became quite popular (It Happened One Night, The Thin Man Series, and Dinner at Eight.) This required costuming that was of the 1930s period and highly fashionable.
It is important to understand a simple concept regarding the clothing that we wear and how we dress. The concept is “Costume never becomes fashion, but all fashion becomes costume.”
Since America did not ever have a royal family, American movie royalty became our movie stars. These movie stars were the creation of the publicity departments of the large film studios.
They started by first changing the actor’s name and from there they created an image of who and how they wanted a movie star to appear to the public; their job was to cover every aspect of a performer’s life. Some examples of this, are Mae West (a sex goddess,) Shirly Temple (America’s favorite little darling,) and Joan Crawford (the icon of an ambitious driven woman.)
Joan Crawford and her costumes created by Adrian (one of America’s greatest costume designers) featured her wearing a suit with large shoulder padding that became her on-screen persona. This hot outfit found its way into fashion and dominated women’s fashion in the 1940s and the 1950s. To this day it is one of the most influential looks from Hollywood that dominated fashion.
Contemporary Wardrobe in Filmmaking/ Cinema: Exciting Selection Abounds
A great majority of films and TV today take place in our current period. The wardrobe factor of a is usually decided on by the director working with a wardrobe stylist or a costume designer; everybody has input on what the actor is wearing, how they dress, and what should be worn.film
Most often we can shop for these looks locally in stores. The personality of the character and their place and job in society must be determined first, and after that the appropriate style of dress worn and clothing purchased. Sometimes we find the most appropriate, job and style of dress and costume in the actor’s closet.
For a film or a tv series in production in another time period or in the future a costume designer works closely with the director and a head of wardrobe to decide on the appropriate style of costume for every moment and scene and to dress every character.
Do People Today Realize the Impact of Cinema on Our Lives?
I think that today people are clueless about the influence of cinema on our lives. Cinema whether it be a feature film, a TV series, a documentary, or even a TV commercial is an integral part of our everyday lives. We are always around or engaging in some form of film activity usually as a viewer.
This engagement is an influence on us constantly. Advertising tells us what to buy, what to eat, and what drugs and medicines to take. Every aspect of our lives that involves buying something is thrust before us all the time. And this is just one aspect of our lives that film influences.
A feature film or an interesting TV series can influence us on an even more profound level. It can cultivate thinking that we may have never before even considered.
It may seem strange but films and their influence over all of us is so profound that most of us do not even realize it.
The only way to not be influenced by film is to never turn on the tv and to never watch a movie.
Production designer
and costume designer play a crucial role in creating the world and characters in a film. The wardrobe, in particular, is a powerful tool that helps to establish the time period, setting, and the personality of the characters.
The wardrobe in filmmaking is more than just a collection of clothes. It is a key element in bringing the characters to life and enhancing their personalities. A skilled costume designer understands the importance of every detail and works closely with the director and other members of the production team to ensure that the costumes align with the vision of the film.
One of the primary functions of the wardrobe is to establish the time period of the story. Whether it is a period piece set in the 1920s or a futuristic sci-fi film, the costumes need to reflect the era in which the story takes place. This involves extensive research to capture the fashion trends, materials, and styles of that particular time. By dressing the characters in authentic clothing, the audience is transported to a different era and fully immersed in the story.
The wardrobe also plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the film. The color palette, fabric choices, and overall design of the costumes contribute to the visual language of the movie. For example, a film set in a dark and gritty world may feature costumes with distressed fabrics and muted colors, whereas a light-hearted comedy might incorporate vibrant and playful outfits. The wardrobe helps to create a cohesive visual style that complements the story and enhances the
Setting the Scene: Establishing Time Period and Setting
When a film is set in a specific time period, the costume designer must research fashion, trends, and styles from that era. They study photographs, paintings, and fashion magazines to gain a deep understanding of the clothing worn during that time. This allows them to accurately recreate the fashion of the past, ensuring that the costumes seamlessly blend with the overall production design.
Not only does the wardrobe reflect the time period, but it also helps to establish the setting. For example, in a period film set in the 19th century, the costumes may be elaborate with corsets, hoop skirts, and tailored suits, while a film set in a modern city may feature more contemporary, casual outfits.
Wardrobe department
The wardrobe department is responsible for creating and maintaining the costumes throughout the filming process. They collaborate closely with the costume designer to bring their vision to life. This involves sourcing and acquiring the necessary clothing and accessories, as well as ensuring that the costumes fit the actors properly and are in line with their character development.
The department is also responsible for making any necessary alterations or modifications to the costumes during filming. This may involve tailoring, dyeing, distressing, or aging the clothing to achieve the desired look. They also handle wardrobe changes between scenes and are responsible for keeping track of each character’s wardrobe throughout the production.
In addition to the practical aspects of costume creation, the wardrobe department is also responsible for maintaining continuity. This means ensuring that the costumes remain consistent from shot to shot and scene to scene, even if they are filmed out of order. They keep detailed documentation of each character’s wardrobe, including photographs, measurements, and notes, to ensure that any changes or adjustments can be replicated accurately.
Collaboration with the Director and Actors
The wardrobe department plays a vital role in collaborating with the director and actors to develop the characters visually. They work closely with the director to understand their vision for each character and their overall vision for the film. This
collaboration involves discussing the characters’ personalities, backgrounds, and the emotions they need to convey in order to determine the appropriate wardrobe choices.
For example, if a character is meant to be confident and powerful, the wardrobe department may choose bold colors, tailored suits, and accessories that reflect that image. On the other hand, if a character is meant to be vulnerable or going through a transformation, they may opt for softer, more subdued clothing.
The wardrobe department also collaborates with the actors themselves, taking into consideration their personal preferences and comfort. Actors may have specific requests or insights that can contribute to the authenticity of their character’s wardrobe. Open communication and collaboration with the actors help create a more harmonious and cohesive portrayal on screen.
Importance of Attention to Detail
Wardrobe plays a crucial role in creating a believable and immersive cinematic experience. Every detail matters, from the stitching on a jacket to the choice of accessories. The attention to detail in the wardrobe can enhance the audience’s understanding of a character, their story, and the world they inhabit.
In historical films, accuracy in wardrobe is particularly important to transport the audience back in time. Costume designers and wardrobe departments extensively research the fashion and trends of the period to ensure the authenticity of the
wardrobe. This includes studying photographs, paintings, and literature from the era, as well as consulting with historians and experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fashion of the time. By meticulously recreating the clothing and accessories of a specific period, the wardrobe department helps transport the audience to a different world.
Wardrobe choices can also be used as a storytelling tool. The clothes worn by a character can communicate their social status, profession, or even their psychological state. A character’s wardrobe can evolve throughout the film, reflecting their development or transformation. It can also help establish the time and place in which the story is set.
Creating a Character’s Identity
Wardrobe is instrumental in helping actors fully embody and understand their characters. The clothes they wear can influence their movements, posture, and even their mindset. Costumes can be used to physically transform an actor, allowing them to step into the shoes of their character.
For example, wearing a corset can change an actor’s posture and affect how they move, helping them portray a character from a different era. Conversely, wearing sneakers instead of heels can give an actor a more casual and relaxed demeanor.
Wardrobe can also provide actors with valuable insights into their character’s background and personality.
Developing Character: Personality and Role
The wardrobe is a crucial tool for developing the personality and depth of each character in a film. Every outfit worn by the actors is carefully selected to reflect their role, status, and personality traits.
The costume designer works closely with the actors and
Fashion Movies
In recent years fashion movies have become very popular. Movies such as The Devil Wears Prada, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Sex and the City show the influence that clothing and wardrobe can have on our lives. Fashion movies are a great way to get inspired and see how wardrobe choices can transform your look. They also give us insight into the world of fashion design, showing us how clothing can be used to create an individual style. These movies also show how trends come and go, but some styles remain timeless.
Fashion movies have become a great way to learn about clothes and fashion trends. They provide inspiration for our own wardrobe choices, whether it’s to dress up or dress down. Fashion films also give us a glimpse into different cultures and lifestyles.
Fashion Designers
Fashion designers are key players in the fashion industry. They have the creative vision to create clothing lines that will capture people’s attention and reflect current trends. Much of the success of any fashion line hinges on their ability to create unique pieces that make a statement and stand out from the competition. Designers must stay informed about cultural influences, current trends, fabrics, colors, materials, production techniques, and other design elements.
Designers must also have a keen eye for detail when it comes to constructing garments. They must be able to create flattering silhouettes for different body types and sizes and experiment with color combinations. It’s the designer’s job to ensure that their clothing is both fashionable and wearable.
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour is an iconic figure in the world of fashion. She is the current editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, a position she has held since 1988. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in setting and defining fashion trends and creating a cultural conversation around fashion. She is well known for her signature style: sleek bobbed haircuts paired with bold statement sunglasses and designer clothing.
