It is the 21st edition of the Tres Court International Film Festival
Implementing the 3 Rs in Fashion.
Costumes of the heroines of Shakespeare (part 2: cross-dressed)
If someone said “Cross dressing”, William Shakespeare ‘s name would come to many of our minds. He is known for the way he dresses his characters disguised as a person of another sex to bring in a flow or a twist in his plays.
Below are two of his heroines who dress up as non-noble men. One is Viola in Twelfth night disguised as Cesario (a boy servant of Duke Orsino ‘s court) and Rosalind in As you like it disguised as Ganymede.
Viola ( Cesario) in Twelfth night
One of the well-known plays of Shakespeare especially for the love triangle present in the play. This literary work had a number of movies and theatrical adaptations. Among them, the most prominent ones were the two movies of ‘Twelfth Night’ that came out in the year 1998 and 2006
(1998)
In the oldest version of the movie starring Francis Barber, the costume has royalty and a touch of the working class tinge in it. This can be interpreted the way Viola is seen as a resourceful person who could make good use of the little things she has. Similarly, in spite of the little options she had to chose she could expand her choices and wear something more perfect.
(2006)
In the latest version of the play in which Imogen Stubbs played the role of Viola, the attire also mimics Viola ‘s way of being resourceful. However, let’s not forget that Viola as Cesario actually worked as a servant in a kingdom and the people who worked in the royal palace dressed in a particular way. This version of the costume has also got its own modern touch especially for the belt and the white buttons that are perfectly aligned.
Rosalind (Ganymede) in As you like it
In this play, Rosalind disguises as Ganymede to live in the Forest of Ardenne. She is portrayed as someone who is really smart and perfect compared to the other characters in the play.
(2006)
In this version of the play in which Bryce Dallas Howard played Rosalind (Ganymede) the costume has a lot of modern influence. While the older version of the costume was more like a rug, this one is different.
The attire still has its own touch of modernity especially for its openly fitted collar and a perfectly stitched court that goes hand in hand with the way Rosalind is seen as a person adapts well to her surrounding.
In addition to it, her muffin cap gives the attire a significant touch of a non-noble man.
Attractive nails.
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and you end up becoming completely awestruck or you just admiring how beautifully they have done their fingers?? Long gone are the times when bright red shades and a single ring worn on the ring finger. It is now time for you to flaunt with dashing shades like yellow, fluorescent shades, orange, teal, white or black. Usually, these bright shades give a bold and confident look to your nails. There are various things that one could do with their nails like you can try using shades for each finger or alternative fingers, then you can go for the gradient style by choosing two perfect colours that go along well, you could also try using a different colour for the tip of your nails especially the colour white would be a perfect choice because it is a ubiquitous shade or a friendly colour as it goes with every other colour. This style would give your fingers a pretty and elegant look. If there is a special occasion or you are so excited about doing your nails then all you do is to buy fake nails if you wish to. Lately, there is this new thing called the proclaim nails with which one could do their nails easily, by simply following the procedure behind the box. Remember any nail art or nail works is beautifully elevated especially when your nails are trimmed and filed perfectly. Even if you just try the simple transparent shade with a perfectly trimmed and filed nails, it is still more attractive. Now talking about rings, it is time you wear all the rings in your box on the same day, this may initially look clumsy or uncomfortable because you are used to single rings but as time goes you would have a stylish vibe in you. In F.R.I.E.N.D.S Phoebe Buffay wears these multiple rings and it looks gorgeous. No matter how much we style our fingers some of us have really dark knuckles sometimes or mostly it adds to be a back pull for all the hard work you went through. You could simply use home ingredients like orange peel, lemon extract, milk, baking soda or vinegar to slowly get rid of theses darkness on the knuckles. Try giving your nails a holiday once a week at least by not doing anything on them. This would help the pores or the nails to get in contact with fresh air and it keeps your nails healthy and tries keeping your nails moisture with either your body lotion or your nail creams. In case you didn’t know, you could mix nail polish remover to your nail polish when it dries so that you need not throw it out.
