Designing The Young Victoria

Do you guys remember the beautiful costumes on the film The Young Victoria? They were designed by Sandy Powell, a three time Academy Award winning Costume Designer. This Sunday she will be speaking about her design process at The Getty Museum. This event is part of the current running exhibition A Royal Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography. I can't wait to hear her discuss her use of research and visual sources for the film. If you are excited about historical costumes as much as I am and are free this Sunday, you can RSVP for this event here.

Image source via Costume Sketches and Renderings. Illustrated by Sandy Powell

Happy Birthday Edith Head

"A designer is only as good as the star who wears her clothes" ~ Edith Head

One of her most iconic sketches for the film A Place in the Sun, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift.

Costume designer at work. I love this fabric, I wonder what film she was working on here.

Last but not least, her sketch for Sabrina. Every girl dreams of owning a dress like this one day. 

Edith Head is one of the most recognized and beloved costume designers who was active during "the Golden age of Hollywood", she was nominated for 35 academy awards and won eight for films like A Place in the Sun, All About Eve, Roman Holiday and Sabrina to name a few. Today, Edith Head would have been 115 years old, Happy Birthday to her and her legacy.

Images from top to bottom: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4

This week on Instragram

As you can tell, I had lots of fun this weekend. On Saturday I attended the FIDM Television Costume Design exhibition and on Sunday I spent most of my day at the Renegade Craft Fair. I was so excited to see so many people come out to support local crafters and artists. Stay tuned, my next post will cover Renegade Craft Fair. I will be showcasing the work of some local crafters.

1. Trying to stay cool in 95 degree weather.

2. Costumes from Great Expectations on PBS.

3. Costumes from Once Upon a Time.

4. A beautiful display by Natalia Camarena.

5. Purchases from We Love Citrus, Terrarium Shop, and Ryan Berkley Illustrations.

6. We Love Citrus spools.

FIDM: Television Costume Design Exhibition

For the past two months, I had the privilege to assist on The 6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design exhibition curated by the President of The Costume Designers Guild, the lovely Mary Rose. The opening gala was held this past weekend. It was a wonderful event filled with cocktails, industry professionals and lots of appreciation for what costume designers do best, tell stories through their designs.

The displays were breathtaking. Whether you are a fan of a period show like Boardwalk Empire, Pan Am or a contemporary show like Pretty Little Liars, one couldn't help but feel an emotional connection to their favorite character's costumes.

Calisi from Game of Thrones and Lady Sybil Crawley from Downton Abbey are some of my favorite leading ladies on a television series. They are both fearless and unbreakable. These are the type of characters I get excited about when I am breaking down a script.

Magic City was another great layout that I loved. I helped build the paper wigs for most of the displays including this one. I learned a great technique from a wonderful costume designer, who gave me a crash course on building wigs with watercolor paper, scissors, and glue dots. It was so much fun, maybe this will be a great DIY blog post soon.

Last but not least, I leave you with these beautiful and whimsical costumes from Once Upon a Time. Working on this exhibition was such an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best costume designers and guild members. If you haven't already done so, make sure to visit this exhibition sometime between now and October 20, 2012.

From Top to Bottom: Boardwalk Empire designed by John A. Dunn, Pan Am designed by Ann Crabtree (pilot designed by Chrisi Karvonides-Dushenko), Game of Thrones designed by Michele Clapton, Downton Abbey designed by Susannah Buxton and Rosalind Ebbutt, Magic City designed by Carol Ramsey and Once Upon a Time designed by Eduardo Castro.

This Week on Instagram

Delivering my Instagram pictures of the week! As you know I went to Comic-Con last week and took many pictures, but these remain some of favorite. I hope everyone is having safe weekend!! 

1. It was official, I finally got my professional badge.

2. Our view from our Hotel, not bad.

3. The Television Costume Design Panel was a success.

4. SyFy Cafe at the Hard Rock San Diego.

5. Comic-Con crowd, make sure to register for next year here.

6. Stay Puft!!

When was the last time you went to an Opera?

Have you been to an Opera lately? If you live in Los Angeles and want to see a captivating ensemble, get tickets to La Boheme at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Earlier this month, LA Opera invited me to the final dress rehearsal for La Boheme. It was a magical experience. I was completely moved by the set design, props, costumes, and of course by the performance. 

 This Herbert Ross production features soprano Ailyn Perez and tenor Stephen Costello who also happen to be married in real life. Their chemistry on stage was incredible.

Operas have always been one of my favorite type of dramatic art forms. 

This classic bohemian love story instantly transported me to Paris in the 1840's.

Let's talk costumes. The color palette was more on a natural side, except for Act II, the Latin Quarter scene. The colors were bright and lively as the crowd gathered together to see Parpignol, the toy seller seen here. Costume Designer Jeannique Prospere stayed true to the time period with all of her designs. The costumes looked elegant on the performers as they graced the theatrical Parisian stage.

As a professionally trained theater costume designer, I was extremely in awe with all of the artisanship that went into all of the costumes. They effortlessly infused the performance with so much refinement and accurate historical detail. La Boheme is a must see ensemble. If you want to escape Los Angeles for two hours and be transported to mid 19th century Paris, then this show is for you. The production will run til June 2nd. Pictures were provided by LA Opera.

To Rome with Love

  I can't wait to see Woody Allen's latest flick. I am a huge Penelope Cruz fan. She was amazing in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and I know she is going to be great in this film. Other  cast members include Jesse Eisenburg, Ellen Page, Alec Baldwin and Robert Benigni.

I hope they continue working together in the near future. In the meantime, check out these great photographs from behind the scenes.

 

Woody Allen really knows how to bring out her comedic side. Who knew?

Sonia Grande designed the costumes. I'm loving this polka dot top.