Zoe Brakes Costume Designer: 2011

For this project we had to design eight costumes and a set, displaying how it will change throughout the play.

The play itself is set in the 18th century and explains the life and struggles of the character Candide.

My Concept was;

I focused on Art of the 18th century, particularly French art, and music.

This painting by Nicolas De Largilliere, set the colour scheme for my designs.

These images depict the costumes of enlightenment thinkers.

Enlightenment thinkers were people who refashioned a religion, by believing everything in the

world is perfect, and that hurt and pain are all part of God's plan so therefore are perfect.

The character Pangloss was an Enlightenment thinker.

This 18th century painting by Jaques- Louis David is my inspiration for the character;

CANDIDE

This painting by Jean- Baptiste Greuze portrays an exact image of my character;

CUNEGONDE

These paintings, the first by Jaques- Louis David, the second,

Jean- Etienne Liotard, both insire my designs for;

THE OLD LADY

This image by Louis Tocque shows the Enlightenment thinker in

PANGLOSS

Mixing these images, one by Carle Van Loo creates my character;

PAQUETTE

I like the flat cap design although not fitting to the 18th century clearly demonstrates 'class'

This painting by Maurice Quentin De La Tour shows royalty and upper class perfect for

THE QUEEN OF ELDORADO

This chorus design was inspired by lady GaGa's lace dress,

covering the eyes and face adds mystery, as does the cloaked design which I

hope to use during part of the play.

Considering colour and fabrics.........

CANDIDE

I chose plain fabrics, cottons and calico to fit his plain character

CUNEGONDE

I chose pretty, flowing fabrics that show Cunegonde's flirty side,

and pale colours to compliment the colours used in Candide's design,

also showing innocents which is how Candide sees her.

OLD LADY

I used dark colours showing age, using browns and dark greens makes the costume

look worn, and using depleted feathers shows it was once quite high class.

PANGLOSS

I used furs and velvets this to me communicates power, which

Pangloss has over all the other character's.

PAQUETTE

I used oranges as I feel it communicates the opposite to innocence

which she is obviously not when becoming a prostitute.

QUEEN OF ELDORADO

The use of feathers, gold trimmings, bold red and gold fabrics

communicate royalty, class and power for the Queen.

THE CHORUS

The chorus are to be cloaked throughout so as not to be noticed when moving in

the background and appear mysterious. They are then unveiled to reveal

a worn broken down costume symbolising the pain experienced throughout the play.

FINAL DESIGNS

SET

My mood board, showing music and levels.

one idea on how to represent each scene change.

My design consisted of a rotating music book, the chorus would turn each page as the story unfolded. While the scene is taking place the chorus will be completing a painting over the music. At first the painting will look dark and show images of suffering. Then at the end the central part of the painting will be completed and will show the 'Garden of Eden' the characters' paradise. The painting will be represented through a projected film where the chorus know the routine as to the painting of the background.