Costumes for period drama
The second of two parts about amateur period movies, illustrations show costumes from the Centre Film Unit’s prize winning production The Golden Medallion to which both John and Joan Woolmer made significant contributions.
Costume in period films needs research and care, but it need not incur great expense. Study the shot list with care. Close ups are very revealing if you use modern machine lace, buttons and trimmings. Long shots cause problems with shoes, especially on male actors. Plain shoes with false buckles can suffice. In fact it is the male costume that causes most headaches. Here simplicity is a must. Avoid greatcoats, suits, uniforms etc. Waistcoats are easily made. Plain fabric sleeves from old shirts tacked into the armholes will double as shirts. Gathered muslin sleeves, frilled at the wrist will cover earlier periods. Cravats and ties are easy to make from fabric pieces. But you need to avoid modern prints and designs!
Hats for men should be avoided where practical, or held instead of worn. Women’s simple plain felt hats (black and untrimmed) could suffice if held. Persuade your male actors in advance to grow their hair and sideburns long. (usually no problem with the younger ones). Wigs are expensive unless they can be borrowed, but a hair switch can work if pinned securely at the nape (but not in scenes that are too active).
Costume in period films needs research and care, but it need not incur great expense. Study the shot list with care. Close ups are very revealing if you use modern machine lace, buttons and trimmings. Long shots cause problems with shoes, especially on male actors. Plain shoes with false buckles can suffice. In fact it is the male costume that causes most headaches. Here simplicity is a must. Avoid greatcoats, suits, uniforms etc. Waistcoats are easily made. Plain fabric sleeves from old shirts tacked into the armholes will double as shirts. Gathered muslin sleeves, frilled at the wrist will cover earlier periods. Cravats and ties are easy to make from fabric pieces. But you need to avoid modern prints and designs!
Hats for men should be avoided where practical, or held instead of worn. Women’s simple plain felt hats (black and untrimmed) could suffice if held. Persuade your male actors in advance to grow their hair and sideburns long. (usually no problem with the younger ones). Wigs are expensive unless they can be borrowed, but a hair switch can work if pinned securely at the nape (but not in scenes that are too active).
The hat worn by this well-known film star was crafted from cereal packet
thin card covered with fabric and lace trim
Women’s dress is much easier to achieve -remnants and evening wear can
be utilised. Watch out for modern fabric designs and keep to plain
colours. Old velvet curtains are wonderful.
Use real lace to trim necklines. This is often found on old tablecloths, pillows and runners that Grandma has hidden away. Pieces can be tacked on or used as a scarf, fischu or cuffs. I have used the deep lace trim from an old tablecloth, all in one, complete with corners. This was loaned on the condition that it was not cut up. When tacked round the neckline and down to the waist of a dress it was very attractive. The rest of the full length was then hidden, draped down the inside of the skirt. Capes, short or long, can be worn for outdoor scenes, also shawls. Hats for women and girls are much easier as there are many large plain straw types available cheaply which can be trimmed with chiffon scarves, flowers, feathers etc. Hair can be augmented by a switch or curled piece, pinned high, or better still choose an actress with long hair. Mop caps are easy to make. Aprons made from old plain white
Use real lace to trim necklines. This is often found on old tablecloths, pillows and runners that Grandma has hidden away. Pieces can be tacked on or used as a scarf, fischu or cuffs. I have used the deep lace trim from an old tablecloth, all in one, complete with corners. This was loaned on the condition that it was not cut up. When tacked round the neckline and down to the waist of a dress it was very attractive. The rest of the full length was then hidden, draped down the inside of the skirt. Capes, short or long, can be worn for outdoor scenes, also shawls. Hats for women and girls are much easier as there are many large plain straw types available cheaply which can be trimmed with chiffon scarves, flowers, feathers etc. Hair can be augmented by a switch or curled piece, pinned high, or better still choose an actress with long hair. Mop caps are easy to make. Aprons made from old plain white
sheets are a boon because they hide a multitude of “fashion problems". And remember that jumble sales are a source of cheap raw materials. Making a period film can be great fun and can involve a lot of club members. We all like dressing up (well, some of us) and it gives a chance to turn out those old trunks in the attic. You never know what you will find.
A selection of costumes used in 'The Golden Medallion'
01 February 2012 To comment on this website email: