BE ITALIAN

NINE, this holiday season's soon to be blockbuster, boasts an all star cast that includes the likes of Nicole Kidman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Fergie, Sophia Loren, and Marion Cotillard. Directed by Rob Marshall.



Watch the theatrical trailer now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_5_lzags3I

Great Pattern Companies and Websites

My favorite costuming and pattern sites for historical and retro-patterns.

Ageless patterns – This site provides costume designers with an array of beautiful patterns specializing in the late Victorian era; however, ALL of these patterns are extremely difficult and come with little or no instructions. People attempting to make any of these garments should be well versed in an array of sewing techniques and should first make all appropriate undergarments for each dress in order to give the finished product the proper look. These outfits are reconstructions of actual Victorian clothes and will not fit or drape well unless supported by corsets, bustles, petticoats, etc.

http://agelesspatterns.com/

Folk Wear- This is a great pattern company for novice to intermediate sewers. It provides the seamstress with a wide selection of different looks for not only different eras but also for different ethnicities. There’s even an entire section dedicated to early European garb! These garments also mesh well with the styles of today’s fashion and can be altered to be either a historically appropriate costume or a valuable garment in your wardrobe; however, they were not meant to be placed over period undergarments. Be aware that while you may get a relatively accurate historical look, it won’t be dead on.

http://folkwear.com/

Truly Victorian- This pattern company specializes in the Victorian era and has an array of easy to make, historically accurate clothes. They also supply costume designers with patterns for corsets, draws, chemises, petticoats, bustles, and corset covers! Easy to follow directions and good results!

http://trulyvictorian.com/

Past Patterns – ONE OF MY FAVORITE SITES! This company has a huge selection of patterns from a variety of different eras and comes complete with easy to follow, step-by-step directions!

http://pastpatterns.com/

Simplicity and McCall patterns-BE CAREFUL! For the most part, these companies produce inexpensive, easy to make garments but they aren’t always historically appropriate and can sometimes end-up looking like a costume instead of an article of clothing. Remember, the goal of costume designing is to make your costumes look like actual articles of clothing, not like things purchased in a Halloween costume store.

New Images From Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

New images from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland can be found on the following link...

http://www.comingsoon.net/imageGallery/Alice_in_Wonderlandnet/imageGallery/Alice_in_Wonderland

Single and Serious?

Two films featuring big names, similar trailer formats, and told in the same time period tell two vastly different stories.

The Coen brothers new dark comedy, “A Serious Man”, tells the story of a frustrated middle aged husband and father who must find peace with both his family and himself whereas Julianne Moore’s new drama, “A Single Man”, tells the story of an English professor’s struggle to carry on with his day-to-day life after the sudden death of his partner.

While both films share similar characteristics, they promise to be vastly different from one another in not only content matter but also narrative style.

Below are links to both trailers.
Notice the distinct parallel between the two previews (they both use quick, rapid shots with very little or no dialogue edited to a pulsating music track).

A Single Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eafJ4jvf-sY

A Serious Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcUTv3LH3ss

I GOTS ME A JOB

So…today I finally decided to be productive.

Now, I know some of you must be cross with me due to my serious hiatus from the internet; however, I have a good excuse for it. In addition to my hectic school and work schedule I have recently landed a costuming job!

I will be the head costume designer for a short film based off of Frank Beddor’s beloved graphic novel series “Hatter M.” This project will take a good deal of my time and energy and I’m thoroughly looking forward to every second of it!

I don’t want to give away too much of what I plan to do but let me just say this: I’m thrilled at the prospect of meshing eras together. Beddor’s take on the enthralling world of Wonderland is unlike any other I’ve encountered. Various costumes from an array of different eras are going to be meshed together to give a new look to the world of Alice. Basically, picture a high court of Royalty gathered at a table dawning Tudor garb while the peasants of Wonderland roam the streets draped in Regency inspired gowns and so on and so forth.

I plan to have a few of my renderings viral within the next week or so… but we’ll see.

I’ve listed a few links concerning Beddor and his novels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqab6c6VHIk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9gcGQeHAwI

TOP FILMS OF THE 1950's

Okay, I really do promise to finish the costume blog but this is a list everyone should check out! Pretty proud to say that I've seen almost all of these films. ;-)

http://insidemovies.moviefone.com/2009/09/29/best-50s-movies?icid=mainmaindl2link3http%3A%2F%2Finsidemovies.moviefone.com%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fbest-50s-movies

The Blogging Universe

Hello there!

I’ve been doing some research into this very engrossing world of online blogging and have discovered a few interesting things both about myself as a blogger and just about the blogging community in general.

