Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette the movie is a historical biopic, directed and written by Sophia Coppola in 2006. Based on the life of Queen Marie Antoinette and her life journey from a young and beautiful fourteen year old and then leading to the royal life. The situations that occur which lead up to the French Revolution and her demise. The wife of King Louis XVI and their pompous lives were captured in the film.

Starring Kristen Dunst and Jason Schwartzman the movie started with a beautiful interpretation of the royal life. Mainly shot in the Palace of Versailles, the ambience and environment setting presented a great recreation of the 18^th century Royal life. Sophia Coppola was one of the few, who were given unprecedented access to historical locations like the palace, including the Queen’s retreat to use as the films set.

The production designer K.K. Barrett, who has previously worked with the film’s producer Sophia Coppola, is a minimalist in aspects of production designing. The movie shows a fairytale version of the Queen’s life. Coppola’s interpretation of the movie was highly stylised with breathtaking costumes and the lavish lifestyle to humanise the historical figures and their lives.

The film portrays the story of Marie Antoinette, the queen famous for her lavishness and eccentric lifestyle. The film leads on with the interpretation of the lavish lifestyle in a fantasy like manner with the champagne and the cakes, the beautiful flowers and the extravagant wardrobe with silk and tassels. The production designer, KK.Barrett and the cinematographer Lance Acord worked in collaboration with the costume designer to create a unique palette with light and bright colours to create a naturalistic environment setting which further darkens towards the second part of the movie.

Taking a new approach in creating a period film, the director and the production designer have used bright lighting and a bright colour palette in everything from the wardrobe to the furniture, not using the distressed dark colours. With the intricate upholstery, the floral walls and the golden- gilded doors the film has presented a brilliant representation of the Rococo Period.

The Day after Tomorrow 

Editing is an invisible art. Editing is what makes the movie what it is. It is the editor that plays with the emotions of the audience and catches their attention. It is the play of shots and sequences that gets the audience emotionally invested in the film. It is the editors role to create the effects and responses, and finding the emotions that catches the eye of the viewers. He is the invisible artist that manipulates the audience to increase the excitement.    An excellent example of such editing and visual skills is the movie The Day After Tomorrow.

‘The Day after Tomorrow’ was based on the novel ‘The Coming Global Super storm’ 1999 by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber. The climate disaster film was directed by Roland Emmerich and edited by David Brenner, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Davis Quaid, and Emmy Rossum.

This movie is a perfect example of the amalgamation of realistic events and fiction. The movie has shown great artistic creativity and manipulation, exaggerating and dramatizing the weather conditions presented, giving the movie a more dangerous and tense atmosphere.

 The disaster movie shows erratic climatic changes leading the world towards unprecedented catastrophic events. Great visual effects have been used to portray the disastrous onset of the New Age Ice Age in the Northern Hemisphere.

Different techniques have been used to show the difficult climate conditions and the tense environment. Lighting and colour techniques have been used to create the perfect atmosphere. Colours like white, grey, and black were used to show the gloomy and dangerous state of the surroundings. The dark colours also created a mood of suspense that kept the audience at the edge of their seats.

The extensive work in the sound editing is also visible. Appropriate sound effects were used to enhance the visual experience, but are not too overpowering that it makes the scene artificial. The sound of the rain and the traffic during the shutdown provides the perfect element giving the scene the chaotic feel it required. Similarly, the sound effects for the final New York storm scene gave the perfect calm but scary mood.

Different camera angles were used to portray the perfect emotions and scenes. Extreme long shots were used to give the full effect of the locations and the destruction, like the scene with the tsunami or the white frozen waters that surrounded New York City. Close-ups were used to show the tense and scared expressions of the people afraid of the coming dangers. The tilting and panoramic camera techniques have also been included to amplify the dramatics of the film.

The juxtaposition of the shots have been done in such a manner that it keeps the audience in suspense. The cuts in film have been made slow to give it a more dramatized effect.

 David Brenner’s editing has given the viewers a complete emotional experience to the viewers. All the shots have been such sequenced that the emotions are on a constant change, from tension to calm to panic, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats right through to the end.

Elizabethan Era

Elizabethan Era was the period under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This period was known as the ‘Golden Age’ in English history because of the flourishing English literature, art, and poetry at the time. This was also the time that bought many changes in clothing and fashion, the time when fashion became an important part of everyone’s life. Clothing and fashion was no longer just a luxury to indulge in, but a symbol of every individual’s identity in the society.

During Elizabethan era, class segregation and social hierarchy became an important element of the society. It was a fashion conscious age where men and women alike were concerned about the latest fashions. Clothing became such a significant thing that there was even a law related to it.  These laws were passed to maintain the social structure, and stated the type of colours and clothing an individual was allowed to own and wear. These laws were called the ‘Statues of Apparel’ and were enforced by Queen Elizabeth herself in 1574.

It was all about proper division of class. Everything about a person’s apparel was an indicator of their social status; from the style of clothing to its colour and material, it was all about the rank and social standing.

 Higher the rank, the richer the colour and materials of clothing. The most rare and expensive materials were used by the royals and aristocrats. Silk, satin, velvet, damask, taffeta and furs were the most extensively used fabrics by the upper crust of the society. Along with these materials, the clothing’s were layered with brocades, laces, and even gold and silver embroidery. Precious gemstones and gold and silver buttons were also very popular.

These clothing restrictions did not end with the dimensions of upper class and the lower class. There were certain colours and materials that were only permitted to be worn by the royalty. Only royals could wear cloth of gold and ermine. Colours like purple and crimson red were only worn by the nobles and royalty. 

People belonging to the lower classes wore clothing made of materials like wool, linen, and sheepskin. They were only allowed to wear colours like beige, brown, gray, yellow, orange, and pale blues.

During the Elizabethan era, women’s clothing was elaborate and luxurious. The clothing generally consisted of many layers, starting with the thin undergarment made of linen called chemise. Over the chemise came the corset, commonly made of whalebone or wood. Then comes the farthingale and the petticoat. Farthingale was made of hoops to give a dome like structure to the skirt. Along with this came the kirtle, the partlet, ant the gown. Gowns had a split in the middle to reveal some part of the kirtle. Then comes the stockings, the ruff collars, and the stomacher. The outfits also included the embroidered shoes, the hats, and cloaks.These layers depended on the social standing of the women. Common women used to wear fewer layers for easier function. Simple clothing with less restriction made it easier to work in.

                            

Men’s clothing also incorporated some major changes during the Elizabethan period. The similarities between men’s and women’s fashion during the time was that the men’s clothing also consisted of quite a few layers. Their clothing included loose-fitting shirts that gathered at the cuffs, knee length puffy pants or breeches with stockings under them, doublets made of wool or leather, ruffs for wrists and neck collar and elegant capes or cloaks. Men who belonged to the upper class wore clothing made of fabrics like silk, taffeta and wool. Their clothing also included precious jewels and gemstones and embellishments like feathers and brooches. Men from the lower classes wore simpler clothing made of tougher materials and pale natural colours.

                

Baroque and Rococo 

Baroque and Rococo eras existed from 1650-1800s.

The rise of King Louis XIV, in the 16^th century marked the beginning of a new fashion era. The Baroque period came into existence and with that the definition of fashion changed. This was the time when the influence of art, culture, and fashion shifted from Versailles to Paris, and French fashion was adopted as world fashion.

The Baroque period was marked in the fashion history for its sheer indulgence, extravagance, and luxury. Unlike the other periods in Europe, fashion was no longer confined to the upper classes; baroque period presented the lower classes with the freedom of keeping up with the new styles and fashion trends. This was also the time where fashion designers were on a rise, being in demand by the higher as well as the middle classes.

This era was distinguished by its rich use of brilliant colours and fabrics. Natural silhouettes became popular with the use of grandeur and intricate embellishments like ribbons, pearls, lace, and gold embroideries. The upper class indulged in a variety of expensive fabrics like silks, velvets, and brocades of the most beautiful colours and patterns. In contrast to this the poor sections of the society could only afford to wear wool.

Women’s clothing and silhouettes also transformed into much simpler and comfortable forms than the previous eras. From the tight corsets, non-breathable garments and unmanageable skirts the silhouettes changed to more flowing and natural with layered skirts. The plunging necklines with lace, known as the décolletage were also a popular trend during the time.

The extravagance did not end with the clothing. Hair and makeup trends became an important element to indulge in. with the new and fancy hairstyles, and the rouges for lips and cheeks, hair and makeup also became a part of the daily extravagance.

Similar to the women’s fashion, men’s fashion also went through major changes during the baroque period. The clothing became more comfortable and extravagant. Men’s clothing changed into knee length, high waist breeches and ruffled lace collars and cuffs. Square toed shoes and high heeled boots became popular, along with extravagant wigs and curly hairstyles.

Rococo Era came into existence at the beginning of the 18^th century. This was the time of a significant cultural shift that occurred in France; art, culture, and fashion gained new importance. The new fashion trends did not only affect the royals and the aristocrats but also the middle and the lower classes. Louis XVs mistress Madame Pompadour was the main figure behind the introduction of the Rococo fashion. It was her love for light, floral patterns and pastel colours that started the new trends and came to be known as Rococo fashion.

This was the time when fashion designers gained more important and influenced the people of all social classes with the latest styles and trends. Fashion magazines were the new go-to thing to keep up with the latest fashion. The most important iconic fashion figures during the era were Madame Pompadour, Marie Antoinette, and her dressmaker Rose Bertin.

With the Rococo Era, women’s clothing and fashion took a new turn. New silhouettes were developing and the fashions were changing. The natural silhouettes were transformed into elaborate and full skirts. Panniers and wide hoops came into trend, they were worn under the skirts to make it a full skirt with the cinched up waist provided by the tight and constructing corsets. Gowns with tight bodices and plunging necklines also became popular among women. Women’s heels became fancier with much more slimmer and daintier heels. Powdered   wigs and towering hairstyles adorned with flowers, ribbons and feathers became part of the daily outfit.

