Costume design: SIX the Musical - Catherine of Aragon | V&A

SIX the Musical is a pop-Tudor mashup, fusing historical and contemporary references to tell the story of the six wives of Henry VIII. Costume designer Gabriella Slade and costume supervisor Justin Allin take us behind the scenes, revealing the secrets of Catherine of Aragon’s striking glitzy gold costume, inspired by historical portraiture, architecture and stained glass - but with a nod to pop superstar Beyoncé.
First presented by Cambridge University students at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, SIX the Musical has since gone on to huge professional success in London's West End, on Broadway and internationally. It has also been celebrated for its relative historical accuracy, with songs such as 'No Way' sampling components from the real-life Queen Catherine of Aragon's 'Blackfriars speech', in which she pleaded for clemency from King Henry VIII.
00:00 What is SIX the Musical?
01:10 How to design for the stage
01:37 Creating a costume for Catherine of Aragon
02:14 Inspiration from Tudor objects
05:38 The design process and features of the costume
10:10 Installing the costume in the Re:Imagining Musicals display
The costume is now in the V&A’s collection of Theatre and Performance and can be seen as part of the Re:Imagining Musicals display until November 2023.
Discover more about the Re:Imagining Musicals display: www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/rei...
More about SIX the Musical: www.sixthemusical.com/
Take a look at our costume collection: www.vam.ac.uk/collections/cos...

[@gizweezer3044]

I’d love to hear the creative story behind the other five costumes

[@Terri_MacKay]

This was fascinating, learning about all the different elements that were brought together to come up with this particular costume. I'd really love to know what elements were combined for the other costumes as well.

[@annbrookens945]

Yes, I was so hoping that this would be part 1 of 6 videos!

[@cryptidsquid]

pretty sure Jane's is based off a traditional wedding dress and Catherine Parr has pants because she always wanted to wear the pants in the relationship

[@isawhat8712]

Does anyone know which pop stars influenced the other 5 queens?

[@cryptidsquid]

@@isawhat8712 Oh yeah i do, i have the program from the show uhh what queens do u wanna know or is it all 5 ur interested in???

[@Lauren.E.O]

Catherine’s costume is phenomenal. If the show gets nominated for another award, I hope the actress shows up to the event in a full floor-length version, because I bet it’d be incredible.

[@livelaughlovelake]

omg. i’d love that

[@genevievehoskins6829]

I love how Aragon's look was inspired a bit by armor since she did lead a battle on horseback WHILE PREGNANT.

[@ACCastell-737]

Something i remembered when they were looking at the portrait of Anne of Cleves is that she was legitimately friends with him after they divorced. She was described as his 'sister' and there was a novel written about this. obviously horrible guy and she got possibly the best ending, but that was just a silly thing that stuck out to me when Cleves was mentioned.

[@Sadimal]

She was also given precedence above all women save his present wife, Mary and Elizabeth. All because she agreed to the annulment and left peacefully. She also outlived Catherine Parr and was present at Mary's coronation.

[@khills]

Not at all silly - Anne of Cleves is fascinating because she not only survived Henry, she thrived! And she is remembered as a kind and generous mistress who treated (and paid!) her servants well. She’s rarely been tarnished in history, even tho it would have been easy to do so, and she’s always given a sympathetic read when people discuss her first meeting with Henry. It’s all around a fascinating story, in part because everything involving her was so abnormal to the script of the time.

[@cerisemin]

Don’t know if you watched the show but her character does poke fun at this, since it is a suffering competition. Her song is entirely about how she had the best ending. Tragic, some old man rejected her and she had to go live in her own castle in Richmond with no one to boss her around 😢

[@khills]

@@cerisemin I haven't seen the musical yet, but she does have my favorite song. I swear it's not because of my German heritage... it's just a boss song. "I'm not fake 'cause I've got acres and acres, Paid for with my own riches, Where my hounds at? Release the b!tches (Woof)"

[@tylerscrivner7784]

I love Six, and Catherine of Aragon's outfit is my favorite costume in the show. I'm so happy this video takes a close look at this costume's process. It's fascinating to see how the show's gradually increased budget has evolved the materials in the costume from the production's early days.

[@phillipstroll7385]

I never heard of it. I'm curious, how do they link Catherine of Aragon to Beyonce? And why are black women playing white women. Isn't this just reverse blackface. As a black man I find this extremely in poor taste.

