Isabella O'Leary
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
For my graduate projects I wanted to fully cultivate my craft in the exploration of historical costume. My first project was to create 18th century court dress for the stage production of 'Dangerous Liaisons' commenting on the overtly opulent upper-classes and the corruption within decadence. The novel of Les Liaisons Dangereuses is the outrageous and pompous story of two professional profligates; Marquis de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, depicted through correspondences and letters.
Marquise de Merteuil
The character of the Marquise is maintained by control, she does not fall hopelessly in love but makes every attempt to manipulate those around her, ruthlessly using her private correspondences words against them constantly on the defensive. Her costume is the hight of sophistication of the mid-18th century with a slightly modern twist of a rose and peony motif largely printed on the dress so theatre audiences can see the concealed symbolism.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
The Sword in the Stone
My second graduate project is costuming for a film adaption for T.H. White’s novel Sword in the Stone. I wanted to create a project full of lightness and humour that encapsulated the wonder and whimsy of such a fantastical story and well-known story. The designs reflect the ancient story of king Arthur in all its many historical time periods, each character depicted a different space in time. This project concentrated on fabric upcycling, proving costuming can make an effort to be part of a greener work environment, tying into the notion of regeneration and the once and future king.
Merlyn
Merlyn is all in a muddle, the time travelling tutor of the future king Arthur has lived through all of this earth and back again and can get a little confused now and again. His costume plays around with sequined Georgians, 70’s grunge and medieval intricacy. Full of detail and layering the costume can be
The Sword in the Stone
Isabella O'Leary