The first discovery I have made about myself while reading a blog is this: I’m informal. Yes, I know, as a “writer” I should probably put more effort into my literary exertions than I already do. Some of the blogs I read were very well written and reminiscent of a current event article one would find in The New York Times or even an excerpt from an upcoming novel, this just isn’t my style. Don’t get me wrong. I can write. Actually, in my own opinion, I can write pretty damn well; however, as a blogger I tend to be more informal. I want you to feel as though we’re talking to one another, not as though I’m reaching for a Pulitzer.

The second shocking little bit of information I unearthed while reading other blogs is complete news to me: there are very few blogs about costuming. This makes me sad. We shall work on this.

The third and final development in my quest to unmask the universe of Bloggers: there are hardly any “how to” blogs. So, I’ve decided to start vlogging on Youtube. Films, Fabric, and Feedback will now have a Youtube account featuring videos with me as the host. I’ll discuss costuming and film topics in addition to my web blog and will even show you how to sew a few things!

(I promise to complete my three part costuming blog sometime this week.)

All right people, we’ve got a lot of work to do! Let’s get crack ‘in!

SOMETHING FANTASTIC THIS WAY COMES!

Okay, so Halloween is just around the corner and it’s NEVER too earlier to start thinking of costume ideas! Now, nothing’s more impressive than a homemade Halloween costume and I’m here just to show you how to do it. This article is broken into three sections: Crap! I Waited Last Minute; Okay, I have Some Time and Duct Tape… Now What?; and, My Sewing Machine Has Been Ready For Weeks!

Crap! I waited Last Minute!

Oh, don’t worry! You can always find a few things lying around the house to make a decent costume. In fact, last minute costumes can sometimes be some of the most creative pieces.

STATIC CLING MAN/ WOMAN!
This costume falls under the Lame but Funny Super Heroes category. What you do is this:
1) Grab an old sweater and some old sweat pants that you won’t miss.
2) Then, you’ll need to find a few random clothing garments that have been neglected for quite some time: ties, socks, stockings, gloves, CLEAN underwear.
3) Sew the miscellaneous clothing garments to the old sweater and sweat pants in a distorted and messy fashion.
4) After all of the garments have been sewn onto the sweater and sweat pants, it will appear as though they are clinging to your outfit due to static electricity.
5) From there, you can parade around town saying that your super power is your ability to generate static electricity!
GREAT FOR LAST MINUTE KID COSTUMES!

CHARLIE BROWN
Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown? This is a very simple costume idea that can be done in one afternoon and can either stand alone as a single costume our can be incorporated into a group costume project!
1) You will first need to purchase a large pair of black shorts with an elastic band and an oversized yellow T-shirt.
2) Using black fabric paint that you can purchase at your local craft store, paint the classic Charlie Brown zigzag across the waistline of the Tee (you can use chalk or a pencil to outline the zigzag).
3) Complete the look with a pair of brown shoes. You can then get a few of your friends and purchase some other large tees to go as the Peanuts Crew!

A white Sweater and sweat pants with a Black spot on the back of the sweater acts as a good Snoopy costume, too! I’ve included a reference image of the Peanuts Gang below. http://estrip.org/elmwood/users/tinypliny/images/1208/PeanutsGang1207.png

MORNING MESS
Okay guys, now this is like a VERY last minute costume idea. Morning mess is a very simple costume to throw together and will surely get laughs from friends and family members, especially if you’re not a morning person.
1) Dress in pajama bottoms and an oversized t-shirt.
2) Using some gel, wet your hair and style it in a messy, chaotic manner.
3) Instead of sneakers, wear slippers.
4) For comical effect, carry around an empty coffee mug.'

MORE TO COME!

Wizarding Dance Numbers?

Image courtesy of Google Images
Okay, so after a very long day of mishaps, stressful situations, break-downs, and overall disappointments, my friend sent me the most up lifting thing I could possibly ever imagine: A Very Potter Musical. Now, many of you have probably seen this little video floating about various websites and circulating the Youtube Galaxy, but if you haven’t, you should definitely check it out. This ingenious production was written and produced by a group of enthusiastic Harry Potter fans at Michigan State and was apparently preformed before a group of fellow students and even some faculty members. The video, without a doubt, is nothing less than hysterical and entertaining; but, the most shocking thing about the production is that it’s actually good! There are a ton of Potter puns and quirky jokes that any H.P. enthusiast would enjoy and the singing is actually decent! This talented group of performers actually has a product worth watching! Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmwM_AKeMCk&feature=PlayList&p=C76BE906C9D83A3A&index=0&playnext=1

This video also got me thinking about remakes and sequels. While I do think we are a long ways a way from “Harry Potter Goes to The Grand Canyon: Part II” and “Adventures at Hogwarts: The Television Show”, you have to admit that there have been plenty of failed spoofs and spin offs of successful TV shows and movies. Are producers really just milking a successful venue for all of its worth or, is it something else? Have television and film producers run out of truly profound and fresh ideas? Look at some recent movies that have graced the box office with their presence this past summer: “Transformers 2”, “G.I. Joe”, “Harry Potter 6”, “Wolverine”, “The Hannah Montana Movie”, “Star Trek”… and the list just goes on and on! All of these films are either sequels to past successes or movies based off of an already flourishing venue. Have we lost any and all trace of originality and creativity in the film business? Tell me what you think! Leave your comments below!