[@magaretschaal8531]

Yes I would be interested in some evolution photos of what the queens wore in the original Edinburgh fringe show and onwards. Kudos to all the costumers involved.

[@prismaticmarcus]

@@phillipstroll7385 each of the six wives has a modern pop 'queenspiration' (their word). it was part of the creative process. and colour-blind casting is something the production has heavily leaned into. why is it bad taste to improve employment opportunities for non-white performers?

[@phillipstroll7385]

@@prismaticmarcus it isn't. It is in bad taste to portray white people as black just as wrong as it would be to portray Dr Martin Luther King Jr as white. There is nothing creative about it. Creative would be to create original entertainment. Not portraying real people as something they weren't. Also, my comment was to say more about the degradation of modern comprehension and less to do with ethnicity. Which again, proves my point.

[@prismaticmarcus]

@@phillipstroll7385 no-one in the show talks about their skin colour at all. it isn't the least bit relevant to the story. unlike MLK

[@m.e.a.9340]

Catherine of Aragon has my favorite costume in Six, I love how clearly all the different references read, from the 16th century fashion elements to the Beyoncé inspo. It also feels very fitting that her costume is the most reminiscent of the Tudor fashion, with that square neckline and split skirt

[@andreap9319]

PLEASE DO THE OTHER 5 COSTUMES, THEY ARE ALL AMAZING!

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

Brilliant. I would love an entire documentary series on each of the Costumes for each Character. Costumer Designer Gabriella Slade (and Costumer Supervisor, Justin Allin) are really gifted! Seeing 'Six' in London in December and cannot wait!

[@HeidiSholl]

Ah, so, historians now believe that the "she doesn't look like her portrait" story was incorrect, and the real reason Henry didn't like her is because she rejected him when he essentially broke into her room and tried to seduce her before they had even met. She either did know who he was and wasn't impressed, or didn't know and quite rightfully pushed him away. It's likely that her portrait was actually very very accurate to how she looked, as it was painted by Hans Holbein. Holbein was famous for capturing people perfectly, and not really trying to flatter his subjects in any way. The only thing I can think that might have made her portrait a bit deceptive is the angle. Holbein painted her head on, probably a very flattering angle, when he usually painted people from the side. But regardless, if it's a portrait by Holbein, then that's probably exactly what she looked like. Edit, I realise I never said Anne of Cleves, but that's who I'm on about

[@moonwalkerangel7008]

Anna rejecting Henry could have also been due to the language barrier. Anna primarily spoke German so she could not have understood Henry.

[@HeidiSholl]

@@moonwalkerangel7008 Yeah, a very good point!!

[@msk-qp6fn]

​@@moonwalkerangel7008 cultural barrier too i think since apparently in england there was this myth about recognizing your true love when they're dressed like a pauper back in the day

[@jamesinhamptonroads]

Maybe she should have tried a " me too" law suit on him.

[@HeidiSholl]

@James Martin I'm not sure if you're saying that genuinely, or if you're trying to be clever, but I've worked in film, and Me Too was an incredibly necessary movement.

[@whatkindofnameisella682]

i had the privilege of seeing six on the west end this summer, and it was so wonderful as both a historical fashion lover and a musical lover. i think the way the costume designer adapted the historical silhouettes and details into modern pop costumes is so ingenious. bravo!!

[@AmyJayne1]

YES this was such a good video!! I'd love to see more costume design videos from this channel, having been to the V&A I've seen some of the gorgeous costumes you have!

[@vamuseum]

Make sure you're subscribed - we've got just the thing coming...

[@AmyJayne1]

@@vamuseum eeee I can't wait!!!!

[@carriew5106]

I often wonder how many people in the audience really appreciate the costumes. I recently went to see &Juliet and my mum contacted me after to say she had been looking it up online and then launched into a detailed discussion on the costumes. I love looking for the thoughtful elements that appear in good costume design, rather than judge on the face value. A costume is one of the most important parts in helping performers get into character.

[@avidepano5937]

Amen! I love how rife with detail, craftmanship, and symbolism these costumes are. Well-deserved Tony win.

[@kbm875]

We need a SIX Costume Series!!!

[@Juulx1]

The costumes of SIX may be one of my favorite costumes of any musical ever. They're just absolutely beautiful with so much detail

[@goomee]

I wish this was made into a series so we could look into the other costumes as well.

