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June 2014
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You’re reading the June Edition of SQUEALS: The official newsletter of Costumer’s Guild West, Inc.
May 2014. Volume 29, Number 9.
CGW website: www.costumersguild.org
E-mail discussions: http://groups,yahoo.com/group/CGWcostumers/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/costumecollege
Tumblr: http://costumecollege.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CostumeCollege https://twitter.com/CGWInc
Membership / Subscription info: CGW One-Year Individual Dues: US $30.00, Canada and Mexico US $31, International US $36. CGW Household Dues (optional, no newsletter): each additional member at any address, add $15 each to the primary household member's dues.
Please send Change of Address notices to: Costumer's Guild West, Inc. 1917 Crestshire Dr. Glendale, CA 91208
ABOUT OUR COVER: Our cover model Jonnalyhn Wolfcat Prill poses here in her Khavi (Elfquest) costume with Wendy Pini, the co-author of Elfquest. Jonnalyhn, an avid costumer and Elfquest fan, details the creation of her costume in her article on page 11.
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Contents
About Our Cover: ............................................................................................... 2
From The President ........................................................................................... 4
From the Costume College Dean ....................................................................... 6
Have You Moved? Or Are You Planning To? ..................................................... 7
From Our Director-At-Large, Andrea Molina: Get Animated! Cosplay and Pop Culture Costuming ............................................................................................. 8
Adventures in Costuming: Kahvi ...................................................................... 10
COSPLAY .......................................................................................................... 14
Help Wanted!! ................................................................................................. 17
SATURDAY NIGHT RAFFLE AT COCO ................................................................ 17
Find a Costume College Roommate! ............................................................... 18
Volunteers Needed at Costume College! ........................................................ 19
Upcoming Events ............................................................................................. 19
Major Events 2014 ....................................................................................... 20
Costuming and Jewelry Museum Exhibitions: ............................................. 20
A word from the Editor .................................................................................... 21
Important Stuff & Colophon ............................................................................ 23
Deadline for July issue: 10 June 2013
Send your contributions to the editor at [email protected] or [email protected].
All e-mail messages received are assumed to be for publication unless specifically marked DNP or DNQ (do not print/do not quote).
We’re always looking for articles on costume-related subjects in the 100 to 400 word range. Longer articles also desired for serialization – if it’s good enough for Cosmic Engineers*, it’s good enough for this editor.
*Curious? Each book mentioned in the Squeals Contents Page “plea for articles” was originally published as a serialized novel. Since Nov 2013.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT By Rebecca Howard My first experience with cosplay was before cosplay was even a thing. The summer after sixth grade, my mother took us on a cross-country road trip with her best friend and her son. For three weeks we traveled all across the Western United States, visiting landmarks and national parks; it was pretty exciting… unless you’re 12, and then it’s just a ridiculously long time in the car. Fortunately, my mother’s friend’s son was also one of my best friends and we both brought books to read and games to play. That summer he introduced me to Elfquest. He had the first four graphic novels and I was hooked! I was in love with the world, the characters, and the depth of the
story. I reread them several times over the summer and when we got home I begged my mother to buy them for me. I waited with bated breath for new issues to arrive at my local comic book store, read them until they were memorized, and then stored them carefully in their plastic sleeves. Production was slow so my friend and I created our own tribes of characters when we visited each other. When I was 15, Elfquest did an anniversary tour called Fantasy with Teeth. There were two locations that were within driving distance for us. I not only had to attend both event signings but Mom and I made me a costume of my favorite character, Nightfall, to wear to the events. I’m sure she has photos somewhere, but sadly, I do not
have copies or I would gladly share them. It was wonderful meeting the artist and writer,
Wendy Pini and her husband Richard, who is the editor. I was such a fan girl that I brought every book I owned for them to sign. I was thrilled when I found out that I attended high school in the same town she did and that my first
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boyfriend’s mother went to school with her. I felt so special to see her yearbook with some of Wendy’s first published artwork. Fast forward 13 years and I’m working on my Fashion degree at FIDM. I’d told
all my instructors that I WILL be going to the Costume Design for Film & Television program (it’s an application program so that was quite a statement) and most were happy to tailor my projects to costume design. The final project for Draping 3 was a bustier and skirt with given parameters. I instantly realized that the project parameters would allow me to make the major components of the outfit that had just been released as the new design for one of Elfquest’s main characters, Leetah. My instructor approved the project and I began work. The designs had to be made to fit our industrial
