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The History of Theatrical Costume

Baroque Theatre

Biblical Dramatic Enactments

Contemporary Costume Design

Ancient Greek Theatre

Theatre design at its most opulent and grandiose was found in the courts of French Kings in the 17th Century. Italian designer Giacomo Torelli joined forces with French royalty to create scenery and costumes so lavish that only the richest of families could afford to partake.

Current costume design has become incredibly varied and innovative. Costumes can range from naturalistic everyday clothing to highly complex wearable pieces of mechanical engineering.

In the late Middle Ages in Europe, actual Christian vestments stylized from traditional Byzantine Court dress were worn to make dramatic Bible story enactments as realistic as possible.

In large, open-air theatres overly-expressive masks were used to communicate the characters' emotions, gender, age, and social status to the audience and to hide actors' faces so they could appear in multiple roles.

1100

1500

1900

2015

500 BCE

Chinese Theatre Tradition

Ziegfeld Follies

Elizabethan Theatre

In Classical Chinese Theatre costume is considered absolutely essential.

While little to no consideration is given to scenery or lighting, costume is gorgeously and elaborately designed and constructed. The brightly painted faces and decorative fabrics are filled with deep cultural and symbolic meaning.

In England in the 1500-1600s costume became the most important visual element in theatre. Costumes were lush and expensive and the majority of characters wore Elizabethan style clothing.

Florenz Ziegfeld, who was inspired by dance shows like the Folies Bergère, broke new theatrical ground with his elaborate costume and production design.

His girls were dressed in unique and innovative designs made of

the finest fabrics, gems, and feathers.

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