Black Swan, the dark, ballet thriller by Darren Aronofsky opened Friday. In fashion, all of the buzz has been going to the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte. They designed seven of the edgy, Goth-chic costumes for the stylish movie. The theme of "duality" played out on stage and off.
For Prince Siegfried's character, the designers were inspired by mechanical birds. The costume is vividly detailed with floral embroidered cheesecloth and distressed velvet. Odette's costume is a constructed pancake shaped tutu. It was embellished with white angora wool to emulate branches growing up the skirt.
This may be the first film for Kate and Laura Mulleavy, but the designers have previously found horror and ballet to be muses for their collection.
Update 1/31/11: While the Mulleavy sisters received many accolades for the fashionable look of this film, one hard-working designer has been left out of the spotlight. In an interview for film style blog Clothes on Film, Award-winning costume designer Amy Westcott noted that while Rodarte may have been responsible for seven looks, there were many other costumes that were created by herself and Zack Brown.
Ms. Westcott also clarified the difference between a fashion designer's role and her own position. A fashion designer may conceptualize looks for the screen. However, a true film costumer researches every tone and color on film, wear-tests each costume and is on set every day to ensure the comfort of the actors.
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| Amy Westcott Sketch |
