Austenland

Austenland is a romantic comedy based on the book written by Shannon Hale. The main character is in love with Mr. Darcy and takes a trip to a resort called Austenland, where she can live her fantasy as if she were in a Jane Austen themed story. The costume designer for this movie is Annie Hardinge.

The woman on the left in the picture above, and on the right in the picture below, is Miss Elizabeth Charming. She is a really funny character who obviously loves pink. In the picture below, you can see how great the contrast is between our world and the world of 18th century British, and the character's takes on it, are. Miss Elizabeth's costume went well with her personality, with lots of embroidery and luxurious fabrics. She wears extravagant hats like the one below.

The main character, Jane, was played by Keri Russell who was pregnant while they were filming. She had a special corset that expanded on the sides, so it could keep getting bigger as time went on. All the women wore corsets proper to the period.

In contrast to Lizzie, Jane's outfits were more authentic to the time period. The colors were more neutral, with less detailing. There is a turning point in the movie where Jane's attitude changes, and so does her outfit. Her dress is embroidered with gold and silver bead-work.

Towards the end, Jane wears a sleeveless dress, which was also worn in Sense and Sensibility (2008). While Jane, by then has become more daring, Miss Wattlesbrook would probably not have allowed her to wear a sleeveless.
Miss Wattlesbrook, owner of the resort, has very strict rules about things that aren't of the period.

Martin, on the left, is a servant. He wears scruffy, drab clothes, while Mr. Henry Nobley, on the right, wears all the high-end fashion. He has his coat, vest, and necktie. Martin also has his little necktie, and when he's not wearing a vest, he wears suspenders.

In the picture below, Henry still looks dashing with a suit coat. Jane is pictured in a flowery blouse. In contrast, at the beginning of the movie, she is wearing a cardigan. It's a small change, but it gives her a different feel. It shows you that she has changed, and it makes her seem more free. Overall, this movie was really funny and the costumes went really well with the character's personalities.

Costume Critique: Far From the Madding Crowd

This movie makes my heart swoon. 

Not only is the story line completely captivating, but i don't think I've ever felt so moved or inspired by wardrobe. I have always loved period style clothing, but Janet Patterson really outdid herself on this film. The story follows a woman named Bathsheba Everdeen, and though the story in set in the 1800's, she is not defined by the customs and social norms of her day. She is an extremely independent and strong character, and I feel like those attributes are really embodied in her clothing. The silhoutte of each piece definitely has a more modern feel, and I was surprised, yet very much appreciated the vibrant hues in many of her dresses. 

I loved that Bathsheba's wardrobe allowed for a wide array of activity. She was classy and elegant when needed, but also wore clothing that allowed her work alongside her farmhands.

The only piece that I found unlikely (but very much loved) was her leather riding outfit. It was beautifully constructed, I loved the color and fit, I thought that it complimented the strength of her character, and I'm sure women did ride horses at that time, but it was a tad inappropriate for the overall design of the film.

I really enjoyed following the phases of her wardrobe. In the beginning it is obvious that she is impoverished. With nothing but an education, her clothes help to portray that she works hard for very little pay. However after inheriting her Uncle's fortune and estate, her clothing becomes very professional and you can see her maintaining an appearance that helps her to be taken serious as a woman in a business man's world. And towards the end, her clothing is much softer. She has fallen in love and the simplicity of her clothing parallels the shift in her identity. 

I think my newly discovered favorite costume from this film is her vibrant and powerful red tailored suit. The lines of it are beautiful and I love the detailed blue trim. Everything about this suit is eyecatching and inspiring! I love the collar, the empire waisted belt, and the pleated hem of her skirt.