A Memory of Lizzie: Costume Research Task

Script notes about costume 

While closely reading the script, I have found many indirect notes about the character's costumes. Here are a few examples:

"...if on an open stage, showing figures in silhouettes playing the game..." (Page 9) -From this section of the script, we can find out that the character's figures must be shown as a silhouette. This tells the costume designers to create a costume shape that will accentuate the character's figures effortlessly. 

"...I am 32 years of age. I have always lived in Fall River. My mother died when I was two..." (Page 9)- This quote tells the designer quite a lot of important information about Lizzie Borden. A hint of her current age is given and also the location of the play is given; Fall River. While the fashioner begins to make a design, they would research upon the type of clothing 30-year-old women would wear in Fall River in the year 1870.

Looking into the clothing in 1870, I have found these images as examples:

http://www.pinterest.com/mushanahaque/1870s-fashion/

I will be using some as an inspiration to create my own costume.

"...she's about 10 years older than Lizzie." (Page 11)

"...twenty-some." (Page 11)

These two quotes tell us about Lizzie's mother's age.

Historical Period Research: Costuming

Looking the fashion from the 1870, it can be noticed that the wired bustles has been slowly fading into going away through foam pads. In this image, it can be viewed that the flow of the dress is rather softer than the puffiness of the dresses in the victorian era:

It can also be seen that the bodices became longer and looks slightly smoother as they are placed over the hips. There was a change in what was thought as fashionable; a tall and a slim figure. The skirt section of the dresses changed into ones which could be tied back.

During the 1870s, the types of dresses changed from each occasion to occasion. The type of dress for an evening cocktail would have a skirt that would drape over.

Source: "History Natrual Form." History Natrual Form. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2014.