Top Ten Costume Movies!

Now, for my second blog, I find it only appropriate to write about a costume/ sewing topic having already written about a film topic. This blog is called Film, FABRIC, and Feedback, after all.
Now, in this blog I will be listing my TOP TEN COSTUME MOVIES for all costume and movie lovers. I also thought it would be a good deal of fun to mention my favorite costume within each of these films. Below each film is a link to view the garment I’ve selected as the best costume from that specific film.
Let’s begin!
*These are in no specific order*
*All images are courtesy of Google Images*

1) Moulin Rouge
This film is absolutely, without any question, stunning in every respect. From cinematography, to acting, to costumes, and even to set design, Moulin Rouge rises to the occasion. This little film by Baz Lurhmann was nominated for eight Academy Awards back in 2001 (it won two – one for art direction, and another for costume design). This film has an array of fantastic costumes, even the back ground actors are strikingly dressed, and provides the viewer with constant eye candy. My pick for the best costume from this film would have to be the red dress. Even though it only appears on screen for a brief period of time, its potent beauty is moving enough to become one of the most iconic images from the film. Note: this costume, while beautiful, is NOT historically accurate.


http://www.fashionsoftheages.com/Images/moulinrouge/moulinred1.jpg

2) Marie Antoinette
This film starring Kirsten Dunst, also snagged a coveted Oscar for its costumes in 2006. It has a beautiful color palate and even more beautiful costumes. Now, it is vital to know that these costumes, while captivating, are not historically accurate. Back in the days of Louis the 16th, people tended to wear dark reds, blues, browns, and grays as opposed to the film’s bubble gum candy interpretation of the Georgian world. But, never the less, it’s pretty to look at. My pick for the best costume piece from this film – out all 60 of them!- would have to be Marie’s black masquerade ball gown! FANTASTIC!
Below is a link to a site where you can view all 60 of Kirsten’s costumes!


http://costumersguide.com/cr_ma.shtml

3) Vanity Fair
I usually don’t care too much for Regency era clothing, but there’s something to be said about Vanity Fair’s costumes. A lot of sewing techniques were employed to give a plain silhouette depth. If you notice the gowns, a great deal of tucking, rouching, beading, and gathering was done to each piece. Also, I urge you to take note of the men’s costumes in this film for they are just as magnificent as the women’s. My pick for the best costume piece for this film would have to be Reese Witherspoon’s black ball gown. Check out the hair!



http://thecia.com.au/reviews/v/images/vanity-fair-7.jpg

4) A Series of Unfortunate Events
This film is costumed by award winning costume designer Colleen Atwood , who received an Oscar nomination for her work on this film. The story takes place in an anachronistic world where all things –fashion included- seem to draw inspiration from all eras. The most impressive thing about the costumes in this film is the attention to detail. My pick for the best costume from A Series of Unfortunate Events would have to be Count Olaf’s frock coat and top hat. Check it out! The strips on his coat, vest, and pants are actually strips of fabric sewn onto black material!



http://l.yimg.com/eb/ymv/us/img/hv/photo/movie_pix/paramount_pictures/lemony_snicket_s_a_series_of_unfortunate_events/jim_carrey/lemony6.jpg
5) Interview with The Vampire
In my own opinion, Interview with The Vampire is one of the best Kirsten Dunst films ever made. Now, all of the costumes within this film are fantastic, even the men’s costumes are eye-catching. One great of the great things about this film is that it takes place over the course of two hundred years, allowing the audience to get to see fashion evolve from the Georgian era to modern day. One really great thing about Claudia’s clothing throughout the film is that it develops from children’s dresses to women’s clothing over the years, even though her body never changes. My pick for the best costume from this film is Claudia’s stunning blue gown. Very few publicity shots exist of her in this gown and it was rather difficult to track down a decent image of her in this dress. The dress seems to be made from a royal blue satin or silk and it has both an apron in the front of the dress and a gathered train in the back.
All of the costumes within this film are historically accurate except for the fact that Claudia, towards the end of the film, wears fashion that would have been intended for more mature women. This blue gown would NOT have been appropriate on a girl of her age in the 1800’s.


http://www.naergilien.info/interesting_costumes/cap011.jpg

6) The Duchess
For those of you that know me, it wouldn’t surprise you thoroughly to know that I have two Georgian era films on my list. I LOVE GEORGIAN! This lovely little piece stars Keira Knightly and won an Academy award last year for its costume designs. This color palate differs from that of Marie Antoinette in the sense that it is more historically accurate. Lots of grays, browns, reds, and blues were worn in both the film and during the Georgian era. My pick for the best costume from this piece would have to be Keira Knightly’s blue fox tails outfit! Check out the hat!


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/09/26/duchess_whig_fox.jpg

7) The Devil Wears Prada
In a world where high fashion reigns supreme, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway take center stage. The great thing about this film is that it has amazing costumes and takes place in modern day! Very seldom do we have movies that make our heads turn when watching “costumes” from the 21st century. This film is stock piled with tons of couture fashion that simply makes for beautiful cinema. My pick for the best costume in this film would have to be Andie’s black evening dress. With her hair done in an up do, she looks very reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Below, Andie can be seen on the far left.



http://images.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2006/06/30/prada/story.jpg

8) The Red Shoes
This is one of my all time favorite films. It’s from the 40’s and everything about it is fantastic. I know, I really should put more effort into my writing, but I can’t. Fantastic. That’s just the right word for the film. No other word would suffice. If you liked Moulin Rouge, you’d love this film. A lot of the costume pieces in this film look as though they’re not even from the 1940’s but are in fact inspired by late Victorian garments. My pick for the best costume from this film would have to be the ballet costume.
Look how similar Moira Shearer looks to Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge! Even down to the pale skin and the red hair!



http://www.bard.edu/institutes/fishercenter/press/pressphotos/images/TheRedShoes.jpg

9) Elizabeth (1&2)
In both films, the costumes rival the talents of the director and actors. It’s almost even difficult to notice the acting when the performers are wearing such intricate and ornate costumes! Now, the color palate does seem to shift from the first film to the second. The first film has a richer, dark palate compared to the bright and lush color palate of the second film. Also, the costumes in the second film are far more ornate than those in the first in terms of bead work, tucking, lace…details, basically. I’m going to have two picks for this selection because I’m basically doing two films. The first would be the golden gown from the first film, worn by Cate Blanchett. The Second would be Cate Blanchett’s orange gown from Elizabeth: The Golden Years.



http://reneeashleybaker.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/cate-blanchette-as-young-elizabeth.jpg



http://witneyman.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/golden19.jpg

10) My Fair Lady
I know that most of the films that made it onto my list are mostly from the past twenty years or so but there are SO MANY great films with magnificent costumes! Seriously, if you ever can find the time in your day, sit down and turn on TCM. Almost all of the films have great costumes to look at, even if they weren’t period films for the time! My Fair Lady has to be one of the best motion pictures to date. Audrey Hepburn dawns this “little” number in one of the most memorable scenes from the film. I love the hat!


http://billsmovieemporium.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/audrey-hepburn-my_l.jpg

Now, remember that THERE ARE TONS OF GREAT FILMS FOR COSTUMES! I’m really interested in hearing some of your favorites! Leave a comment below!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Trailer!

It goes without saying that the death of Heath Ledger is both tragic and premature. I'm sure we can all agree on the fact that this man was not only a talented performer but also a unique human being. Luckily, fans will get to see Ledger one last time before they truly must say goodbye to both the man and the legend. His new film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, is a venture into the ever changing genre of avant-garde/ fantasy films and promises to be a truly enjoyable movie experience. It tells the story of a man's bet with the devil and his mission to save his daughter from enslavement to the Dark Lord.
The project had originally shut down after Ledger's untimely end but was later put back into action when the talents of Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Collin Ferrel were brought onto the production to finish the piece. The protagonist must venture into different worlds, and when he does so, his appearance changes. Movie magic, people!
So, without further delay, I give you the trailer to...

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXv9Kgb59xM

(Most posts will be a little longer and more entertaining than this one. I'm in between classes right now and I'm a tad crunched for time! I just had to share this fantastic trailer with people! Info fromIMDB.com)

On the first day, David wrote a blurb...

Hello out there!
So here's the deal: I make movies and I sew things. Yeah, it’s that simple. While in high school, I was the extremely gooberish nerd who spent his lunch time in the library watching movie trailers and looking up sewing patterns rather than dinning with his friends. Im not anti-social, I just love fabrics and films! Now that I have vacated the small pond of high school and moved onto the big and exciting sea of college, I find that I have the time to pursue the things I truly love. Actually, I work full time and go to school full time, but we’re going to ignore that minor detail and just move on. The main goal of this blog is to share my love of movies and costuming with the world. Each article will either be a movie review OR a sewing tutorial and pattern review! Subscribe and enjoy! This blog is going to be a smart and witty blog about two really great things! I know you guys are going to love it!