Carbon Costume 1920s
Nellie LaRoy from Babylon
Nellie LaRoy is played by Margot Robbie in the film Babylon, directed by Damien Chazelle. Babylon is a epic period drama set in 1920s Hollywood and how it went from silent pictures to having sound. In the film we follow Nellie LaRoy as she follows her dream of becoming a famous actress and once successful, learns about the dark side of the industry.
Nellie LaRoy’s Wardrobe is one that changes throughout the film as she becomes successful. We first see her in this iconic red outfit that looks like she could’ve put together herself. Recreate this with the full costume or put it together yourself with red light-weight scarves, red shorts, and fashion tape. Another costume that matches her wild personality are the overalls she wears after a party scene- just a dark wash denim pair of overalls with a wide leg. Finally, another great costume to recreate is the costume she wears on set during her first picture with sound. She wears a green and white preppy outfit with suspenders and a tie.
Nelson Van Alden from Boardwalk Empire
In Boardwalk Empire, Nelson Van Alden (played by Michael Shannon) is one of those men who lived long enough to see themselves become the villain in their own story. Although he started as a good man, he ultimately allowed corruption to take hold.
It’s hard to see that from the outside though. Throughout the series Van Alden stuck to the same sort of clothing even as his priorities and principles changed. Like many men at that time he wears a coordinated three-piece suit with a white undershirt and an understated tie. Van Alden prefers browns over blacks and greys and his ties are usually striped. His shoes match the tone of his suit and he wears a camel wool overcoat when the weather calls for it. He also has a wide-brimmed fedora to keep his head covered as was proper at the time. And of course you can’t forget the pomade for the distinct slicked hair of the period.
Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders
In Peaky Blinders, Thomas “Tommy” Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is the leader of a gang in 1920s Birmingham England. After he returned from World War I, where he was a decorated Sergeant Major, Tommy was disillusioned with war and determined to move the Shelby Family up in the world whatever it took.
Lexie Littleton
In the film “Leatherheads,” Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) is the spitfire reporter and love interest of the two main characters, who’s tasked with discovering if the “too good to be true” college football star is all he’s cracked up to be. Her wardrobe is befitting to a professional woman in the 1920’s.
Velma Kelly
Velma Kelly, portrayed by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the hit film, Chicago, is a nightclub singer and vaudevillian who is sent to Cook County Jail for murdering her husband and sister. She finds a rival for stardom when Roxie Hart arrives at the same prison and steals her spotlight.
Jay Gatsby
Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) is the wealthy and extravagant title character in “The Great Gatsby.” A local legend, Gatsby throws luxurious parties for all of Long Island, in hopes of running into his lost love Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby is impeccably dressed, often wearing high-end suits.
Adriana in Midnight in Paris
Adriana (Marion Cotillard) is a socialite and Pablo Picasso’s love interest in Midnight in Paris. Set in 1920’s Paris, Adriana is clothed in the ornate dresses and Art Deco jewelry that was popular at the time.
Zelda Fitzgerald
Zelda Fitzgerald (Alison Pill) is a character in “Midnight in Paris.” Based on the real-life wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda is a fun-loving party girl who’s always decked out in lavish clothing and opulent jewelry.
Daisy Buchanan
Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) is the love interest of Jay Gatsby in the film “The Great Gatsby.” She is portrayed as a vapid socialite. The film takes place in the 1920’s, so she is clothed in glamorous dresses, furs, and pearls.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart, as the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic, was a pioneer in both senses of the word. Tragically, she disappeared during her 1937 attempt to circle the globe, and mysteries about what happened linger to this day.