dress forms. Beyond using what I had been learning in school, I also discovered a fabric cutting technique that I have carried with me through the years, that made some of the finishes on the skirt possible. While it doesn’t fit anyone but my school dress form, fondly called Jane, I am very proud of the work I completed on the project and the overall finished product. The magic of my relationship with Elfquest is not unlike those that others have with Jane Austen novels, Legend of Zelda, Star Wars, and many, many more. We find ourselves so engrossed in the
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universe that we imagine ourselves a part of it. For many it may be the first thing that drives them to connect with others that share their passion. I’ve met many people over the years with whom I’ve bonded over Elfquest. A few who are professional cosplayers, but most who just lost themselves to the stories as I did. The stories they love may drive them to push their creativity and stretch their talents in order to create what they desire. Becoming characters from favorite stories is often the entry level into costuming, as it was for me. This is something to be remembered and considered as we foster the talents of new costumers. What they are heart-struck to create may not be the same as it is for us, but they are no less passionate about it and will gladly soak up all the knowledge we can offer. And in the process, allow us to share our passions with them. Rebecca Howard CGW President [email protected] . Curious about Elfquest? Find out more at this fascinating interview with Wendy Pini!
http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/05/20/celebrating-dark-horses-women-in-
comics-elfquests-wendy-pini-is-proud-to-be-a-tough-stubborn-long-surviving-
woman-pioneer/
FROM THE COSTUME COLLEGE DEAN By Mela Hoyt-Heydon We are less than two months out to Costume College 2014. Are you getting excited yet? The Costume College Committee is in the final stages of planning for this year’s event with supplies ordered; name badges, Gala and Tea tickets designed and ready for printing; and the programming book is almost finished. We are getting ready for you, are you getting ready to have a great time? The Marketplace is excited to announce that there will be over 20 vendors for your shopping pleasure! As always there is a great mix of new venders, along with
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some familiar favorites. To see the complete list please visit our website at http://costumecollege.net/CoCo_marketplace.html to drool over the great color graphics for each vendor. Remember the Marketplace is open to the public so even if you are not attending College you are welcome to shop. The Limited Attendance Class acceptance & waiting list letters have been mailed. Please be sure to send in your payment or pay online by June 16th to confirm your attendance. If there are any slots left in a Limited Attendance Class and the instructor has given approval, those slots will be available to register for during check in on a first come/pay, first serve basis. (Just another reason for you to arrive Thursday night!) One last reminder, the last day to purchase Costume College Memberships is June 23rd. June 23rd is also the last day to request a refund or transfer. Requests made after this date will not be accepted. If you have any questions regarding purchases, refunds or transfers, please contact the Registrar at [email protected]. Any other questions, feel free to email me at [email protected] but as the website has been updated, you will probably find your answer there! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at College! Mela Hoyt-Heydon Costume College Dean 2014
HAVE YOU MOVED? OR ARE YOU PLANNING
TO?
If you have changed address or are planning to, please don’t forget to notify us of the change. You can do so by emailing me at [email protected] or contacting any of the board members listed in Squeals. Natalie Meyer Bookkeeper and Keeper of the Member List
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FROM OUR DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, ANDREA MOLINA: GET ANIMATED! COSPLAY AND POP CULTURE
COSTUMING By Andrea Molina
When I originally tried to write this article, it was quite a challenge. How can I encompass something that is so important to me in a just a few pages? I eventually decided to try to explain some of the finer points of cosplay for someone who may not be very familiar with this type of costuming. As someone who has participated in both historical costuming and cosplay, I feel they are very different, but both have their own special appeal. While the term cosplay is typically associated with anime, manga, & video games, in the past few years it has expanded to encompass pop culture as a whole, including American comics, video games, television & movies, etc. It
covers the most elaborate, winged, gravity-defying designs as well as simple but iconic & well-constructed ensembles. What I love about cosplay is that there isn’t one set way to realize the desired costume. Armor alone can be made from cardboard, foam, plastic, vinyl, wonderflex, etc.! Cosplay requires the costumer to be highly creative in problem-solving and construction. This also fosters community; the internet is a treasure trove of tutorials, photos, & others who have paved the way by making that costume before you. These are regular people that can answer questions, or may already have FAQs about how they made their amazing creations. Cosplayers are often Jack-of-all-trades, dabbling in wig styling, casting gems & accessories, millinery, and of course, sewing, among other skills. Cosplay is a way to connect with others who share the same interests as you. I find it much easier, when attending a convention, to connect with other fans.