A walk into the colourful paradise(my first experience)
I have always seen those invites come home but never was I in luck because I either saw the card too late or there would be something else planned already so alas! I never went but this time, everything was in line, both my schedule and my excitement. Checked my dates thrice to assure that I cancel anything else that comes on the day giving my first fashion expo visit an extra priority because it was going to be an unforgettable experience, especially when you are new blogger and you decide to work more with primary resource than the secondary ones you have been working with like TV shows, etc. On the 16th of July, I wore my favourite white lace t-shirt, black jeans and I accessorized it with my little crystal bracelet, a pearl ring and a dash of my happiness because I wanted the day to be completely perfect like I said “unforgettable”. The event “Hi-life exhibition” took place in Hyatt Regency Chennai. Strung together by many Indian designers with the theme “wedding” in the minds of all the designers was a beautiful collection brought into the eye of every visitor. OK, now when I mention eye it means just to see because all the attire on display were super costly and of course there were a lot more than attire. you know like lanterns, brochettes, scarves, bags, clutches. jewellery, etc and the list goes on. Walking into the expo so much reminded me of the Coldplay “Hymn for the weekend” It is one similarity that one could grasp faster. Not only for the colourfulness that one could find both in the video and the exhibition but also remember how one might have discussed the stereotyping in the video, well it was an issue slightly prominent in the event too because there were designers from various parts of the country like Mumbai. Chhattisgarh, Goa, Delhi, etc but not one designer belonging to Chennai on display, not a piece of “Saamuthrika Pattu”. At least the music video had some Bharthanaatiyam in it. Except for these, it was wholly an amazing event and if you are ready to shed more money then you have got all your shopping done within a roof for yours or any wedding that you are going to attend. You would, of course, look perfectly good, elegant and pretty. If not to have them forever unless brought, it was, of course, a colourful paradise and a happy treat to the eyes.
Taehyung knows to Guccify
Known for his culotte pants and pyjama shirts, Kim Taehyung made a name for himself in the world of fashion with Vogue calling him the most fashion-forward during the Billboard awards 2017 when he perfectly paired a polka-dot dress shirt with a loose fit pant and a pinstripe jacket. However, the Korean singer commonly known as V anonymously was not a fashion king from the very start. His craze for Tiger and snake print Gucci products adds an aesthetic touch to his closest without fail. Apart from that his varied collection of ties that is of different colours, different prints and different types adds a blend of special highlight to all the light coloured shirts of his. His branded designer neck pieces also like a perfect icing to the perfectly tailored suit of his. He knows well enough to stay casual and chic at the same time. Through his airport fashion, it is well noticed that Taehyung does not stick to just choosing the attire but he likes to work in detail in picking the right accessories. Sometimes he brings out the way being a fashionable person does not stop with choosing the clothes and accessories but one also needs to know how to wear and carry oneself to be called a stylish person. It is more obvious with the way he carries his bag which adds to the chic look of his. From the warm beanie of his to those stylish snapbacks that he wears, everything just adds to that perfect look of his. Furthermore, V also knows how to play with the fashion to bring out the right fusion of different styles that mix well. In precise, Taehyung is a well-dressed man who has learnt, is learning and will learn a lot in fashion. From following and sticking to trends he will soon go on to be the one creating the trend that others will begin to follow.
A winter’s nostalgia with Comme des Garcons
If someone told me that dressing up isn’t all about the fun but just more than that, I wouldn’t argue with them. Would you? Starting from choosing what you want to wear, the print, the colour, the right accessories to the perfect pair of shoes or the bag you carry, nothing is easy to choose especially when there are more choices.
When the question is usually what to wear, it would be a bit different to see a dress that makes you think for a moment, “How will anyone wear that?” Well, that is exactly what I thought when I saw the Comme des Garcons ready to wear F/W17 Paris collection. I wasn’t surprised at all when most people I showed the pictures to reacted the same way.
The look didn’t just confuse me but they left me thinking for nights. It raised so many questions in my head that I clearly wanted answers for. Firstly, how will anyone wear that? Secondly, who will pull the look perfectly and if anyone did how will they actually do it and more specifically where or what occasion will they wear it to?
Amidst all these questions, that I may or may not get an answer for in the future, there is an underlined sense of warmth that I could picture seeing the attire for a longer time. It clearly reminded me of the times my mom wrapped the quilt around me before I went to bed.
The collection not only brings out nostalgic thoughts but it is also unique and different. It clearly depicts the way the fashion industry grows by making new trends often. It also shows the confidence that designers have in them to create something specifically new. The idea of who might wear it has not held them back which in my opinion is an amazing thing.
