Costume Critique: RWBY

The show I chose this time was RWBY (pronounced like Ruby) and they didn't mention any specific person as the designer but they do have a Lead art Director: Kristina Nyguen and concept artists: Kristina Nyguen and Patrick Rodriguez
2. This TV show is created in Texas by a group called RoosterTeeth. The theme of this show is very much a twist on fairytales because of some of the characters designs based on  those well-known stories (I also speculate mythology )

(Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Belle, (guess) Rapunzel)
The show is a bit more in the modern age because they do have guns, machines, robots, hover crafts, and cyborgs, but the characters fight dark creatures called Grimm (Grimm Brothers fairy tales ;D). The show is a mix of fantasy, magic, and mecha. But it makes me wonder why Red and White wear dresses to fight monsters....

"It's not a dress. It's a combat skirt"
"Yeah"

It's set in the modern, or even advanced age, but has dark monsters and very non-realistic clothing. Now that I think about it, it's kind of confusing with the blend of fantasy and sci-fi.

5. It's really hard to say which one I like best. This is a show where there is a large diversity of characters, personalities, possibilities, and inspirations

Even if the character just shows up once for a minute, you just look at them and go "I want to wear that!". If i HAD to choose one, I would choose Coco's outfit (middle picture. girl with big gun). Looking at the other designs, each has a very fantasy-like characteristic to them: bright colors, intricate details of straps, belts, or hems, boots that go halfway up the thigh. But Coco's outfit has a very realistic feel to it. You can see someone walking in the mall in that (minus the gun) and think that they are a very fashion forward person (which Coco is)

7. The designers did the color coordination very much on purpose for the 4 main heroines. I don't know which came first, the chicken(title) or the egg(characters), but RWBY= Red, White, Black, Yellow. Each character has that specific color scheme to fit into the title. Their actual names are also acronyms of the title . Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang. It might seem cheesey to think about, but they were able to work it with each character.

Costume Critique: Black Butler

The musical i chose was Black Butler the musical 2: The Most Beautiful Death in the World.

(this actually may be the ad for the first one???)

Black Butler is originally a comic book in Japan and was animated into a TV show and then transofrmed  into 2 musicals (with a third on the way?!?!). I love the show and the intricate artwork and style of the artist. Costume designer is unknown due to lack of information online, but he/she caught the essence of Black Butler
2) The time era for the whole Black Butler franchise is set in the Victorian Era in England. But, the artwork and costumes for the play are a bit more extreme

normal

Black Butler book artwork

That is because Black Butler is a very much gothic and dark themed show. so plain, regular clothes would disappoint the fans of the books and show (including myself). Some of the other outfits might be questionable related to the era of the plot, some do have a more cartoony feel to them (maid in bacground with those huge buttons), but the musical stayed true to the books and show lest they had an angry mob after them. It's similar to those of us who grew up watching Marry Poppins and in the musical they took her infamous red/blue coat away and made it green or took her umbrella away. we would feel something is off or just downright upset about it!

Of course they dummed it down for a bit for the play, but at the very end when the cast was taking a bow, Ciel (the little boy) did wear a very similar outfit to the cover art above. A shame he didn't wear it earlier and more often. I'm very much a fan of frills, lace, and victorian fashion.
4) Throughout the musical, all the extras only wore black and white (even the same ones through the entire show). I never realized it till looking at the question, but this is very symbolic of how Earl Ciel Phantomhive views other people

Other people are merely his chess pieces (in his view) (and ths the chess board floor) to gaining his goals. They use the chess reference in the book and show as well, but the background/extra characters are themed as so. I thought it was a very nice touch to the musical to visually represent this game of chess and everyone as his pawns
5) My favorite costume was Ciel's undercover outfit (the pink one)

As I said, frills and bows and big dress I adore and it matches PERFECTLY the one in the tv show. the shape, the bunched up skirt, the big flower hat, if i had a ball to go to i would make that dress and wear it. Not to mention the flow of the dress! the way it twirls and moves! *fangirling in a corner* I think it is also more in line with the Victorian style while still maintaining the slight dark tone to it because of the small bits of black here and there.
What's even more funny is that all the people in that shot are male. so you have two men in dresses and not to mention  other male characters also dress up to disguise themselves.
 if you wish to see the dress scene here it is (no subtitles)

Safe Haven Costume Critique

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So I kinda might've used this assignment as an excuse to watch a good chic flick, but why not? It was actually my first time seeing it all the way through, and I thought it was absolutely fantastic!

Anyway, on to the costumes.

First, let's start with the bad guy Kevin.

Yup, this not-so-charming rascal... Throughout the movie he wears black and gray and dark things. Overall, this really washes him out, as you can see. It helps to convey that there is something off about him, which isn't outright explained for a while, but the viewer is able to get a sense of this, and I believe that the costuming helps to contribute to his "offness". Even when we still know him as just a cop, he wears a gray shirt with his suit, adding to the dark motif, and something is always undone--his shirt is untucked, or his tie is missing, just SOMETHING.