[@christagordon4774]

I'd love to see a breakdown and close up of all the queens costumes they are so fab!

[@laurenconrad1799]

I love the way she says “pop Tudor fusion.” Like, oh yeah, I get requests to do pop Tudor fusion all the time. 😂 Damn, I love Six. 💜👑

[@maudline]

So fun to see the references and how they were worked in contemporary materials. Looking forward to seeing the costume next time I visit

[@LanaMarie]

The timing of this! I'm looking to make a cosplay of one of these amazing costumes, can't wait for the other 5 videos, they'll make excellent references. The details are exquisite!

[@Kdmud]

This is just magnificent! It was so fascinating to see the items of influence and hear the designer’s process. Thank you both for a wonderful behind the scenes video! Congrats on the K of A costume placement at the V&A!

[@cammysan]

I seriously hope you filmed one for each Queen, we're a devoted fan base and will come back to watch the videos several times.

[@nikkidscraftyutube]

Love this! Hope you do the same for the rest of the queens. This is one of my fav musicals.

[@jacquip5823]

I know this was posted a while ago, but please do the other 5 costumes!

[@annbrookens945]

Lovely video! I'm SO interested in costume design and construction, and hearing a designer talk about the nitty-gritty of their work is just the best!

[@vamuseum]

Make sure you're subscribed - we've got something else up our sleeve that you'll like!

[@sleepyghostproductions7529]

This is so cool! The costumes have always been one of my favorite parts of the show. They stand out so much since the show doesn't have the usual "set".

[@confessionofabookdragon]

This is so cool! I love the musical and I’m such a history nerd. And love learning about the Tudor era

[@affiakeys2739]

This costume is designed and made beautifully. One of my favourites!

[@avaa6097]

six has some of my favorite costumes out of any musical! i just love them!

[@tananario]

Having one of your designs in the V&A must be AWESOME!

[@charlessoutherton8946]

bravo, this is one of the best musicals I have seen, both in performance and costume design, the actresses and band do a fantastic job at their work. can't wait to see the show again in Birmingham on Feb 28th 2023

[@MossyMozart]

I really love discussions about the creative process itself, not just about the end product.

[@kirbybie]

What an amazing designer!! I’m so glad she shared some of the thought behind her work!!

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

They did phenomenally well to have all those weighty embellishments created with a fabric that moved with the dancers and still retained its shape night after night. Loved trying to spot where on the costumes the mike holders where as it’s so seamless when the girls are on stage. It would be great to have a quick overview of the other costumes. My daughter tells me Jane Seymour’s was inspired by Tudor buildings which seems right.

[@saphiabaron1256]

I saw this musical with my friends and it was really fun. I absolutely loved the outfits but I couldn't really see them in any great detail as I was sitting quite far back and my eyesight is a bit pants. So it is wonderful seeing one of them up close

[@littlelotus4572]

Lowkey I didn’t quite see the historical references in the costumes till now and now I’m kinda seeing all the fun lil Easter eggs

[@dalhousiekid]

UNBELIEVABLY gorgeous and intricate designs and craftsmanship! Gobsmacked!!

[@PLuMUK54]

Fascinating. I do feel that there was one thing missing, an interview with the singer to tell us what it was like to wear. What has happened to the other costumes?

[@cymbelinesgf]

heavy seems to be the typical answer from most of the casts! also depends on the role - Aragon and Cleves are probably the hardest to perform in but Howard provides more mobility in comparison

[@callalily3994]

@@cymbelinesgf The performers playing Aragon will rehearse in weighted vests to get used to the feeling of having to do all that singing and dancing while wearing the costume. They've said it weighs about ten pounds.

[@tananario]

People are wearing them. The show is still on.

[@oldasyouromens]

​@@cymbelinesgf KHoward NEEDS more mobility - Aimee Atkinson had the most intense solo of the lot, and you can't dance like that and then collapse and break down crying in a 10lb suit. It's just not happening. As she's a younger character it also makes sense that her costume is lighter. I love the costumes but I really wish they weren't as heavy for everyone.