Lastly, in an industry like fashion where last week’s trend is different from today’s, having the courage to create something new and the ability to attract a huger scale of an audience through one’s unique ideas is definitely an great thing.
The chains connecting Fashion and Environment
Over the long period of time, the safety of our environment has been a concern. Likewise even the fashion industry takes it steps to a sustainable and cleaner environment. From recycled jackets out of plastic bottles to bags out of your old shirts, here are three ways the fashion scene takes the environment into consideration.
Trying your best not to throw away old cold clothes.
This is the easiest way to go by. It is hardly any budget, if you are wise enough you will definitely be saving some bucks here or you can even mint some money out of it. Usually, when any of our attires get a bit tight there are various things we may do or can do. Some may give it away, others may find a way to remove a few stitches with the hope that the garment may fit them again perfectly.
However, what if you actually are planning to throw it away because you think no one can wear it again. There are various things that can be done with it. It can be transformed into something better and useful.
Today it has become a trend among many YouTubers to create something new out of the waste garment and it is quite easy to do too by following the instructions carefully. Bags, skirts, beanies and more. Maybe even using it to add ruffles to your other clothes or to making fringed scarves.
There are a lot of options to choose from. While some ideas may sound surprising or something you have never thought, most of them are worth a try.
Choosing between faux fur and real fur
Faux fur gained a large credit for itself in the runway becoming a big part in the Fall collection 2016 with various designer brands like Gucci, Fendi, Armani and Dries Van Noten coming up with their faux fur collection Pepto pink fox chubby, Haute Fourrure, no more animal and faux leather capes respectively. Faux fur has become the best pick for people who are strongly against harming animals.
However, it had its fallout. Manufacturing it or disposing faux fur cause problems because it was made of non-biodegradable substances. Designers who preferred real fur over faux fur stated that there are safer and productive ways to make real fur.
Earlier, Thomas Salamon (General Manager of Yves Salamon) talked about how nothing is real when it comes to faux fur and it was really ironic to eat animals and just call real fur cruelty to animals.
Both furs have their ups and downs. It is in the buyer’s hands how they balance it out and choose from the two.
It already comes recycled to you
With this article particularly being based on environment and fashion, it would be a waste to ignore the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Various designer brands have sought out unique ways of using either of the three. While some designers came up with products that can have two or more purposes, other designers usually got their primary sources from the waste.
Famous designers and well-known brands are using the techniques too. Adidas joined with Parley to create trainers from ocean waste. Nike made socks, shorts and jerseys from recycled plastic bottles. Emma Watson also caught many people’s attention with her recycled dress by Calvin Klein to the Met Gala. Other brands that recycled fashion are Tonle, Titania Inglis, Matt & Nat, Study NY, Carrie Parry and others. Even accessories became a part of the recycled fashion trend with designers like Rosalie McMillian making jewellery out of recycled coffee grounds.
Fashion trends constantly change over time. Nothing remains trendy forever. This results in a huge textile waste. With that in my recycling old ones to new ones is never a bad idea.
Sources:
http://m.thenational.ae/arts-life/luxury/the-resurgence-of-fur-in-fashion–real-and-faux
https://www.google.co.in/amp/www.vogue.com/article/real-fur-faux-fur-fall-2016-fashion-trend-earth-day/amp
https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/www.brit.co/recycled-fashion-designers/amp/
https://www.google.co.in/amp/www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/how-the-fashion-industry-is-helping-the-worlds-rubbish-problem-a7052826.html%3famp
G Dragon speaks fashion
If someone held me in a gunpoint and asked me what was the best thing about Kwon Jiyong popularly known by his stage name G-Dragon, would I possibly say it is his rap, his hairstyle that changes probably even before the season changes or should I pick his sense of fashion? I will always be in a dilemma.
G-Dragon, globally known for his strong and confident sense of fashion is definitely more than worth to write about for his on the point style. I can put my foot down and say that although there are other amazing people who dress up like they are in a fashion show, this idol has a style that truly just belongs to him.
In other words, even if someone wins his entire closet in an auction, they will not be able to pull his swag. I think fashion is not just about what you wear but more about how you wear it and how you carry yourself forward wearing it.
He is never afraid to explore and take risks when it comes to fashion. He breaks the stereotypes and the rules of fashion.