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My costume is an ice breaker, as well as a giant sign announcing that I like the particular show I am
cosplaying from! It is extremely common for someone to ask to take your photo while in
cosplay, which can easily lead to striking up a conversation with the photographer. It’s a strange feeling – having strangers take your picture makes you feel like a celebrity for the day. Some people also feel that they can be more outgoing in their cosplay. People are already staring and noticing you – it’s nearly impossible to fade into the background when
wearing an elaborate costume!
Contests & masquerades are another fun part of cosplaying, for those who feel
comfortable up on stage. It’s very rewarding to have others appreciate the hard work you’ve
put into your costume. Awards are not necessary to have a great time while cosplaying, however; many people have plenty of fun enjoying the convention in costume & socializing with friends.
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Many people have particular types of characters they identify with, and may tend to choose those types of characters when creating their costumes. Some even have one specific character of which they create multiple costumes, covering different outfits that the character wears. Since my favorite color is pink, I tend to choose characters who either have pink hair or wear a pink costume. Shows like “Heroes of Cosplay” have brought cosplay into the limelight recently, but please don’t be intimidated by those “heroes”! They
have had years to cultivate their craft! Be inspired, not overwhelmed! Your first project may not look like theirs, but that is ok! Maybe anime isn’t your thing, but as costumers, if cosplay hasn’t piqued your interest before, I would encourage you to consider your next project to be something from a TV show or movie. Do you love “Game of Thrones”, “Once Upon a Time”,
or “Mad
Men”? These are all shows with fantastic costumes! I want to see you at the next pop culture convention! Best of luck!
ADVENTURES IN COSTUMING: KAHVI By Jonnalyhn Wolfcat Prill Kahvi is the Chieftess of the Go-Back Elves in Wendy and Richard Pini’s Elfquest series, which first came out in 1978. I’ve cosplayed a number of the various elven characters over the years, Leetah, Moonshade, Winnowwill and others, but had never had the chance to play Kahvi around Wendy or Richard. For ECCC (Emerald City Comicon) 2014, they were
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returning, so I worked on updating my costume-refitting/remaking as needed around a post-pregnancy figure. Since Kahvi lives in the cold northern ice, I used faux moleskin/suede as the base fabric, with black wool or velveteen and white faux fur for the rest of her outfit. Grey flannel tubes were turned right side out to become arm and leg wraps, tacked in place to keep from slipping out of the cross-wrapped pattern drawn by Wendy. I drafted the geometric cutwork for the belt, and used leather tools to cut the design of radial triangles, then sewed it onto the wooden oval lobed buckle that was painted silver. The knife was a gift from my knight, and I painted felt scabbard and hilt covers to match the designs, which were then stitched in place. The hat uses craft foam to help keep its shape and I think it will get a small fan or cooler set inside for longer events as it is definitely warm! I mixed soft black and deep brown kanekalon hair to make the cheek braids as two falls to clip into my hair, rather than sew them into the hat, which allows me to
remove the hat for cooling off, and still
remain in character. The ears are cast by a local artist in my area, Jay Geraths, who is specializing in making higher quality ears for various characters or on commission.
Because of the
crowding at the con, I deemed it wiser not to
carry the spear which is her other primary weapon. Wendy and Richard loved the costume, declaring it the best Kahvi they’d seen, especially appreciating the belt and scabbard detailing.