Wintour is also credited with bringing a level of professionalism to the fashion world. She has been a mentor and advocate for many of today’s leading designers, photographers, and stylists. Her influence has helped shape the industry in more ways than one and she is considered one of the most powerful people in fashion.
Iconic costume
Iconic costumes have become a staple in the world of fashion and film. From superheroes to villains, classic characters to edgy rebels, iconic costumes help define our favorite movie moments. Whether it’s the bright yellow jumpsuit of The Matrix or the little black dress of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, iconic costumes help to tell the story of each character and create a lasting impression on audiences.
Iconic costumes are also a great way to show off your individual style. Whether you want to emulate your favorite superhero, rock a classic look, or create an entirely new look from scratch, iconic costumes are a great way to express yourself and make a statement.
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette was a fashion icon and trendsetter during the 18th century in France. Her lavish lifestyle, expensive gowns, and exquisite jewels were a reflection of her wealth and power. The young Austrian queen is known for popularizing the rococo style of dress which featured pastel colors, ruffles, feathers, bows, and intricate embroidery. Her signature look was completed with flowers in her hair, a wide-brimmed hat, and an ornate headdress.
Marie Antoinette is remembered not only for her style but also for how she changed the way women dressed. She popularized the voluminous gowns that were later seen in rococo paintings and fashion silhouettes of the 19th century. She was also influential in the creation of certain accessories such as fans and gloves.
Audrey Hepburn’s
Audrey Hepburn was a fashion icon whose style was timeless and iconic. Her classic look was defined by her ability to make simple clothing look effortlessly elegant. She often wore fitted black dresses with pearls, ballet flats, and oversized sunglasses. She was also well known for her signature hairstyle, a short chignon bun.
Hepburn’s influence on modern fashion is still evident today. Her simple yet elegant style has been replicated by many designers and her iconic looks still grace the pages of fashion magazines. Audrey Hepburn remains an inspiration for modern women who strive to look chic and timelessly fashionable.
Iris Apfel
Iris Apfel is a style icon and fashion legend. Known for her eccentric, bold look, she has made waves in the industry with her unconventional sartorial choices. She often pairs colorful layers of clothing with oversized glasses and statement jewelry. Her signature style consists of vibrant colors, patterns, prints, and textures that mix vintage pieces with modern trends.
Apfel has been an influential figure in the world of fashion for decades and continues to inspire women of all ages to take risks and be creative with their personal style. Her influence on the industry is undeniable and her fearless approach to fashion will continue to influence generations to come.
Conclusion:
Wardrobe in movies has evolved over the years. From silent films to modern-day blockbusters, wardrobing and costumes are essential elements in filmmaking. They can be used to establish a character’s identity, create atmosphere, and capture the spirit of an era or culture. Fashion movies have also become popular over the last decade, showing us how clothing choices can influence our lives. And fashion designers play a key role in creating unique clothing lines that make a statement and help us express our individuality.
The idea of having a character identified by a costume began in Ancient Greece; their costumes were masks. This served to define who a character was and all of a sudden wardrobe in filmmaking became prominent.
In silent films initially, the idea of a costume was not even considered. But as silent films became more popular it was noted that a costume could distinctly identify a character, which made it easier for the audience to understand who each character is.
In time silent films and elaborate tv productions became more complex; for example, some of the movies took place in other eras, and for this reason, wardrobing and costumes were a necessity to give the movie, the actors, and the audience a more authentic replication of life in a specific period.
When sound appeared in movies it of course became even more necessary to identify all characters with costumes and props. Movies became quite varied and because of this, props, costuming, and wardrobe in filmmaking became a major element for all films and TV shows. Fortunately, in every decade we have had beautiful actresses who have brought costumes to life on the screen. Marilyn Monroe, Audry Hepburn, Nicole Kidman, and Meral Streep to name a few have worn costumes, jewels, and necklaces that are famous worldwide and should be on display in The Smithsonian’s National Museum. The noted Swedish actress Greta Garbo wore costumes in the 1930s version of Anna Karenina that are still acclaimed even now.
In our world today all movies have a place on social media. A movie’s website is easily accessible on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Interested audiences can view anything about a film on these platforms and get any information they wish. In particular, YouTube and a film’s website can be highly informative.
Nowadays, wardrobing and costumes are considered the major elements in filmmaking. If it is a fact that “clothes, make the man” we can now safely say that in filmmaking all characters are defined and recognized by their outfits, the clothes worn, accessories worn, and how they dress.”