And now my favorite character, Jo. Right off the bat something about her intrigued me. She talked about loving where she was, but I still got this sense that she wanted to get away, or that she really did not belong. One of the first things I noticed was that she wore a necklace, the only character in the whole movie to have a piece of jewelry, and she ALWAYS wore it. Another was that she dressed just slightly fancier than the other people of the town, despite professing to love having a simple lifestyle. Just all these little things that said she didn't belong, I was able to find reflected in her clothing. Turns out I was right and she didn't belong! But that's all I will say because I don't want to spoil anything.

Alex dresses comfortably and casually, usually jeans and a t shirt with rolled sleeves or a short sleeve t shirt. Lots of soft, light colors that reflect his easy-going nature.

Katie, the protagonist, goes through a costume change in the story. In flashbacks we see her in a tight knee length dress, and long dark hair. However, as you can see in the movie picture I posted above, she has short blonde hair. Clearly, it shows how she wants to cut off her old life, just as she did her hair, and feel light and clean. Also her style is much different. Instead of a tight, long, business-like dress, she wears loose shorts and comfortable shirts. Overall much more casual. This is reflective of her new, simple lifestyle. She doesn't wear much color, just neutrals, which I didn't like, but that doesn't match her very fun and upbeat personality.

My favorite outfit in this movie is the rare time that Katie does wear color, the red dress. She only wears it on the Fourth of July, and not even the whole day, but it is really cute.
I couldn't find a great pic of it, but luckily they put it on one of the movie posters.

See? Super cute.

Oh, and I almost forgot, to mention, the costume designer of this movie was Leigh Leverett, and the production designer was Kara Lindstrom.

Lauren Hadley, Costume Critique

Big Hair, bright colors, and shoulder pads, The Carrie Diaries (based off of the hit-TV show, Sex & the City) takes place during the 80’s! The main character, Carrie Bradshaw, lives two different lives, meaning two different styles. Her first life is of a suburban high-school student and her second, more exciting life, is that of a young Fashion Magazine consultant in New York City.  

The man behind the wardrobe is Eric Daman, famously known for his work on the hit-TV show, Gossip Girl. In a recent interview with Teen Vogue Magazine, Eric Daman stated, “I really loved giving [the character’s] retro looks a modern spin by creating what we call '80s aspirational authenticity.”

Although all the wardrobes consisted of bright colors, and geometric patterns, I think Eric did a wonderful job when distinguishing wardrobes for the different settings, either suburban high-school or fashion-forward New York City. For the high-school scenes, the characters wore high-waisted, acid-washed jeans, brightly colored shirts revealing the midriff, and big, chunky jewelry. Through my observation, the brighter and more colorful the outfit, the more popular they were. Carrie, however, although popular, had her own unique style which Eric Daman did a good job at portraying. When asked what the inspiration was for Carrie’s look, Eric said, “We want to keep it contemporary and have an aspirational authenticity to it. It's about mixing and matching prints and shapes that you don't see every day, mixing things from different decades.”

As for Carrie’s other life, her taste in fashion elevates. She goes from simple suburban girl, to high-fashion New Yorker. Carrie’s wardrobe is who I like the most. Since she works at a fashion magazine, Carrie is surrounded by inspiring designers. I like how her character is able to take a puffy, sequenced dress, and make it unique. Although completely separate, I think Carrie’s double life and wardrobe complement each other and you are still able to see the young, suburban girl shine through all the glitz and glam which is the New York life. In the same Teen Vogue interview, Eric Daman said, “And the more she's in New York, there's more of an overlap. As the series progresses, we're going to see a bit more of New York trickle into her everyday life...but she's not going to all of the sudden show up to school in Manolos.”

One character’s wardrobe who I did not life as much as the other characters, is Larissa. Larissa is Carrie’s boss at the fashion magazine. To me, her look is the definition of 80’s glam and high-fashion. Because she is the editor of the magazine, Larissa has access to the closet (every girl’s dream) and has the privilege to wear designer clothing 24/7. What I do not like about Larissa’s wardrobes is that they seem too overdone. Instead of making an outfit her own, and individualized to her, I feel that Larissa’s outfits out shine her. I do however, really like individual pieces of her outfits, but all together, I think it is too much. 

Taylor Bobbitt, "Costume Critique"

The Doctor

     For my Costume Critique, I picked my favorite show of all time, Doctor Who. Let's answer question one, shall we? The guy who designs the costumes for Doctor Who (at least while the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith, is there) is a guy by the name of Ray Holman.

