dreamandawake designer Amanda Ericsson's
movie-tip in July 2008

Question: Which movie has to be seen because of its great costumes!

“I surely had to think hard to mention one favoured one. This was partly because I didn’t see much films lately but also because I believe that some of the greatest film-experiences occur when you are totally sucked into the film and lose everything and after the end it will be troublesome to retell or even try to explain why this film was just so tip-top pleasant...

Anyhow I finally decided that "The Last Emperor" (from 1987 by Bernando Bertolucci) is one film you shouldn’t miss if you are looking for something nice for the eyes. Wonderfully decorated is the screen and the people and it is a true transportation back in time and into China. Beautiful.”

fig.: Amanda Ericsson.
From 13th to 15th May 2008 Paris based designer Amanda Ericsson invited to the premier screening of the new dreamandawake clip, a photo exhibition and a collection preview at Galerie Mycroft (Paris). Check out more information www.fashionoffice.org/design/2008/dreamandawake6-2008.htm

Costume Design for "The Last Emperor"

The costumes for "The Last Emperor" are designed by a specialist for historic costumes and fantasy film outfits: James Acheson (born 1946 in UK) won for his authentic "The Last Emperor" costumes the Oscar and the BAFTA Film Award for Best Costume Design in 1988.

James Acheson's Historic Costumes
Acheson's movie career started in the early 70s. He is awarded with two further Oscars for Best Costume Design: his work for the 17th century movie "Restoration" (1995), directed by Michael Hoffman, convinced the jury for an Oscar in 1996. Some years before, in 1989, he won the Oscar for another historical movie "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988), directed by Stephen Frears, for his French Rococo costumes of the 18th century.

"Frankenstein" (1994, director Kenneth Branagh) or "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1998/I, director Randall Wallace, nominated for the Costume Designers Guild Awards, 1999) are two other excellent examples for his great work in historic costumes.

Costumes for Fantasy Films
James Acheson counts in a second genre to the best costume designers: fantasy and science fiction movies such as the retro-future film "Brazil" (1985, director Terry Gilliam), "Daredevil" (2003, director Mark Steven Johnson), or "Spider-Man" (2002), "Spider-Man 2" (2004), "Spider-Man 3" (2007) wouldn't have that impact without the costumes. In times of carnival Spider-Man's outfit is one of the most beloved!

Video: Trailer for "Spider-Man" (2002), directed by Sam Raimi

Exhibition of the Spider-Man outfits Acheson's Spider Man suits are currently exhibited at the The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art together with the fantasy fashion of Superman, Wonder Woman, Catwoman, ...

Check out "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy", 7 May - 1 September, 2008 www.metmuseum.org


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