Wednesday 6 July 2011

Made in Dagenham- Costume study



I have just finished watching the brilliant film Made in Dagenham. If you are a woman and haven't yet seen this you must. In short- it is a film about a group of machinists working for Ford who go on strike to protest about equal pay rights for women. It is so inspiring to see the story of these brave woman who fought for equality for us.

This film is so well made and the costumes are absolutely fantastic. A must see for any fan of the 60s. Personally, i have never been a massive fan of 60s fashion, but this film has converted me. I finished the
film and was straight onto ebay looking a 60s sewing patterns! The designer Louise Stjernsward has done such an amazing job conveying each of these characters personalities through their clothing. Stjernsward herself has revealed that she was 19 in 1968 (when the film is set) and i am sure that she has been greaty influenced by how she saw the 60s through the eyes of a teenager.

The whole palette is full of different colours even if they are genuinely quite muted. Working mum Sally's costume graually get brighter in the film resulting in the vibrant red Biba dress showing that this is when she is at her most confident.

It is also interesting to see how the character Connie's clothing has a far more 1950s feel to it. This helps to show that she is the eldest, most mature character. This juxtaposed with Jaime Winstone's crazy, bright mini skirts and hot pants really gives a feel of the diversity of all the women involved.

Also, feel i should mention how the machinists strip down and sew in their bras whilst at work. I feel that this was such a great detail. Stjernsward found most of these bras in vintage shops around Portobello Road. I can't even begin to imagine how long it took to track down over 150 vintage bras that fitted each individual actresses of all shapes and sizes.

Here are some photos of these costumes-







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