#big fan of the little red wolf vibe btw

[harvestmoth]

mmmind crab.

[everythingsinred]

my natsumikan-related tweets from like a year ago when i was actually on that site and letting it leech the juices out of my brain.

[peremadeleine]

Droopy Sleeves and Tiny Bonnets: Watering Down the Romantic Aesthetic in BBC’s Les Mis

I wasn’t exactly blown away by the costumes in the BBC production of Les Mis, and Cosette’s in particular, cute as Ellie Bamber is, were thoroughly “just okay.” But I didn’t put much more thought into it...

Well, not until Gentleman Jack--set in the exact same time period--blew BBC’s Les Mis out of the water with its costume design. Then more recently, when I started researching the fashion of the early 1830s, all the ways in which poor Cosette’s costumes fell short became glaringly obvious.

Disclaimer: I am not as much of a stickler for historical accuracy in period drama costumes as this little essay is going to make me out as being. I’m not a Frock Flicks kind of gal; I just want to be entertained and look at pretty clothes. So as far as I’m concerned, as long as the basic silhouettes are there and the costumes are nice to look at, I’m there. (I find the wildly inaccurate costumes of The Tudors a lot more visually appealing than the ones in Wolf Hall. And everyone knows Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette was highly stylized, but those costumes are to die for and still embody the rococo aesthetic very well.)

That said, Cosette is a character who’s very invested in fashion, and the general look of the 1830s isn’t unknown to English productions, being the setting of Queen Victoria’s adolescence, Jane Eyre, Wives and Daughters, and many a Dickens adaptation among others.

So where did they go wrong?

Being honest, most of the Les Mis productions from the past two decades or so failed to put Cosette in high-fashion or even noteworthy costumes. Only the 2012 film for all the ways it failed her as a character hit it out of the park. Cosette gowns were damn near perfect--and they were actually pretty to boot! Unfortunately in the actual film you can’t even see the floral gown and you can barely see the blue one...thanks Tom Hooper.

The belts/buckles, the enormous sleeves, the delicate floral prints and embroidery, the lace collars...pat the costume designer on the back! (Her wedding dress was also on-point, but we’ll get to that.)

Claire Danes and Virginie Ledoyen had passable-and-sometimes-good costumes, too. Though Claire Danes’ were generally not very pretty, their overall silhouette was correct. Virginie Ledoyen gets a couple of knock-out, very period-appropriate gowns; the rest sort of fall into the nebulous “well, I guess you tried” category without being unattractive.

But the BBC production just...dropped the ball for reasons unknown.

Now, in the book Cosette overhears some ladies calling her “pretty but badly dressed.” She’s shocked, because she thinks she’s ugly but well-dressed. She then goes on a charming quest to become the best-dressed woman in Paris, and the BBC adaptation even has a scene where she goes to the seamstress. It’s really cute. Too bad that the dresses are...really not.

Here are some fashion plates from 1830-32.  Keep in mind that Cosette lives in Paris, of all places; she would be aware of what was and was not fashionable.

This is the height of Romantic fashion: giant (“gigot”) sleeves and bonnets, full skirts with hems at or just above the ankle, lace accents, silk stockings and slippers, elaborate hairdos. The 2012 costumes, again, capture this quite well. 

And even if the BBC designer had taken liberties and had fun while preserving the overall aesthetic--think what Sandy Powell did in Cinderella, set in roughly the same period--I wouldn’t be making this post. But there’s curiously little 1830s to be found in Cosette’s wardrobe at all.

I guess we should start with the BBC’s Good/Accurate Stuff. This coat Cosette wears is, apart from the deep fur-lined V-neck, almost a carbon copy of the extant coat on the right. And she has a bonnet!

Cosette’s best/most accurate dress is, naturally, the most difficult to see and has the least screentime of all her costumes:

From what I can tell, the sleeves, though delicate and sheer, are very full, as is the skirt, and the whole thing seems both pretty and en vogue...despite the questionable neckline. It’s also detailed--embroidery on the sleeves and with pleats (?) to create visual interest at the shoulders and on the bodice!

Here are a selection of other short-sleeved gowns from the period for comparison (both extant garments and costumes/reconstructions).

Tbh Ellie’s costume should be as stunning as the blue gown (far left) that an extra wore in Cinderella, but...maybe someday, in some Les Mis production, that gorgeous Sandy Powell creation will reappear. *sigh* (Virginie Ledoyen’s best Cosette gown is on the far right, btw.)

Anyway, that’s...that’s about it for the “Good” category.

Next up: her teal/turquoise dress(es). (She also wears a red one that looks exactly like this.)

Someone didn’t tell the costume designer that Cosette was supposed to be a fashionista, I guess. During my research, I did find a couple of dresses that resembled these two...but they would both be several years out of date by the time Cosette was going on her fashion crusade:

Even the yellow dotted dress has more style and “oomph” than what poor Cosette got stuck in--her sleeves look comparatively small, deflated, and underwhelming, all the more so when compared to actual 1830s gigot sleeves.

In the interest of being fair, some extant gowns from the right dates also look somewhat like these two.

But they all look, well...better. They all make me wish Cosette’s gown had bigger sleeves, a more-defined neckline, less wrinkly fabric...anything that would take it up a notch. (Also of note: as plain as some of these dresses look, they would not have been worn alone--accessories like wide belts, shawls, bonnets, etc., would have been part of the outfit when they were actually worn.)

And when it comes down to it, Cosette--who wants, after all, to be wearing the most fashionable gowns, like those in the fashion plates--should be wearing gowns more like...

The detailing, the fabric choices, the tailoring, and (sorry) the size and position of the sleeves makes all the difference here. A little more effort, even just padding for Cosette’s poor limp sleeves and a belt, would be enough to bump her looks from “kind of sad” to “something I believe this character would really wear.”

My personal favorite gown in the production was very pretty, flowing and delicate--and look: I’m willing to accept that Cosette wouldn’t always be wearing a fashion plate while chasing butterflies (something no film Cosette has, tragically, ever done...) That said, it still wasn’t very 1830s.

This purplish gown is the closest extant I could find to something like what Cosette wears here, but once you look at the details of both--fabric, neckline, whatever is happening around waist--all you get is “???” A lovely dress, but one that doesn’t make much sense.

So finally we come to what ought to be the showiest of all Cosette’s costumes: her wedding gown. 

This costume ought to be Stunning for a lot of reasons. The “Fauchelevents” have money! The Pontmercys have money, and they have society friends! Cosette is a fashionista, and she’s head-over-heels in sweet young love! And one an assume that Valjean wants to send off the light of his life, if send her off he must, in style--he’s heartbroken but also knows, from this moment, that he will never have to worry about her safety or well-being again.

With all that in mind, this is what Ellie’s Cosette wears...

Oh. Okay. Is it her freaking wedding day, or is she just going to a church picnic???

At least she IS wearing a bonnet in this scene, but it’s the same color as her hair (?!) and it’s tiny...just like her sad, deflated sleeves. The necklime and waistline both are at least accurate here, but like the sleeves, the skirt isn’t voluminous. Not a single thing about the dress makes a statement...unless it’s a shrug. The impression is, once again, “meh?”

At least a veil (which some women did wear on their wedding bonnets) would emphasize the “wedding day” vibe. How about, if they weren’t going to give it any volume, some detail on the gown...any detail...floral embroidery...a BELT...a contrasting color or fabric (lace, hello?!)...anything??? It’s just so plain and low-key. Just like everything Cosette wears in this miniseries.

Here are some period wedding gowns, two of which Cosette wears in other adaptations. They all have the wow factor this dress lacks.

Big sleeves! Lace! Belts! Veils! Lush fabric! Frills! Different colors/fabrics to create visual interest! Hairstyles that pop instead of blend together! These are the kind of gowns that say “I’m the bride and this is my day.” Not “I’m going to the church picnic.”

I want to reiterate that, after ALL that rambling...my big issues are that a) these dresses are not--by and large--attractive or interesting and b) that they fail to embody Cosette’s love of fashion. The fact that they’re so inaccurate for the time period is secondary. However, paying more attention to the fashions of 1830-32 would, I think, have helped make the costumes prettier and more suited to the character. How you dress a character is also a factor in how their character is perceived and can be a subtle means of character development. No chance of that here. (Post-marriage, Cosette wears such a blase dark blue coat that, sans fur trim, looks identical to her previous one. Yawn.) 

I’m just a fan, yet it still took me only three days of basic research to put this post together. Expecting a costume designer to put in at least a few days of light research is not a huge leap. I’m going to venture a guess and say that this designer did not bother to do that. And it shows.

It’s a shame, because Cosette gets a lot more screentime here--for the first time since the 2000 production--and she deserves so much more than shapeless gowns and barely-styled hair.