He also owns a fashion line “peaceminusone”. According to me, the line has a perfectly cool style with the right mix of class and street style.
When it comes to K-pop idols, a lot of people watch out for what they wear to the airport. I bet you this Big Bang star makes it into every list of best-dressed airport fashion. I am not kidding here, you can look it up for yourselves. For the exquisite man he is, he also appeared in the cover of many fashion magazine a couple of times.
Lastly, Kwon Ji Yong not only speaks fashion but he speaks it loud enough that one cannot help themselves ignore his style. So what am I to say at the gunpoint?!
Costumes of the heroines of Shakespeare.
Among all the heroines, the Shakespearean heroines are always special and unique. Not only for their importance in his plays but how much they can impact the readers. One could even refer to them as the yardstick for comparing the other characters of all time.
For many, William Shakespeare is one of the greatest playwrights who lived in the Elizabethan era. During that time, fashion as a statement was way different from what we see today. It had a different connotation to it.
In other words, fashion has taken a whole new turn.
During the Elizabethan era, fashion was simple and there were five fashion elements commonly followed by the elite women then.
- Long gowns that covered them till their foot
- Ruffled collar
- Puffed sleeves
- Thin waistline (usually a crochet is worn)
- Footwear wasn’t important because it wasn’t seen anyways
Juliet in Romeo and Juliet
When you started reading this article, the first heroine who popped in your head was probably Juliet. For the remarkable story-line that Romeo and Juliet has, there are three adaptations. The first came out in 1968, second by the year 1996 and the latest one released in 2013.
(1968)
Firstly, this dashing red dress looks fantastic. It has a partial Elizabethan touch to it with long sleeves and length. The lose and parallel fitting of the dress shows was common in the second half of the era. A time when people started focusing more on comfort.
Moreover, the choice of colours is perfect here. Red symbolises love, passion, courage, strength, determination and a lot. I guess if we don’t look too much in detail all these words would describe Juliet too.
The gold in her sleeves and neckline could define her social status. It is a colour that attributes to the elites mostly.
(1996)
Though the costume of the 1996 production does not have a complete Elizabethan look for its open neck and non-sleeves, the little wing attached to her dress actually gives a really strong and confident edge to it. The wing is more like a magical tool that defines her character and her royalty.
(2013)
In the latest version, the dress has clearly got its Elizabethan edge to it. The dress truly has the good girl with the composed look of royalty. This delicately tailored piece is a great vintage look.
Lady Macbeth in Macbeth
Talk about a villain, she is probably the first lady on the list. With her cunning and confident personality, she obviously is a highlight in the play. Personally, she is my favourite heroine among the rest.
Macbeth is a remarkable tragedy and it is clearly seen through the various productions of it but I have only chosen two.
(1971)
Being one of the oldest adaptations, it is clearly seen that the costume has the least modern touch to it. The colour chosen is perfect. The way the shades are within the dull palate is relates well to her character.
In my point of view, her sleeves silently reveal her character. The sleeves start as a closed one from her shoulders and it loosens like a wing. This represents how initially she was only considerate about killing King Duncan so that Macbeth would get the high ranking but after the murder, she does fall a victim of guilt.
This shows how her closed mind is switched to a more open mind where she truly realises her mistake just like the sleeve that opened.
The beautiful and thick golden tinged belt indicates royalty, her social ranking and her status.
(2015)
In the recent adaptation of Macbeth,Marion Cotillard played the role of Lady Macbeth. The costume is quite chic and splendid. It has the right proportion of modernity, royalty with an Elizabethan touch.
The light beige is an absolutely amazing choice in terms of its dullness that mildly brings out her dark character.
More importantly, the layered beads around the neckline is a mind-blowing touch to the dress. Each bead speaks for itself and adds life to the dress.
Beatrice in Much ado about nothing
Beatrice is witty, smart and confident. She is definitely considered as one of the strongest and toughest heroines of Shakespeare.
In the two adaptions, the actors are wearing a white dress. Literature defines white as a colour of purity, peace, cleanliness, marriage and the list goes on. It looks like they are covered in snow.
It is simple and elegant.
The irony here is that both of them are wearing white, the colour of marriage and Beatrice is a character who initially doesn’t believe in marriage.
Click here to read Part 2: The cross dressed special.
Links used for reference
http://www.elizabethanenglandlife.com/clothing-in-Elizabethan-england.html
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