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Anime and superhero costuming is a lot of fun. Some of the costumes can be very simple; they start with a base bodysuit on which you build the character. This allows you to swap out accessories to portray different characters with a minimal amount of packing or outlay (Catwoman, Batgirl, Black Cat, Huntress…). It can be fun to look at the variations of costumes within a series – because of storyline changes, or in the case of anime, between OVAs, manga or TV shows – and to pick the outfit that best suits your comfort level. My personal example of this is of Lum, from Urusei Yatsura. Traditionally, she is shown in a yellow and green/black tiger striped bikini and boots, with fangs, green hair and horns. However, now that I have slipped even further from
hourglass to pear shape, I am not
comfortable with that amount of skin showing. One of my mangas shows Lum in a miniskirt variation, to go dancing, and that is what I now wear instead of the bikini. You can also transpose the concept into a different era or theme
Victorian
Regency
Film Noir
Steampunk
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This is especially fun if you get a group together to portray several of either the same character or a group – the Loscon Ops crew did Noir JLA with Batman, Dr. Light IV, Black Canary, Hawkwoman, Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, and Zatana-taking the characters into the concept of ‘40’s and film noir.
The other fun thing with anime/superhero costuming is to gender swap/crossplay – for example, a Lady Hawkeye, Captain Stephanie Rogers , or Toni Stark. Several inspirational pieces of artwork have been found on DeviantArt, such as the ones that inspired my Lady Hawkeye for a 60’s era Mod effect and a Twiggy wig/makeup. She is made of lavender and black vinyl, from the shoe covers, belt, pouches and all accessories. The ‘arrows’ are gleaned from a Santee Alley find of long earrings that were pulled apart to become detailing and a small close up photo of Twiggy’s
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eye makeup sits in the bag with the costume as a reference to remember how to do the eyeliner.
COSPLAY By Tadao Tomomatsu Hello. My name is Tadao Tomomatsu: Actor/Jack of Most trades and Cosplayer/Costumer Sadly, it’s my culture’s fault for hybridizing American ideas into “Romangi” Formats: or things like Radio is RahDehOh. Or Television is Tell-A-Bee (Tea-Wehe) TV. So what is Cosplay? Actually (as the legends of Legendaries say), it came from Japanese Nobuyuki Takahashi of Studio Hard in the 1983 LA World Science Fiction Convention; he had to have an explanation for all the people in the Masquerade wearing costumes. They were in COStume pretending to PLAY a character like those you create. He shortened it to “COSPLAY”. Now here’s the funny bit. Having gone back to Japan and explained this phenomena, the AMERICANS did “Cos-Play”. So everyone assumes it’s an American Thing to be a CosPlayer doing CosPlay. But gives the Dolldrum/tight proper society of the centuries to try something… (We don’t have Halloween). Since his publishing of his report in Anime Magazine (JPN) Ok, vague history over. In reality, cosplay is rather complicated as a form of costuming. Costuming advances from previous historical precedents, and diverges from them. Cosplay will take something completely non-existent in real life. Just the imagination/animation of a creator. Fanciful at best. It still takes the skill of determining patterns, sewing, materials… and interpreting what in real world a material would be or even look like: Two tone? Shiny? From formal to extraordinary and even to armor, robots and space. Even some ideas from games. Some props and costumes are even impossible because of real world physics… but it’s a challenge none the less.