And also more than Andrew Davies...but that’s a rant for another time.

[kristallioness]

So, season 7 of "Voltron: Legendary Defender" was a heartwrenching ride from start to finish. Here are some of my thoughts on each of the episodes (1 paragraph = 1 episode, except the last one, which is already a summary) that I wrote down in between while watching:

*reads titles*.. Okay, this is rather ominous. Btw they copied one of my fanfic titles, "Trial by fire". *lol*

The whole arc between Shiro and Keith and Adam was heartbreaking, yet beautiful! Knowing how Keith's dad died and he didn't know anything about his mom, that jerk who teased him totally deserved it. I'm not even sorry, because I can't stand bullies like him and I could relate to Keith as sort of being the quiet (talented) kid in the class. You don't make fun of someone if you don't know what they've been through.

Baby Allura drawing, that was so cuuuuuuuute!!! I absolutely adore each moment they show us baby/young Allura and what she was like as a little girl. Aww, wolfie got hurt, but he saved Pidge and Lance!

Are Ezor and Zethrid girlfriends? It did seem to give off that kind of a vibe, in which case I believe that congratulations are in order for the LGBTQ+ community! My heart dropped when they chose to go after Pidge first (I know it's been mentioned/written/drawn by fans before). Woah, Lance defended her without hesitation!!! I love that Acxa decided to defend them. More appreciation for the space mice! They've been gone for 3 whole years.. Oh.. my.. gosh...

*lmao* This gameshow was wacky from start to finish! Keith playing the drawing game was one of my favourite things, especially since it's one of my own favourite games to play (online)! Lance just chilling in the tub waiting until he's digested. Pidge attacked the camera and the host, I thought she was actually gonna play golf and be a pro. I figured and hoped that they were gonna choose each other, so that they can all leave.

Pidge's nightmare though, SHE'S TOTALLY ME!!! *rofl* Coran's moustache is fuzzy in the mornings. They're gonna call the wolf Cosmo, I can't believe it! I know someone in the fandom thought of/suggested this name, too. There was a Bii-Boh-Bi comedy on TV. *lol* Cosmo and Keith working together was awesome teamwork (that teleportation came in handy several times throughout the season)! Keith and Krolia saying goodbye to each other - I cried, this was the first scene that made me cry this season.. *sniffs*

Wow, that illusion with those bird-like creatures was breathtaking! I knew it was too good to be true when they saw that first Earth, exactly like Hunk thought. Keith and Lance used their bayards together to form those huge wings on Voltron!

Oh my goooosh... I knew this was coming, but I STILL wasn't prepared for it! Sam and Colleen really made me emotional in this episode. Matt saying goodbye to them.. and they showed the entire world the clips of Hunk, Lance and Pidge saying hi to their families!!! I teared up. I totally see where Pidge gets her spite and fierce fighting spirit from - like mother, like daughter.

When the countries began falling one by one.. damn, I was keeping my eye on Europe and my region and it was RED. Anybody else kept an eye on their homeland and their neighbouring countries??? There was a World War III??? Actually, that pretty much makes sense.. I checked the map they showed with the borders visible, my country and our neighbours still exist in their time! I like Veronica, too. When she returned and showed us her family, I understood that she's Lance's big sister because I remembered him mentioning her name!!! Oh my gosh, she's so smart and he takes after her (by going to the Galaxy Garrison, I mean)!

Pidge's reunion with her mother and Lance's reunion with his family.. I sobbed, okay.. this was the moment I was waiting for!!! Also, Allura truly is a genius. She built a new arm for Shiro! Adam died during the first fight against the Galra. Poor Shiro..

Allura used the last small crystal in her tiara to make Shiro's new prosthetic work. Lance was freaking ready to die right then and there!!! Cutting it really close there, Red.. I knew that admiral seemed suspicious!

The Atlas ship looks pretty amazing and I love how Shiro fulfilled his role as the leader of the mission, despite not being a paladin of Voltron. The battle between Shiro and Sendak felt like we came full circle, right back to Season 1. OH MY GOSH!!!... The ending, Keith's words.. I.. I.. my heart dropped and I was holding my breath that they didn't die. I hoped that the Lions would be strong enough to protect them from the explosion. The final speech while they showed them recovering, all reunited with their families.. Oh boy, feels are in order.

The entire time, when they began showing how Earth was invaded and how the paladins arrived and they began fighting back.. