Who is to blame for *BAD* costume design? It's complicated! (I used to do costume for film)

Did you know I used to work in the costume department for film and tv productions?
Let met talk you through some of the limitations costume designers have to work with, from budgets to stubborn actors and wetsuits.

[@Karen-ik6uv]

The 2005 film adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice' has a director's commentary with some remarks about historical accuracy. The white dresses, hand-dyed ribbons, and the director's apparently personal preference not to have the main character wear a bonnet except in church, are three of the comments the director, Joe Wright, touches on in the director's commentary.

[@funnykine808]

Aloha, Helene! Found you with your interview with Kristie Glass! Can’t wait for your book! 🌺

[@anska7475]

„Dear actor, please bring three of your favourite jeans in identical condition. One might end up becoming blood-stained.“ I can't imagine actors love to hear this. Thank you for the video, it was very interesting and touched upon a lot of things I hadn‘t previously thought about. The actress who wanted to wear her designer jacket sounds like a headache for the insurance department of the production.

[@jessk7240]

This was SO interesting! Working in costume in film/TV always sounds to me like a dream job but you did a great job of explaining some of the downsides and challenges! 😯

[@fabelknitwear2773]

So glad you liked it! I tried to keep a positive note in general but let me tell you, it's about as glamorous as working in a kindergarden (no shade to kindergardens!) only the kids are adult actors (which make it worse), and your average day is 13 hours, haha.

[@jessk7240]

@@fabelknitwear2773 I can TOTALLY see why you changed jobs!!! 😱😂

[@estherhayes790]

I love this video 💖 I follow you because of your knitting designs (which I love) but as a some has worked as a costume designer/supervisor/maker/standby as well as working in a costume house for 15 years I feel so seen 😅 you explain the different collaborations between departments so well. I’ve worked in commercial, film, TV but most theatre and there are so many pieces to the puzzle! I remember being in a foyer of a show I designed overhearing an audience member say “I can’t believe the costume designer put her in THOSE shoes she couldn’t even walk!” And I was like of my god if you knew the drama of those stupid shoes 😅 the actress refused to wear any of the many shoes we selected and in the end insisted on wearing her own- I guess she didn’t know that she apparently looks like she can’t walk in her own heels 🤪

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Yaay costumiers unite! Haha og noooo I can only imagine the nightmare that would have been - some actors are just big toddlers throwing tantrums I swear!

[@Nefertiti800]

Such an interesting video, Helene!

[@Anna99378]

Thank you for such an interesting and informative video!

[@hmughal]

A fascinating video 😃

[@julianesrensen3129]

Thank for another interesting video! A little off-topic, but I’ve been wondering. You’ve mentioned a few times throughout your videos that you are rather tall. Could you recommend any (preferably Europe-based) places that sell clothing that fits us taller people? I particularly have difficulties finding high-waited pants/jeans and blouses that fit longer limbs. I mean, Long Tall Sally and such are great, but it’s often very basic items.

[@johnyzero2000]

Back lacing on 18th century dresses, crappy polyester fabric, ugly trim, and head necklaces.

[@jessicacroteau5600]

I didn't know you were a costumier!! I'm currently in school for fashion design. Do you have any suggestions about how to get into the industry? Would I need to develop a portfolio for costume design to get an entry-level job?

[@fabelknitwear2773]

It's hard to say, depends where you are I guess! I was just really out there, emailed all the designers asking if they needed help with anything. This was in London and I did alot of free work for the first 6 months but it led to paid work. Internships are very much a thing in the UK at least, so even when I started getting paid it was rubbish the first year. Tip - start doing the free work while still in UNI so that you have enough experience to get paid when you start working 😊

[@jessicacroteau5600]

@@fabelknitwear2773 Thank you! I'm in Boston. This summer it's been difficult finding an internship because things are just opening up again, but I'll try reaching out to people directly!