A new costume exhibition showcasing the work of acclaimed costume designer Sandy Powell has opened at SCAD’s Museum of Fashion and Film in Atlanta. This exhibit highlights over 40 years of Powell’s career.
Powell, known for her work on films such as “Orlando,” “Shakespeare in Love,” and “Far From Heaven,” attended the opening. She described the experience as emotional, stating, “Each one of those pieces brings me back to where I was in my life at those times. It’s like I’ve seen the last 40 years of my life in one room.”
The exhibition, titled Sandy Powell’s Dressing the Part: Costume Design for Film, is curated by Rafael Gomes, the creative director of SCAD FASH museums. It features a diverse range of genres and styles, showcasing Powell’s designs from films like “The Favourite,” “Cinderella,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “How to Talk to Girls at Parties.” A highlight of the exhibit is the fur coat and hat worn by Cate Blanchett in “Carol.”
SCAD President Paula Wallace praised Powell’s achievements, noting her 15 Academy Award nominations and three wins. She expressed excitement about bringing Powell’s work to SCAD, stating, “This exhibition provides the perfect setting for her award-winning creations.”
Powell expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to present her first retrospective. She hopes the exhibition will inspire students and aspiring costume designers, just as she was inspired by her own mentors throughout her career.
Interestingly, Powell is one of the few costume designers who has preserved her creations over the years. She began this practice with her first film, “Caravaggio.” At that time, she took home some costumes because there was no clear protocol for their disposal. As she progressed in her career, she realized that many costumes belonged to the production companies. Despite this, she still sought permission to keep key pieces from her larger projects.
The exhibit promises to be a significant event for fans of film and fashion alike, celebrating Sandy Powell’s remarkable contributions to costume design.
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