[@cymbelinesgf]

@@oldasyouromens I know, it wasn't meant to come off negatively towards Howard. Just rehashing what the various casts have said - same for Parr too with the leggings. Although, albeit I don't think it was fully intentional - the design (shape/build wise) was based off of that one look by Ariana Grande so I think it's partially good fortune that the actresses playing Howard have more mobility.

[@hotungwan5789]

I wish if they continue to other wives costumes,also talk about each unique head pieces as well

[@tananario]

Folks seem confused. If you watch, you will see this is about one (1) costume that is now a permanent part of a museum collection. This video is FROM THE MUSEUM. So, no. This is not part of a series. And, no - there will not be more of these unless the museum decides to buy more.

[@ilurvsharrypotter]

what an incredible video, I love this!!

[@sebeckley]

She says "Pop-Tudor fusion" like it's a thing. 😆

[@vamuseum]

If Gabi says it's a thing - it's a thing 💁‍♀

[@BlazeDupree1525]

It's a thing now

[@furlizard]

Loved the costumes for this show, the green one is what first got me watching the show. Lovely to see the creator!

[@briannakadlecik1903]

This is a cool video. I like getting to see close ups of the costumes. They are so beautiful!

[@Sharkiesteph]

Please, I need the other five! This is wonderful

[@jeniallenby8389]

this was wonderful to watch, thank you.

[@viviancovington7813]

Absolutely brilliant design and execution! Well done.

[@PatriciaOliveiraB]

I really love catherine costume, the crown is amazing. Waiting for the others!

[@naurlind]

Im so happy, ive been wanting to make Catherines costume and this has so much of the detail showing

[@MrMusical66]

Stunning!

[@andreap9319]

AMAZING VIDEO!

[@dianafrances6880]

Visiting in June of next year. LOVED the history of masculinity in fashion exhibit. Very excited for this one too!

[@imthebossmermaid3648]

I love Catherine of Aragon so much! Truly a regal and confident and bold queen, with so much dignity and grace. She deserved way better than that old frog Henry, they all did. And her outfit truly reflects that. What a queen.

[@isadilawtatlo]

oh my god! costumes for SIX in the victoria&albert museum youtube channel?? i am slayed

[@bertaortiz2544]

I am fascinated with Justin's rings.

[@vamuseum]

Honestly, we're obsessed

[@JsgHair71]

They're stunning.

[@Familylawgroup]

Will these costumes be donated to VA, as they are retired? A donation of the costumes, combined with the multiple video interviews of the design process, often referencing the VandA, would be a fabulous “full circle” moment on exhibit…the initial History of the six wives, the various shapes and designs inspiring the modern costume of historic figures and the hours of research making the costumes feel right for the time and mood in the 21st century.

[@MrBrownnn696]

LOVE IT

[@marsbeads]

Amazing 🤩

[@MsSherryjh]

It IS amazing!

[@biascd]

Very good video, young Edna Mode!

[@miasymonds5523]

Hopefully we get to see this sort of costume study on the other 5 costumes and how they fit together!

[@leemackie8434]

Brilliant 👏👏👏💗🇦🇺 thank you so much

[@veb_edvard]

In costume design you work with the actors but they don't always have a say. Its the art director of the show that constructs the parameters for each aspect of artistry....

[@CatchThesePaws]

Holy cow, I’m going to school for production costume design and this is so inspiring! Bonkers

[@vamuseum]

Go for it!

[@susprime7018]

Looks like a good show.

[@promisso]

Fascinating, really interesting

[@almatirkey7748]

The Band’s name is so English. Love it.👑🇬🇧

[@IcelandVideoGallery]

This was nice

[@nancytestani1470]

Amazing..

[@peacockcrowe2718]

I hope they do the other wives!!

[@catarinabarbosa2247]

excelent video!

[@nittygritty7034]

So gorgeous

[@ky4438]

EDNA MODE? IS THAT YOU? I knew no ordinary human could have come up with those costumes

[@litbitkit]

Watching this the day after getting the new Simplicity SIX inspired patterns *v*

[@emmanueljimenez1211]

Imagine all heavy all. That gold studs would be

[@spra5801]

At 0.53 where is this video? Like can I watch it anywhere? And did they make them for the other queens?

