Movies
Marianne from Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Marianne (played by Noémie Merlant) had one job. She had to observe Héloïse during the day and the paint the reluctant bride’s wedding portrait at night. It is a fairly straight forward if unusual approach to a painting. Until the two fall in love, knowing that Héloïse is destined for a wedding she does not want and cannot escape. It’s heartbreaking in the way only art can be.
You may not paint like Marianne but you can mimic the gorgeous style of the 1770s. Historically accurate costumes are expensive so the options listed above are meant to get close but won’t be perfectly accurate to the movie. Or history.
One option is a custom gown such as the one on the top left. The Etsy listing has a few fabrics to choose from and though none of the fabrics are identical to the movie you might be able to get close. You can also opt for a more affordable gown from Amazon such as the one just below the custom gown and to the right
Another option is to pair a skirt with a long chemise and a corset similar to the stays women at that time wore. The skirt isn’t the same dark red as Marianne’s gown in the movie but you might get close by experimenting with combinations of bright red and dark blue dye. The dye has to be DyeMore when working with Rit since the skirt listed above is mostly made of a synthetic material. If you already have a cotton skirt in mind you can just grab a bottle wine-colored Rit dye instead.
All three options can be finished off with a brown wig styled into a bun, boots, and a long brown coat. And of course no artist would be complete without her brush holder.
Anton from The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Anton is a character in the fantasy film titled The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. He is the barker for a traveling theatre troupe in London. The troupe’s main attraction is the “Imaginarum,” or a surreal dream world. Anton has a crush on Valentina, the daughter of Doctor Parnassus. At the end of the movie, the two are happily married with a daughter. Andrew Garfield, whom you may recognize from the Amazing Spider-Man as Peter Parker, plays this role.
Abigail Masham from The Favourite
In The Favourite, Abigail Masham (played by Emma Stone) is the picture of demure innocence. Until someone gets in her way. Her own cousin isn’t safe from Abigail’s quest for security and power. Though in a world as tumultuous as the English royal court, who can blame her?
Period costumes are always a little difficult unless you sew your own. But there are some options that get you close. A simple black dress mimics Anne’s generally unassuming daily style, especially once you add a lace collar. A pannier keeps your skirt full while thigh high socks – held in place with double sided fashion tape – and heels complete the outfit.
Round out the look by styling the wig using this tutorial. It is technically for Elizabeth Swan but is a great low profile style for costume from around the same period.
Princess Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon
Raya Kelly is the main character in the latest Disney+ film, Raya and the Last Dragon. Voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, whom you may recall portrayed Rose Tico in the recent Star Wars movies, Raya is a warrior princess who must find the last dragon, Sisu, to save her home from a dangerous plague. She is headstrong, mature, and adaptable, all traits that make her a capable leader of the group. However her biggest flaw is a reluctance to trust others. In addition to master martial arts, she utilizes kali sticks and her whip sword to battle enemies. Her pet is Tuk Tuk, a giant creature who resembles a hybrid of a pug, armadillo, and pill bug. Raya makes history as Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess.
Jack Dawson from Titanic
Jack Dawson (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is the tragic hero of James Cameron’s Titanic. While audiences went into the film knowing the ship would sink at the end, they had no way of knowing how much Jack and Rose’s romance would mean to them. Or how hard it would be to get through the end of the film.
Jack is a great cosplay option. His early century style lends means that most of the pieces can be used in other looks while still being classic Jack. Start with a pair of classic trousers designed for use with suspenders. Add in tan suspenders, a white undershirt, a brown shirt, and brown boots to corner Jack’s original look. You can also opt for a linen shirt with a low collar for a more relaxed look. Just don’t forget the hair pomade to style your hair in something close to Jack’s flyaway look. And what Jack would be complete without his sketchbook and pencils?
Joe from The Old Guard
Once known as Yusuf Al-Kaysani, a Muslim warrior from the time of the Crusades, Joe (played by Marwan Kenzari) is now an immortal soldier in Netflix’s The Old Guard. Joe has fought beside Andy, Booker, and his lover Nicky for centuries, and he welcomes their newest member Nile alongside his comrades.
Make Your Own: Eve
“Out there / Full of shine and full of sparkle / Close your eyes and see it glisten Barnaby / […]
Skurge from Thor: Ragnarok
Skurge is a character you both love to hate and hate to love. In Thor: Ragnarok, he quickly abandons his people to serve Hela on her return to Asgard. But in the end he throws himself to battle against her, trying to right the wrongs of his previous choices. Of course it might just be Karl Urban’s portrayal that gives Skurge the humorous charm he seems to have. But you be the judge of that!
Skurge’s costume is exclusively comprised of a complex set of armor. The one listed above is from another movie but looks very similar. If you add in a bald cap, face paint to recreate his tattoos, a fake goatee, and a sword, you’re ready to defend Asgard!
Bunny and Ducky from Toy Story 4
Bunny and Ducky are new characters in Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4. These eccentric, quick-witted toys are voiced by comedic duo Key and Peele, with Keegan Michael Key as the voice of Ducky and Jordan Peele as the voice of Bunny. Aside from being best friends, they’re literally attached at the plush foot. Dangling as prize toys at a carnival booth, Bunny and Ducky long to have a kid as their owner. When Buzz Lightyear gets tacked to the prize wall, they catch wind of his mention of a kid. They manage to escape and tackle Buzz until Woody intervenes. As a result, Bunny and Ducky become their allies in their quest to save Forky with the hope of finding a home with Bonnie. This costume guide features casual costumes as well as onesies for a simpler option. If you intend on dressing as Ducky, we included acrylic paint for the beak.
The Blue Fairy
The Blue Fairy is a major character in the classic Disney movie Pinocchio. Kind and selfless, the Blue Fairy is a magical being who rewards good behavior by granting their wishes. She fulfills Geppetto’s wish and transforms Pinocchio into a real boy. She helps Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket on their adventures as well.