It was badly reviewed at the time, but I'm not one for going by reviews.. if I like it, I like it, a review by a 'film critic' is not going to change my mind. It's a great kids film, it's funny, it's quite campy and very colourful! What struck me most though were the costumes, as a kid watching it I never noticed them but now I paid great attention to them.
The costumes were designed by Robert Turturice, over 700 costumes were made for the film and a staggering million plus 'rock crystals' made. Yesterday I researched more into the costumes and what went into making them, it was really interesting. Most of the costumes were made of leather or suede, the seams glued together but then top-stiched by hand with thin leather strips to make them look 'hand-made'.
My favourite costumes were the ones Joan Collins wore, it was practically stone age couture! The bold colours, shapes, the huge fur coats and of course the rock crystal jewellery (which were cast from actual stones, for a more authentic look). Robert Turturice said..
"I think they were looking for outrageous, flashy clothes and someone who wasn't afraid to just take the risks and go completely over the top. I mean what does couture of BC look like? Plus there were fashion class distinctions even then."
I think he was the perfect man for the job and would have loved to have seen his research and sketches for these costumes!
Joan Collins, who plays Wilma's very snobby mother Pearl, very closely resembles a costume that Cruella De Vil wears in 101 Dalmatians!
Love the tuxedos, might even be a little bit tempted to sew up one for myself.. they do look quite simple to make. There was only one rule to the costumes in this film.. there are no sleeves, trousers or shoes. To others that would sound like a dampener on the creativity of the designs, but I think it was a positive, it opens you up to think more outside the box.
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