Jellyfish gown at the Dragon Con Friday Night Costume Contest
By Sahrye Cohen Kym Barrett, the costume designer for the movie “Aquaman,” was inspired by the weird and wonderful marine animals of the ocean world while designing the Atlantean clothes and armor. When I saw the glowing jellyfish dress that Mera wears to the Arena Duel, I knew I wanted to bring the dress to life. The light-up jellyfish and […]
In the Winners’ Circle
by Robin McGann. Published in the September/October 2016 issue of Finery. In this article, we take a look at several members who have won a prize in a competition as inspiration for our own costuming goals. Take a look at these creative, inventive endeavors to see what you can bring to your own costuming. Who knows? Maybe these will inspire […]
Edith Head: Star Costumer
by Kali Pappas, First published for the January/February 2012 issue of Finery Despite her long studio career and a stunning cache of major awards (including a record-setting 8 Oscars and 35 Oscar nominations), costume designer Edith Head is a star whose name isn’t widely recognizable. Her work, however, is instantly familiar to virtually everyone. She’s the woman responsible for the […]
Strut Your Tut
Eastern Influences on 1920’s Fashion by Carol Wood, First published for the March/April 2011 issue of Finery The 1920s was characterized by exploration, experimentation and invention. This holds true for fashion in particular: No more restrictive corsets, experimentation in dress was socially acceptable, and more women earned money to afford the new fashions. Not only did hemlines run up and down […]
Down the Rabbit Hole
by Carol Wood, First published for the July/August 2010 issue of Finery Nothing says “Alice in Wonderland” more than a blonde in a light blue dress. A light blue ball gown will get you as far as Cinderella, a slinky blue dress will even get you to the Devil, and a light blue gingham pinafore will get you all the […]
Film Review: Steadfast as Thou Art
by Gailynne Bouret, First published for the May/June 2010 issue of Finery The 2009 movie “Bright Star” depicts the doomed romance of poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, the girl next door and the inspiration for some of his most memorable work. Director and writer Jane Campion and costume and set designer Janet Patterson treat us to a visually rich […]
Film Review: Persuasion, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park (PBS, 2007)
by Elizabeth Urbach, First published for the March/ April 2008 issue of Finery In Persuasion, the women’s costumes were mostly well done, although it seemed to me that they were almost always wearing the same thing. I would have appreciated more variety in accessories and outerwear, especially, although I did enjoy seeing Anne’s “invalid” sister wearing a dotted shortgown over […]
Fashion and Non-fashion and the Beat Generation
by Sally Norton, First published for the March/April 2006 issue of Finery The 1950s Beat Movement in San Francisco was a non-fashion moment. Clothing was of minimal importance to the San Francisco writers, poets and musicians in North Beach. Words, music and ideas mattered. Clothing was practical, necessary and of little aesthetic value. You would see people wearing ordinary, everyday […]
So You Want to Be a Superhero?
by Bruce Mai, First published for the September/October 2004 issue of Finery Ever thought of making a superhero costume of your own? Creating an original idea frees you from the trouble of having to recreate a comic-book character. You can design whatever you want, with whatever powers you want. Try starting with a hero who either has a specific mission […]
