Thursday, September 8, 2016

Downton Abbey Emmy-nominated costumes on display at FIDM Museum...

Another show which I bid a fond farewell to this year (at least in the U.S.) was Downton Abbey. Just like millions of viewers on both sides of the Atlantic, and around the world, I was captivated by this British historical period drama set in a Yorkshire stately home which followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley Family and their working class staff from 1912 to 1925.

Original costumes from Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey TV costumes
Downton Abbey costumes
Downton Abbey costumes
Rose and Lady Mary Downton Abbey costumes
Original Downton Abbey TV costumes
Here's a selection of Emmy-nominated outfits from the Julian Fellowes superb series up for consideration this year, designed by Anna Robbins with Assistant Costume Designer Kathryn Tart and Costume Supervisor Michael Weldon.

These period costumes were photographed on display at Downtown L.A.'s FIDM Museum at the 10th Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition on August 9, 2016.

When I was growing up in Britain I never liked period dramas like Upstairs, Downstairs, but as I've grown older and now that I live in L.A., there's something about historical Britain that fascinates me.

Costume worn by Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Cora
in Downton Abbey
Elizabeth McGovern Downton Abbey Lady Cora dress
Downton Abbey Lady Cora costume
American heiress 'Cora Crawley' the 'Countess of Grantham' was brought from America to marry into British nobility, much to the 'Dowager Countess of Grantham's' dismay (and our delight) and is the mother of three daughters at Downton Abbey.

Costumes worn by Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary
in Downton Abbey
Michelle Dockery Downton Abbey Lady Mary dress
Michelle Dockery Downton Abbey Lady Mary costume
Downton Abbey Lady Mary costume
Maybe because of my love of costumes, but one of the things that I loved about the show was the evolution of the characters fashion as the time periods changed and women became more independent and daring in their looks. Eldest daughter 'Lady Mary' was certainly known for pushing boundaries and trying out new styles, whether it be for a formal cocktail party or for managing the business of the estate.

Costume worn by Lily James as Lady Rose
in Downton Abbey
Lily James Downton Abbey Lady Rose costume
Downton Abbey Lady Rose costume
Lily James Downton Abbey Lady Rose dress
Lily James Downton Abbey Lady Rose costume
Downton Abbey Lady Rose costume
I initially found Lily James 'Lady Rose' a bit of an over enthusiastic youthful replacement for 'Lady Sybil' (who was killed in childbirth), but warmed to the Crawley's ward over the seasons.

If you're a fan of the actress, be sure to also check out her costumes from Disney's live-action Cinderella movie on display.

Plus if you like these looks, be sure to check out more period drama costumes from the big and small screen here at Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props.

P.S. I know for a fact I'd be one of the downstairs staff if I lived in the days of Downton Abbey.

Downton Abbey final season TV poster
Downton Abbey final season US poster

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