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Japan has many resources for costuming/cosplay: most obvious is Animation/cartoons/Anime. Others are from Manga (Magazine-comicbooks) and relatively movies, film, tv: Local and foreign. For men it a unique phase/array of cosplay/costuming to choose from: Games and character of Pokemon? Or perhaps Mario Brothers? From vests with Giant stars and Chaps? To a league baseball cap to the poke dex or pokeballs? Perhaps it’s a military thing to be macho So Old Snake in a cammo outfit and a Airsoft gun. An anime to gain popularity: Something you cannot express? Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon? Or daring as a Blue Polo, White Pants and a red scarf; find an old MotoBike helmet and sew in an MG and become speed racer? The space cowboy Beebop? From part of the Japanese point of view slightly more so but the same as other cosplayers: It’s a chance to be someone they want to be; sometimes that’s noy who they are.. A shy Japanese guy can be behind a mask and still be a “Super Sentai” with sun glasses, a cig in their mouth and a futuristic two-tone double breasted suit, boots, yellow shirt and black think tie: and Cowboybee bop a cool figure out for justice/ fun/ money? Be a traditional samurai with an electro sword? Or a punk hairstyle and glasses for Samurai Champloo. What does it take? Guys have some of the same problems as women for cosplay: Admittedly the anime characters are athletic or crazy or even super small in stature? What entices a cosplay guy? Most guys in Japan to start off with are Skinny or small … rarely will you find six-pack abs. But like all childhood days it start with being a hero and pretending: part of the Ultra Team? Favorite Color of Sentai (Power ranger) Hero -- you buy the toy,
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the mask and you play but sometimes (as with the Japanese) Perfection: The closest home made replica costume of… It’s the challenge to replicate something: A robot? A prop? Looking for a place/group to belong? Or you just think it’s cool? I can dig that. From a certain point of view: I do not have blond hair nor do I have it in a surfing tidal loop.. Over exaggerated 60’s surf style hair. Guys still have cosplay wigs.. and wig styling is still something some will do. A signature move? Stand? Some Sew like the wind. Some glue like you would not believe. Other times it is What do I have that Looks like that (hello). Regardless of race, creed, or even body type. The variety of cosplay for guys is kind of amazing.. It just depends on your niche, sense of humor, sometimes skill, or in a couple cases.. what do I have to make.. CARDBOARD!!! (ha ha.. no seriously a whole Gundam suit of armor wonderfully accurate.. but all cardboard) And with cosplay all around it encompases Victoriana, Other worlds, alternate universes, mix/crossovers. Space, Time, Pirates, steampunk, even American cartoons. The challenge of Monster and Giant robots. So part of this is Cosplay from the “Guys” point of view. Well as guys *silly as it sounds* it’s what we like. It can be competitive with masquerades, contests etc. What do we look good as? And can we make it.. Can we have a group? Or in a few rare cases. My GF/SO made what.. I don’t wanna (three seconds later you’re wearing it). Rambling rambling What does this fortune cookie guy know. Not much really just that guys have the same problems and ideas as the Gals. Sometimes we get the same hassles from “pro” costumes and “Costumers” and sometimes we happily surprise the rest of costumers with a “why didn’t I think of that”. And oddly guys go topless a lot more?? (Not me: pale Asian guy blinding people.. bright light everywhere..) Happily, male cosplayers put in the effort as well as anyone else.. “I wanna be the very best” at whatever even I go to. A bit of extra acting, a style, a walk.. Side note: I admit my time to actually sew anything costume-wise is really nil. Days that I come across the long jacket that’s the wrong color.. the shoes are the right color but the wrong style.. It’s a dark suit but..and me being Asian (more of a hindrance sometimes than you think) and at Anime Expo stopped
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by Passing Squeals off Wait are you “THE DOCTOR”… And saying.. Why yes I am.. Something wrong tho with the regeneration… Still not Ginger… Can we have your Photograph??? (giggling).. Still makes me smile.. Cosplay it’s not just for one genre -- it’s across the board.
HELP WANTED!! Your CGW President and Ops chair are looking for an Assistant for the Operations Department. The right candidate is level-headed, a good problem solver, and possesses strong people skills. Primary duties include assisting in the set-up and tear down of Costume College equipment and problem solving throughout the weekend. This is a very important department and a great way to be involved in the inner workings of Costume College. For more information please contact Rebecca Howard at [email protected]
SATURDAY NIGHT RAFFLE AT COCO By Cheryl R. Avirom
COME ONE COME ALL!!! There will be a Saturday Night Raffle at the Masquerade Gala to support our scholarship fund. Enjoy the thrill, the terror, the tension.... will your number be called? Terrific prizes. This year tickets will be available ALL DAY SATURDAY as well as at the Gala from 6:00 p.m. Check with Information to buy tickets during the day on Saturday. Be sure to check out the prizes at the Prize Table at the Gala! The Drawing will be held at the Gala AFTER dinner and AFTER the Gala is open to the general membership for dancing, at approximately 8:30 p.m. YOU AND THE WINNING TICKET MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. All members of Costume College are welcome to join in the dancing at the Gala, whether or not you went to the dinner, and you are encouraged to COME TO WIN AT THE RAFFLE. Tickets are $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00. Cash or checks payable to CGW are accepted.