Men’s fashion also incorporated minor changes during the Rococo Era. The basic coat, waistcoat, and breeches were transformed into more extravagant versions. The coats and waistcoats became flowing and more decorative with lavish embroidery and embellishments. Knee length breeches with white stockings and heeled boots were popular among men.

          

Roman Clothing

Roman clothing is often confused with the Greek clothing, it is because of the certain similarities between the two, but it has its own distinct form.

Similar to the Greek clothing, Roman clothing was also based on similar forms. With minimal sewing or stitching the clothing were simply clasped or pinned.

The most common fabric used during that time was wool and linen, worn by the common people. Other fabrics like silk and cotton were rare and expensive and affordable only by the richer class.

The undergarments worn by the ancient Romans consisted of a simple loin cloth that was knotted on the sides. The loin cloth was known by different names like subligacula, subligar, or subligaria, because of their varied shapes. Women also wore a simple band like breast cloth known as the strophium.

The most commonly worn garment by the people in the ancient Rome was the tunica or tunic. This was also a part of the inner garments. The tunic was made of a large rectangular cloth that was sewn in a tubular shape and pinned around the shoulder, similar to a Greek chiton. The male tunics were generally knee length, whereas the tunics worn by the women were always longer, reaching the ankles or the ground.

The dresses also differed from one class to the other.The most distinguished and important article of the Roman clothing was the Toga. The Togas were made of a single, large, semi-circular cloth that was draped over one shoulder, leaving the other side free. In the early days, togas were worn by both the genders, irrespective of their social rank. It was only after 2^nd century BC that, the women wearing togas were marked as prostitutes, and men wore togas as an official garment for public events. The colours and materials of the toga also varied according to the social class or title of the person. The upper class wore natural coloured togas made of good quality wool, whereas the togas worn by the lower class were made of course material or thin felt. The different borders and embroideries of the togas also represented different social classes and ranks.

The women clothing included a simple garment known as the Stola, similar to the men’s Toga. The stola was a full length garment, worn over the tunics, and was pinned at the shoulders or held by Fibula (brooch). Another important element of the women’s clothing was the Palla; it had no specific size and could be worn as a shawl.

There were three main types of footwear worn by the Romans; Solea, Soccus and Calcae. The most commonly worn were the sandals made of leather thongs and straps.

Ancient Greek Clothing

 

Ancient Greek culture has marked many significant achievements and developments in the areas of arts, philosophy, and sciences that influence our lives even in today’s time. From the architectural influences to the arts, its reflections can be seen in the present age, and a major part of it can be seen in the clothing inspired from the Ancient Greece.

The present day Greece inspired clothing is a lot different from that of the ancient times. The ancient Greek clothing was primarily simple. With the brutally hot climate for major part of the year, the Greeks wore simple clothing that was made for easy function. It was generally a single piece of fabric that could be styled and pinned. The different style of garments was derived from a basic tunic, worn by both men and women. Length of the clothing varied according to the age, gender, and occupation of the person.

The clothing was typically made of homespun fabrics. The fabrics used at the time were silk, linen and the most commonly used wool. The colours of the clothing varied from natural, light, and earthy colours with simple borders to bright colours with elaborate designs.

 The most common tunic as the Chiton, and was worn by men and women of all ages. They were long and wide rectangular piece of fabric sewn or pinned up at the sides and shoulders. It was generally made of lighter linen material and allowed easy function. It could be draped over one shoulder or both. The length of the Chiton also varied, knee length for men and floor length for women.

                                 

 

Peplos was a large square piece of cloth made of heavier material like wool. It was a full length garment worn by women, which could be draped and pinned in different styles.

Himation was the cloak or the outer garment worn over the tunics by both the genders. It was a large rectangular piece of wool draped over the shoulders like a Roman Toga to keep the person warm.

The common footwear in the ancient Greece was leather sandals or boots, but it was common for people to go around barefoot.

These ancient Greek clothing styles are often seen as an inspiration for the present day designers. 

The Budget Bride

Chandni Chowk, purani dilli of the capital, a place known for all the reasons be it food, clothes, utilities, electronics and endless other things.

 It’s not a place to be missed for any bride to be, shopping in Delhi, who is restricted to a budget. This place has designer replicas which more or less fulfil a brides dream wedding look.

The shops unlike big designer stores are located inside the “tightest galis’, but the location and the approach to the shops here cannot be judged for the stuff you find inside there. Some of the must visit shops are…

Om Prakash Jawaharlal: one will be surprised to see the large variety of lehengas this shop has, and there is something to please everyone. The price range starts from 40-50 thousand going up to lakhs. But the key word is bargain. 

The other shops in competition to this are Tek Chand Arjit Singh, CTC, Sudhir Bhai aisian couture, Ram Kishan Sarees and so on. These are the places to go to if one is looking for bling in their wedding attire. Some of these shops only deal in bridal dresses.   They also present a wide variety of designer collection to choose from.

 A trip to these shops in chandni chowk is a must for a budget bride