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Powell knows what shes doing.
But one does not simply make a conventional wardrobe for Lathimosiandepiction of pre-Georgian England.
The director wasnt fixated on historical accuracy inThe Favourites costumes, which left Powell with room to play.
She swapped out the opulent colors typical of elite attire in 1708 in favor of a heavily black-and-white palette.
Powell said she didnt want Sarah to read as masculine, despite the presence of pants and britches.
It was just freedom of movement, and a kind of strong, bold look.
Normally I do spend a lot of time on color.
I love color, adds Powell.
But it was quite nice to do something that was different.
So because it was black I had to really look into different textures and also things that would light.
So there wouldnt have been time to have done court costumes as they would have been.
A big cozy robe and jammies.
So the queens wearing an eBay bed cover.
But even Powell will admit that Queen Annes ermine-covered formal robe was pretty epic.
Hes vain, isnt he?
And he has hugest wig in that.
Then I copied it in cotton and laser-cut cotton to create the lace.
Its sort of the positive and negative effect on all the court costumes.
I think finding that one roll of fabrics inspired the look for the entire court, really.
Shes got tacky new money radiating off of her.
Shes gone a bit too far, you know.
But wealth doesnt necessarily bring taste, says Powell.
There was not much decoration on anybody, and she does have a little bit more than anybody else.
I was playing with the fabrics on the stand, which is how I work, with the cutters.
The Blue-Jeaned Kitchen Staff
Another example of Powells creativity in nontraditional costuming was how she outfitted the kitchen staff.
It was great, because its all different shades of denim worn out in places.
So thats worked really well for the workwear feel of the servants.
This was something that was scripted.
says Powell, recounting how she approached the rigid leather and metal accessory.
Its a fetishistic moment, really.
Its somebody being contained.
I think that was the point in the script.