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All proceeds go to the CGW Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are awarded to encourage costuming knowledge and talent as prizes at special events (like Los Con Masquerade, Los Angeles County Fair Costume Competitions, etc.) and to scholarship applicants for Costume College memberships, ranging from tuition to CoC up to , tuition and hotel and Gala Ticket and Tea Ticket. Check the rules on line to apply for a scholarship for CoCo 2015. THE MORE TICKETS YOU BUY, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING!!! Everyone is a winner because the money supports our scholarships. Donations are tax deductible since we are a 501(c)(3) organization
FIND A COSTUME COLLEGE ROOMMATE! By Sandra Manning Are you coming to Costume College 2014 but can’t afford to rent a room by yourself? Or would you like to find someone with a room? Did you find that you waited a bit too long and the rooms are gone? Do you want a room for just a couple nights so you don’t have to drive to and from so you can participate in all the activities? Costume College has a solution. Costume College 2014 offers a roommate matching service to those who are attending. The service is free and is designed to match people who have rooms with people who do not have rooms so everyone has a place to stay. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with Roommate request for CC2014 in the subject line. In addition please include the following information in the body of the email.
Your Name
Your Telephone Number
Your Email Address
The number of nights you are looking for a roommate? (Please indicate if they are consecutive or individual nights)
How many people you are willing to share a room with.
Have you booked a room?
If you have booked a room, do you have any roommates already? Do you need another person?
Are you new to Costume College®?
Smoking or non-smoking preference. If you have no preference, indicate that as well.
Your gender and whether you have a gender preference for a roommate.
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Once enough e-mails have been received the roommate coordinator will begin matching roommates and sending out e-mail notifications. It is important to remember, the Roommate Matching Services is only responsible for providing you contact information for your potential roommate based on the answers you provide to the required questions.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT COSTUME COLLEGE! By Adi Harris As you plan out all your classes for Costume College and find yourself with a spare chunk of time, why not volunteer? Volunteering is a perfect way to hang with old friends and meet new friends, all while ensuring that Costume College runs smoothly and is an enjoyable experience for everyone. If you'd like to volunteer - or if you simply wish to request an post prior to your arrival at Costume College, say, at the Bargain Basement or the Cavalcade of Costume Exhibit - please address Adi over at [email protected] with any questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you!
UPCOMING EVENTS CGW Goes To: Bound to Impress (June 7) FIDM Orange County Blue and Gray Summer Ball (June 28) Tickets discounted before Mar 25th www.2ndcalvery.org Labyrinth of Jareth (July 4th and 6th) Historic Park Plaza, Los Angeles. http://www.labyrinthmasquerade.com/ CGW Board Meeting (July 6) Costume College Committee Meeting (July 9) Last meeting before Costume College!! San Diego Comicon (July 24-27) San Diego Convention Center. http://www.comic-con.org/cci
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CGW Costume College (Jul 31 – Aug 4) Woodland Hills Marriott, Woodland Hills
MAJOR EVENTS 2014 Costume Camp (Aug 29 – Sep 1) Autumn Ball (Regency) (Oct) Comikaze (LA Convention Center, Nov) Nottingham Faire (Nov 15-26) Rancho Tapo Community Park LOSCON (Nov., Thanksgiving Weekend) Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov/Dec) San Francisco Gallifrey One (February) Costume Con (April) Heritage Square Fashion Show (April) The Avalon Ball, Catalina (May)
COSTUMING AND JEWELRY MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS: Ongoing: Television Out of the Box. Through 2015, (Wed-Sun) Los Angeles, Paley Center, Warner Bros. $10, $8 senior/student, $5 under 13. Props, costumes from 50+ yrs WB TV. www.paleycenter.org/tp-television-out-of-the-box
Bound to Impress: Corsets from The Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection. FIDM Gallery Orange County. (Jan 8 – Jun 14) http://blog.fidmmuseum.org/museum/2014/01/bound-to-impress-corsets-from-the-helen-larson-historic-fashion-collection.html
Don’t miss the CGW Goes To event to see this amazing exhibit on June 7!
