The dresses in this exhibition were all designed and made for
the screen but adhere closely to the period they are set in. In
addition, they are charged with telling and reflecting the story
they represent. From Keira Knightley’s magnificent gown from
The Duchess to the elegant costume worn by Joely
Richardson as Wallis Simpson, all these dresses have a tale to
tell.
Here's a taster of what you'll see - click on the images to see
the dress in full.
Frankenstein
Director Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 version of the iconic
Frankenstein story stayed close to Mary Shelley’s original novel,
setting the action in the second half of the 18th century and
featuring fabulous period costumes designed by James Acheson.
This two piece dress was worn by Helena Bonham Carter as
Elizabeth, Victor Frankenstein’s ill-fated fiancée. The decorative
stomacher and borders to the skirt are made from original pieces
attached to new fabric, embroidered in metallic thread and pale
silks.
Mansfield Park
Based on Jane Austen’s novel of 1814, Mansfield Park
(1999) tells the story of Fanny Price (played by Frances O’Connor),
a girl from a poor family sent to live with rich relatives. The
costumes for this film were designed by Andrea Galer who received
an Oscar for Best Costume Design.
Fanny’s simple one piece wedding dress of cream satin reflects
her plain-speaking nature and lack of pretension. Overlaid with
plain and sprigged tulle, it is trimmed with lace and narrow
ribbon.
Tess
Anthony Powell won an Oscar for Best Costume Design in 1980 for
this production of Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess, directed by
Roman Polanski. Powell’s meticulously researched, well-crafted
costumes set within stunning landscapes makes this one of the most
beautiful and poetic films of all times.
Tess, played by Nastassja Kinski, is a poor man’s daughter, an
aristocrat’s mistress, a gentleman’s wife and a victim of her own
provocative beauty. This two piece 1880s dress of deep cream silk
twill, trimmed with lace and panels of ruching, is worn for her
wedding to Angel Clare, but sadly her marriage is not destined to
last.
Howards End
Based on the 1910 novel, Howards End is a tour de force
portrayal of EM Forster’s masterpiece about society in transition.
The film received nine Academy award nominations, including that of
best picture, and is one of the most critically acclaimed films of
the 1990s.
This wedding costume is a fine example of the many exquisite
outfits designed by Jenny Beavan and John Bright for Merchant
Ivory. Worn by Susie Lindeman as Dolly Wilcox, it is made up of a
cream silk bodice and skirt patterned with a foliage design and
trimmed with lace and ribbon.
Wallis and Edward
This one piece dress of light grey-blue satin backed crepe was
made for Joely Richardson, who starred as Wallis Simpson in
the 2005 TV film Wallis and Edward. Originally part of the
Marriage in the Movies exhibition, the dress is currently on loan
to Madonna, whose directorial debut, W.E., tells the story
of a young married New Yorker obsessed with King Edward VIII’s
abdication for his love of Wallis Simpson. The dress will be worn
by actress Andrea Riseborough, who plays Wallis in the film.