👗Costume Design Unit 12 – Costume Accessories and Crafts

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Costume accessories items worn or carried that complement the main costume (jewelry, hats, gloves, shoes, bags)
• Crafts specialized skills used to create costume accessories and embellishments (millinery, leatherwork, beading)
• Anachronism an accessory or detail that is historically inaccurate for the time period being portrayed
  • Can be intentional for stylistic or symbolic reasons (modern sunglasses in a period film)
• Motif a recurring design element or theme used in accessories (floral patterns, geometric shapes)
• Patina artificial aging or weathering applied to accessories for a worn, authentic look
• Proportion the size and scale of accessories in relation to the costume and the actor's body
• Trims decorative elements added to accessories (lace, fringe, ribbons, tassels)

Historical Context and Influences

• Accessories have been used throughout history to convey social status, wealth, and cultural identity
• Ancient civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Rome) used accessories like jewelry and headpieces to signify rank and power
• Medieval and Renaissance accessories reflected the elaborate fashions of the nobility (ornate belts, purses, and hats)
• 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of specialized accessory crafts (glovemaking, shoemaking, millinery)
  • Industrial Revolution introduced mass production techniques for accessories
• 20th century fashion movements (Art Deco, Hollywood glamour) heavily influenced accessory design
• Cultural and ethnic traditions continue to inspire contemporary accessory designs (African beadwork, Japanese fans)

Types of Costume Accessories

• Headwear hats, caps, crowns, tiaras, headbands, fascinators
• Footwear shoes, boots, sandals, slippers
  • Specialized dance footwear (pointe shoes, character shoes)
• Handwear gloves, mittens, gauntlets
• Neckwear necklaces, collars, ties, scarves
• Belts and suspenders used to cinch or hold up clothing
• Bags and purses pouches, clutches, handbags, satchels
• Eyewear glasses, sunglasses, monocles, masks
• Miscellaneous accessories fans, parasols, walking sticks, pocket watches

Materials and Tools

• Fabrics used for accessory construction (leather, felt, straw, silk, velvet)
• Findings small components used in accessory crafting (clasps, buckles, grommets, snaps)
• Embellishments decorative elements applied to accessories (beads, sequins, feathers, embroidery)
• Millinery supplies materials specific to hat-making (hat blocks, millinery wire, grosgrain ribbon)
• Leatherworking tools used for cutting, shaping, and stitching leather accessories (awls, punches, needles)
• Jewelry-making supplies (pliers, wire cutters, jump rings, charms)
• Dyeing and painting supplies for coloring and altering accessory materials
  • Fabric dyes, leather paints, patina solutions

Design Process and Techniques

• Research and reference gathering historical images, artwork, and existing accessories for inspiration
• Sketching and rendering visualizing accessory designs through drawings and illustrations
• Color theory selecting color palettes that complement the costume and convey mood or character
• Proportion and balance considering the size and placement of accessories in relation to the costume
• Texture and pattern incorporating visual and tactile interest through material choices and embellishments
• Collaboration working with the costume designer, director, and actors to refine accessory designs
• Prototyping and mock-ups creating preliminary versions of accessories to test fit, function, and aesthetics

Construction and Crafting Methods

• Hand sewing basic stitches used in accessory construction (running stitch, backstitch, whipstitch)
• Machine sewing using a sewing machine for faster assembly of fabric accessories
• Millinery techniques specific methods for constructing hats (blocking, wiring, trimming)
  • Blocking shaping hat materials over a wooden form to create the desired shape
• Leatherworking skills for cutting, shaping, and joining leather accessories (skiving, burnishing, stitching)
• Jewelry-making techniques (wire wrapping, beading, chain assembly)
• Dyeing and painting methods for altering the color and finish of accessory materials
• Distressing techniques for aging and weathering accessories (sanding, staining, tearing)

Styling and Integration with Costumes

• Accessories should enhance and complement the overall costume design, not overpower it
• Consider the character's personality, social status, and the production's setting when selecting accessories
• Ensure accessories are appropriate for the actor's movements and the demands of the performance (danceable shoes, secure headpieces)
• Coordinate accessories with hairstyles and makeup for a cohesive look
• Use accessories to highlight or conceal specific features of the costume or the actor's body
• Create visual interest and depth by layering accessories (combining necklaces, mixing textures)
• Establish continuity by using recurring accessory motifs or color palettes throughout the production

Contemporary Applications and Trends

• Accessories play a crucial role in costuming for film, television, and theater productions
• Historical accuracy is important for period pieces, but modern productions may allow for more creative interpretation
• Sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming priorities in accessory crafting (using recycled materials, supporting fair trade practices)
• Technology is influencing accessory design through 3D printing, laser cutting, and digital embellishments
  • 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping and customization of accessory components
• Collaborations between costume designers and fashion brands or artists can result in innovative accessory designs
• Social media and online platforms provide opportunities for showcasing and sharing accessory crafting techniques and designs
• Costume accessory exhibitions and competitions showcase the artistry and skill of accessory crafters