Georgians: Dress for Polite Society (25 Jan 2014 – 1 Jan 2015), Bath, England, http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/exhibitions/future_displays/georgian_fashion.aspx
Costumes of Downton Abbey. Mar 1, 2014 – Jan, 4 2015. Winterthur Museum, Delaware. www.winterthur.org
Hollywood Costume by the Victoria and Albert Museum at the Phoenix Art Museum. March 26 – July 6. Phoenix Arizona. http://www.phxart.org/exhibition/hollywoodcostume
Charles James: Beyond Fashion. May 8 – Aug 10 2014. Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York.
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Upcoming
8th Annual Outstanding Art of Television at FIDM (July 22 – Sept 20)FIDM Museum Los Angeles
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR By Dani Crum On April 27th, , the Getty held a lecture event interviewing Sandy Powell, costume designer of “Shakespeare in Love”, “The Aviator”, and “Wings of the Dove”. You may also recognize her as the organizer of the stunning exhibit Hollywood Costuming currently at the Phoenix art museum, which I gushed about endlessly last month.
The interview was specifically for her work on the movie “The Young Victoria” in conjunction with the Getty exhibit “A Royal Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography”. If you haven’t seen the movie, run, don’t walk to your computer and download it (or order it, stream it, whatever). The movie is beautifully done and not just because of the wonderful customers. Emily Blunt stars as Victoria, will an all-star cast. Of course, while you can see some marvelous costumes
in the film, the fun of interviews is all the details you get about how
costuming accommodates the film. Here are some of the more interesting facts I learned.
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“DPs hate bonnets”. In order to accommodate both the historical accuracy required in the film (bonnets were extremely common wear) and the needs of the Director of Photography, most of the bonnets in the movie have brims of light-permeating material (lace, thin fabric, etc.) so that the crew could light the actors’ faces
through their bonnets.
Period fabric. At least two outfits in the film use period fabric. One was a beautiful plaid of which Sandy had very little, so she created a
dicky that Emily Blunt wore under a jacket. There isn’t any more to the blouse than what you actually see between the jacket lapels. Ms. Powell noted that period fabric is extremely fragile, so neither outfit made from Victorian fabric survived shooting.
There is a lovely dress of deep green with silver half-moons embroidered on it. The fabric was actually apple green with turquoise polka dots – Ms. Powell used the back of the fabric and the “half-moons” are the back side of the polka dot stitching.
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One of the bridesmaids in the wedding scene is actually a member of the royal family (Princess Beatrice, daughter of the Duchess of York). Ms. Powell thought she was likely the closest resemblance to a young Queen Victoria that we have today.
The movie uses very little CGI, but for the wedding scene, they made (faux) ermine trimmed capes for the principals and other actors closest to the camera and replicated the rest
electronically. The “ermine” on the real cloaks is actually rabbit fur. All in all, a wonderful interview with an amazing costumer.
IMPORTANT STUFF & COLOPHON Officers of the Costumer's Guild West, Inc. President: Rebecca Howard, [email protected] OR [email protected] Vice President: Maryann Jones, [email protected] [email protected] Events: [email protected] Recording Secretary: Zoe Jones, [email protected] Treasurer: Christine Kelsey Corresponding Sec. Dani Crum, [email protected] OR [email protected] Director at Large: Mela Hoyt-Heydon, [email protected] Director at Large: Eileen Smolenski, [email protected] Director at Large: Andrea Molina, [email protected] Director at Large: Patti Buckley, [email protected] Appointed positions: Costume College 2014 Dean: Mela Hoyt-Heydon, [email protected] Parliamentarian: Lorri Gums, [email protected] Scholarship Committee Chair: Kerry Wolf, [email protected] Bookkeeper: Natalie Meyer, [email protected] Membership Development: Elizabeth McCash, [email protected]
Squeals, the Official Newsletter of CGW Inc. 24 | P a g e
Accessories Make the Outfit: Whether fictional or historical; anime, manga, sci-fi, or from the archives of the Met; costumes come to life when we put them on and accessorize. Here, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat Prill shows off her beautifully detailed Khavi costumes. Notice the detailed belts, sheaths, hats, and the luxurious fur trim.
