HOUSEWIFE 49
- n1071258
- May 9, 2023
- 2 min read
Set in world war two, over the course of this project we were encouraged to create costumes for four key characters from the film Housewife 49.
Reflection of film
Following the seven principles of art, costume designer Charlotte Holdich aimed to create an accurate portrayal of 1940s wartime Britain, following the story of Nella last during ww2. Throughout the film, the costume is used to narrate the plot as seen by Nella’s last change of costume. Throughout the film, costume, Is used to illustrate her character arc. For example, her transformation from housewife to helping women voluntary service is indicated by her overalls. Making direct intertextual reference to Rosie the riveter, the form and structure of the overalls complement her change in mood and movement throughout the film and make historical and contextual reference to iconic garments war by women during the war. The overalls demonstrate her freedom and independence, however, the same effect is not created when will last is wearing his overalls. The overalls are almost a metaphor for her breaking free from her husband’s control and helping the wvs. It’s interesting to see the way parallels can be seen through both costumes of Nella and her son. The Cheshire regiment uniform in many ways creates the same movement as Nella’s overalls suggesting Nella’s and cliffs relationship. However also throughout the film from a modern-day viewpoint how fashion was a reflection of a silhouette rather than one’s personal choice, for example, all women apart from nella in the film are wearing skirts historically suggesting the period. Equally the use of juxtaposing costumes in scenes are used to illustrate one character’s status as seen by Nella and other women in the wvs. Moreover, the color pallet is often used to make intertextual references as seen through the patterns and hues chosen on the fabric. In the last scene of VE Day, the blue, white, and red pattern woven into Nellas dress reflects the union jack referring to the historical event. The similar hues between the set and costume create a clear resolution.
Throughout my research, i focussed on exploring key parts of world war two looking at the different way people were affected. Within my designs, i was keen to incorporate historically accurate garments as seen through the overalls and Nella last uniform for the red cross .
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