Top Five Movie Picks for Incredible Costume Design by Cherie Acosta

Take a trip back in time with me as I walk you through my favorite designs for movies and why.

1) Moulin Rouge (2001) Designers: Catherine Martin & Angus Strathie 

This production featured more than 300 sumptuous, colorful costumes and a crew of more than 80 to pull off. It brought back the idea of the chorus girl musical with a vivid and dynamic color pallet.

2) Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) Designer: Colleen Atwood 

While the true historical accuracy of these costumes has been somewhat modified (less white make-up and a softer lipstick for example), no less we get the feel of the time period and the soft silks read well with historically accurate and structured silhouettes.

3) Anna Karenina (2012) Designer: Jaqueline Durran

This production won an Oscar for costumes in recreating the 1870’s trends; Durran manages to instill a sense of modernity, keeping a simple silhouette and pairing with sumptuous furs one would expect in the Russian landscape.

4) The Great Gatsby (2013) Designer: Catherine Martin

This movie has it all, glitz, glamour and all the glitter you could ask for. Martin takes things in a modern direction by modifying the 1920’s silhouette for a curvier look, which shows that every movie, regardless of its attempts at historical accuracy always is influenced by its present decade. 

 

5) Marie Antoinette (2006) Designer: Milena Canonero

Saving the best for last, this is an obvious for anyone who wants to enjoy the art form of costuming. With a beautiful display of period gowns in sorbet shades, the entire film has a modern flavor, replete with extravagant hair and make-up.