GoldDerby: “I think color is one of the best storytelling devices that we have,” explains costume designer Alexandra Byrne. “It is a kind of subliminal signpost. You’re guiding the audience’s instinctive response to something.” The Oscar winner used color to great effect while bringing Regency-era clothing to life in “Emma.” Watch the exclusive video interview above.
2 comments:
Emma was one of the last movies that I saw in the theaters. While I am not the biggest Jane Austin fan the costumes and overall production really drew me in. Reading this article I was really surprised that it was the costume designer's first movie because the costumes were truly incredible. I felt as if they really portrayed each character and helped set the mood for each scene. I also found learning about the designer's use of colors fascinating and quite unique. I always find it very fascinating to learn about designer's creative processes. When I do my blog comments I am often drawn to learning about the costume designs of movies because it plays such an integral role in the world and emotion of a story. While I personally am not interested in costume design as a career I really enjoy reading and learning about all of the processes behind it.
I AM SO GLAD I FOUND THIS. I just watched Emma on Friday!! I absolutely loved the costume and while I was watching it I had a feeling Alexandra Byrne was the designer! The attention to detail and accuracy was just immaculate. Her work is always characterized by such attention to period accuracy but she does it in a way that reads so well to the modern audience! I am so happy to hear they didn’t get rid of bonnets! It’s clear that the designer and director were devoted to capturing the Austen style. They way she speaks of color is so inspiring and it came across on screen. The brilliance of her design I found was in the underpinning which were completely accurate and added to the story telling. Another interesting thing about Alexandra’s work is that she doesn’t do a sketch! She works directly with the costume artisans to develop the garment based on her perceptions as well as the artistry of the maker. - Evan Riley
Post a Comment