The Doctor

The Doctor

     Alright, let's answer question three. One thing that I have always loved about Doctor Who is that the personality of each Doctor differs. Consequently, so does their taste in clothing. Take a second and look at what this guy is wearing. He's wearing a tweed jacket, and a bow-tie. He's essentially the epitome of nerd. This costume, which the basic build thereof is consistent throughout the three seasons that he appears in the show, precedes the unraveling of his entirely quirky personality. The 11th doctor is known by the Doctor Who fandom community as "the friend." He's a quirky friend. He eats fish fingers and custard and makes conversation in the most socially backward manner. His tweed jacket and bowtie also mark him for greatness. He's dressed to do amazing things.
     Okay, Question 5. I have got to say that this is by far my favorite costume. It is so simplistic compared to the many aliens  and made-up specimens that are introduced in the show, but I love it because it is consistent. The Bow tie and tweed jacket are consistent, but they change in shape, color, and pattern. Exhibit A: Top right. Exhibit B, to the left. Exhibit C: to the right. Shirt color changes. Jacket pattern changes. Bow-tie pattern changes. Appearance of a vest changes. Same quirky put-together. Same quirky Time-lord.

Amy Pond

    Back to question three again.  Now, let's look at Amy Pond. Amy Pond is one of the Doctor's traveling companions. She has continuing importance throughout the duration of the first two seasons of the 11th Doctor. Amy is a red-headed Scottish girl who is too stubborn for her own good. She's too stubborn to give up her Scottish accent despite her having lived in London since she was a small girl. She's also a feisty character who's not afraid to tell you that you're an idiot. She usually has a rebel-type attire. Meaning she always has something leather on her, whether it's a jacket, boots, or both. She's also got a girly twist to her attire: Curled hair, and flattering colors. Her skirts are also on the short side, usually. I like it. Her costumes reflect her personality. She's a rebel. A young, stubborn girl. But nonetheless, a girl.

Rory, The Doctor, Amy

     Now, here's Rory. Rory is this guy who, as a kid, fell in love with Amy. He's in the Picture to the right with the Doctor and Amy. Rory is always dressed casually. He usually has sneakers and a hoodie. I feel as though it suits him well. Rory is a very casual simple guy. But, what I like most about his costuming is that his mark of causality marks him as "untapped potential." Some are dressed for greatness, such as the Doctor with his tweed jacket and bow tie. Rory's greatness comes later in his two seasons with the Doctor. He becomes the last centurion, a historical legend (this is all because of time travel and evil aliens, a long story really).
     Here you have it.

Introducing the fabulous Alyssa Asplund!

Hello, I am Alyssa, and I am extremely excited to be working on costume design with you lovely ladies. Design in general is something I am very interested in, as I am a graphic design major (so far I am really loving it!), and I also really like fashion so I feel that this class will be extremely fun for me.

I adore Mary Poppins, always one of my favorite movies as a kid, and I saw Saving Mr. Banks, which brought me to tears. To be working on costumes for this amazing story makes me extremely excited, and I can't wait to spend time with you all and get to work!

I have some experience with sewing, as I took the sewing class last semester, and I thought I might share my final project with you (to the right). It was a lot of work, and took SO much time, but I was extremely relieved to have it done.

Some of my hobbies are reading, hiking, photography, and dancing (awkwardly and in an uncoordinated way). Now you've gotten to know me a bit, and I can't wait to get to know you better throughout the semester.

Introducing Alpha Harper,

Aloha   My name is Alpha Carolyn (Wade) Harper.
  I was born into a military family, My parents were both WWII veterans  they met while they were station in Winnipeg in the Royal Canadian Air Force. I am  the youngest of 4 girls the only one of my Family born in the in the Eastern part of Canada. High in the Laurentian  Mountains on the dew line or Radar line I was the first baby girl to be born in the brand new Station sick bay on this isolated radar base.  I was named after my mother's good friend  Alpha and My Mother's Grand-Mother Grace Caroline (Palmer) Roach from England.  I mention them because they gave the love of fabrics and creating.
     I have had varied careers throughout my life, I taught Red Cross and Royal Life Saving techniques as a swimming instructor/lifeguard then as a Laboratory assistant in the medical Labs at the University Hospital at the U of A more recently became  a certified instructor  horseback riding  instructor English and western many levels.
I also taught needlework while selling Creative circle      I am so excited to be exploring the world of back stage and how to create the magic for audiences.  My family was always involved with Theatre  productions such the  Mikado, Iolanthe, Oklahoma , the King and I the Nutcracker, to name a few.   I have been able to take part in a few also
     I have loved creating"outfits" for friends and families over the Years. from when I was very young I made clothes for my dolls making sure that they had matching gloves to complete their ensemble.   I switched to cats, dogs and horses then to a wedding dress.  Sewing projects  became more family friendly, for  there were celebrations, activities and different holidays,  as well as growth spurts. 
      I have used my skills to do sewing repairs for extra income while attending school in Canada 40 years ago.. and now I can learn from this class and Sister Dooley.  
I am looking forward to understanding the process that I will be able to help others as we serve in the church.