[@ghostifypremium]

I want to do this for a living so so bad 😭❤

[@jimhooper4252]

Go for it !!!!!!! Skye go for it

[@ghostifypremium]

@@jimhooper4252 I’m just not sure where to start tbh. I’ve considered going to college but A) I have no clue what schools even do costume design and B) I doubt I could afford it 😞

[@RebeccaHails]

@@ghostifypremium my friend went to the London school of fashion and now works for London studios. She has been involved with TV and even some of the Marvel movies. I would look at fashion schools or the big design universities/colleges wherever you live. Would be a great start to do textiles and designing clothing, making sample pieces and put a portfolio together to show what you can make and to show your designs.

[@brandonplays702]

So what this is telling me is they have a pro shot that they are sitting on. Hopefully it’s similar to Hamilton and they release it one day

[@rosegal1]

8:30 I'm trying to find that large mesh that the rows of studs comes on. Is that something a regular person can but for personal projects?

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

British Vogue 2022!

[@peaceout7461]

When she mentioned that the costumes are based off current singers it clicked in my head which celebrities are linked to each queen

[@broken_queer_but_fighting8589]

Where are the other costumes and can we hear the stories about them and see them in full details?

[@lenkiia7254]

Where can I see a video of this performance?

[@sparky22700]

If you look at the neckline, this is a different dress to the one we saw on stage in this video.

[@aam93]

Is there a video per wife (all 6)?

[@joshuanianko5388]

💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

[@theyluvtwoset.13]

Do Anne Boleyn next

[@Sagayashi]

This woman is litterly edna mode from the incredibles she even makes costumes

[@iknowright140]

The curved stud hair clips/slides - does anyone know where I can find them?

[@GracieWilson-bn6nn]

Who else is here for homeowork 👇

[@alexismatt987]

Why does it remind me of the costumes Baby Metal wears on stage ?

[@vamuseum]

Icons

[@soph996]

I'm genuinely fascinated by the fact that the Victoria and Albert Museum, located in London, discussing an English musical about English royalty, that originated in the UK, primarily used footage of the Broadway cast and not the West End cast What a choice

[@AshleyG24601fan]

Probably because the costume they're focusing on is the Broadway version. Most people like that costume version the best so it makes sense.

[@danielbergonzi7319]

It's all about the wide skirts, what were the trend with Hispanic women at the time.

[@anyawillowfan]

I'm a little confused as you consistently show the American original cast and their costumes, but I always assumed the costumes were following on from the 2018. Did this designer do the research in 2018 and is simply showing it using the most recent outfit (as obviously it will be slightly different per actor).

[@Barricadechild]

Very late lol but Gabriella did the designs for the very first London production and has since reworked the costumes multiple times. The V&A bought the updated Aragon costumes so Gabriella shows off that very same. The current London Cast adapted the updated American costumes

[@v.britton4445]

I thought it was Samurai at first

[@rosievolts4967]

Who are the other pop artist inspirations for the queens? I would guess Celine Dion for Jane Seymour and Ariana Grande for Katherine Howard....anyone know the others?

[@GemmaMason]

Anne Boleyn reminds me of Lily Allen.

[@starrylane5071]

As I understand it it's Beyonce for Aragorn Lily Allen for Boleyn Adele for Seymour Nicki minaj for Cleves Ariana grande for Howard And Alicia keys for Parr

[@rosievolts4967]

@@starrylane5071 oh that makes a lot of sense, thanks!

[@mariapaz6379]

Looks like something lil nas x would wear

[@vamuseum]

I can totally see that

[@mentalhealthdeteriorating5718]

I know it Beyoncé was in there somewhere 🤣

[@valentinadevogueofficialx]

They could have added a lil skull with some flowers at the back bc she was Spanish . Other than that phenomenal!!!!

[@TenTenJ]

That’s a Mexican reference not Spanish.

[@valentinadevogueofficialx]

@@TenTenJ it is also celebrated in some parts of Spain

[@TenTenJ]

@@valentinadevogueofficialx are you referring to All Saints Day? What does that have to do with this costume? And the story of Henry VIII? Furthermore, the calavera is a Spanish word but it comes from indigenous central and South American cultures like Aztec, Mayan, etc. The word is Spanish because the people of the area were ruled by the Spaniards in later history. But the Catholic Church in Spain did not refer to skulls and it’s population did not depict skulls around All Saints Day. Do you have an example?

[@jake_form_state_farm16]

doing home work sb what routes she take 😂

[@annwilliams6438]

Ha ha. Henry is rolling in his grave! Good