Dress Historian Bernadette Banner Breaks Down Fantasy Costumes

TL;DR

Dress historian analyzes the costumes in popular fantasy shows, discussing historical influences and creative choices.

Transcript

foreign hello I'm Bernadette Benner I am a dress historian and YouTube content creator I am also a skillshare teacher today I am traveling into the world of fantasy to analyze some of the costumes that we see in our favorite films and TV s fantasy is really interesting to explore from a creative point of view because rather than having to look at a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Fantasy shows allow costume designers to build their own worlds and establish unique rules, deviating from historical timelines.
• 🕶️ Gothic elements, dark colors, and unique materials can enhance the aesthetic of a fantasy show like Penny Dreadful.
• 🛀 Proper understructure and attention to realistic silhouette contribute to the authenticity of costumes in shows like The Nevers.
• 🧙 Wizard fashion in Harry Potter combines elements from different periods of Muggle fashion, reflecting the divide between the Wizarding World and the Muggle world.
• 👤 Bridgerton embraces an escapist, fantasy Regency aesthetic, incorporating bright colors and exaggerated silhouettes.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Penny Dreadful incorporate Gothic elements into their costumes?

In Penny Dreadful, the costumes cater to the goth aesthetic by combining Gothic elements with a late Victorian flair. The use of black gowns and the choice of materials, such as cord or soutache stitched onto net, create a fittingly dark and gothic atmosphere.

Q: How does The Nevers achieve historical accuracy while incorporating fantastical elements?

The Nevers successfully combines historical accuracy with fantastical elements by paying attention to realistic silhouette and proper understructure. These foundational tweaks make a significant difference in the authenticity of the costumes, allowing the actors to adapt to the physically demanding show.

Q: How does wizard fashion in Harry Potter differ from Muggle fashion?

Wizard fashion in Harry Potter diverges from Muggle fashion, as the Wizarding World picks up different elements from various periods. While characters like Sirius Black may wear modern pieces, they also incorporate elements like Victorian watch chains. Rita Skeeter, who aims for fashionability, adopts high fashion looks with bright colors.

Q: How does Bridgerton's costume design create a fantasy Regency aesthetic?

Bridgerton's costume design aims to create a fantasy Regency aesthetic that is aspirational rather than historically accurate. While the high-waisted gowns and lightweight skirts echo historical fashion, the use of bright colors and heavy silks exceeds the limitations of the Regency period.

Q: How does Game of Thrones balance historical accuracy with fantasy elements?

Game of Thrones follows a set of logical and believable rules in its costume design, incorporating historical accuracy while still maintaining a fantasy realm. Factors such as fiber choices, dyes, and the practicality of certain garments reflect the characters' roles and the environment they inhabit.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The show Penny Dreadful features aesthetically pleasing costumes with a Gothic flair, incorporating elements of Edwardian lingerie gowns in black.

• The Nevers combines historical influences with a sci-fi fantasy setting, paying attention to realistic silhouettes and proper understructure.

• Harry Potter showcases wizard fashion that diverges from Muggle fashion, borrowing elements from different periods of history.

• Bridgerton embraces a fantasy Regency setting, incorporating high-waisted gowns and bright colors while deviating from historical accuracy.

• Game of Thrones demonstrates a balance between fantasy elements and historical accuracy in costume design.