Amadscientist
Active Member
I did a search and see that there are few threads on this subject. With Halloween coming up and the Bluray release of the film, this might be a good time to share with those who may not otherwise have the opportunity, this aspect of replica costuming.
I'll start out by clarifying that this is not about making a duct tape costume....or a slap together quickie for audience participation. I am talking about screen accurate replicas and performance quality costuming.
A little background about the subject:
The original film "The Rocky Horror picture Show" was costumed by designer Sue Blane, who returned for the film production after designing both the original 1973 British, Kings Road production, the first Australian production and various tours and revivals since then.
The costumes are notable as extravagant "Glitter Rock" costumes of the early 1970s (the designs as originally produced for the film). We would consider them as period costuming today even though many of the fashions have returned. Heavy use of knits and synthetic fabrics makes these costumes easier to reproduce than a molded suit of armor.....however there are some limitations to currently produced fabrics. This has been overcome by some by commissioning the fabrics to be reproduced professionally and by others by shopping the thrift stores looking for the needed fabrics.
The most difficult costumes appears to be that of the main character of Frank N. Furter. Mostly due to the use of a period corset that has been altered to a degree that makes it difficult to understand it's basic design.
The film production boasted a costume budget of $1600.00 in 1974. Not much considering the film had a cost over 1 million......however when one looks at what is being worn......it isn't that hard to understand. Today however, the cost is much higher.
I'll start out by clarifying that this is not about making a duct tape costume....or a slap together quickie for audience participation. I am talking about screen accurate replicas and performance quality costuming.
A little background about the subject:
The original film "The Rocky Horror picture Show" was costumed by designer Sue Blane, who returned for the film production after designing both the original 1973 British, Kings Road production, the first Australian production and various tours and revivals since then.
The costumes are notable as extravagant "Glitter Rock" costumes of the early 1970s (the designs as originally produced for the film). We would consider them as period costuming today even though many of the fashions have returned. Heavy use of knits and synthetic fabrics makes these costumes easier to reproduce than a molded suit of armor.....however there are some limitations to currently produced fabrics. This has been overcome by some by commissioning the fabrics to be reproduced professionally and by others by shopping the thrift stores looking for the needed fabrics.
The most difficult costumes appears to be that of the main character of Frank N. Furter. Mostly due to the use of a period corset that has been altered to a degree that makes it difficult to understand it's basic design.
The film production boasted a costume budget of $1600.00 in 1974. Not much considering the film had a cost over 1 million......however when one looks at what is being worn......it isn't that hard to understand. Today however, the cost is much higher.
