The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design

by Rebecca Cunningham

Comprehensive, clear, well-illustrated, and concise! This outstanding volume provides a systematic overview of the process of costume design for the stage, presenting beginning designers with the fundamentals upon which to build their costume skills. From styles of visual presentation and the use of fabric and materials, to developing skills in research, conceptualization, interpretation, and organization of budgeting, shopping and scheduling, The Magic Garment enables readers to develop an understanding of and appreciation for the process of costuming a production. Readers are exposed to a broad range of theatrical literature through illustrations, references in the text, and pertinent quotes from plays. They are also taught how to analyze plays from the costume designer's perspective. In addition, readers learn how to draw and render costume sketches and how to apply different design principles to specific types of costumes. The costume designer's art lies in effective interpretation, collaboration, and execution. The Magic Garment makes this process accessible and, with lively detail and a wealth of illustrations, brings the exciting world of costume design to life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Art, School, Theatre, Sewing, Fashion

395 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on designing costumes, including research, scheduling, pattern making, etc. Also discusses schools of costume design, effects of fabrics on lights, how characters are sorted into important or spear carriers. I'd be tempted to buy a copy.

[Maranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great resource for anyone interested in costume design and dress making!

[Eyehavenofilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stage costuming is all about the visual. The garment allows the actor to "become, for a time, someone else." In that spirit The Magic Garment stresses authenticity, research, presentation, fabric consideration, and all this combined to provide ease of performance. (we can't have our performers restricted unless they are SUPPOSED to be in a tight straightjacket, now can we?) Its all in the concept, interpretation, and fuition of the design. For a look at the inner working of how a cistume all comes together here it is for you. Only the artist can begin this process! Without the spark nothing would be designed.

[Ricky German · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so invaluable to have chats with people who do the work you do or hope to do. It's the only way to get a look into the design process. If nothing else, I think this is why this book is so valuable: the interviews. The next best thing is it's section on film. I think most costume designers make the leap from stage to film, so they are used to the theatre, but not necessarily a movie set. I don't think there are many books on costuming for film, and the insights it has into budget, charts, and design are amazing.

[Meltha · Rating 3 out of 5]

College textbook from my old costume design class. Not a bad text at all, and it has the bonus of color in it, but the explanations occasionally got a bit too thick.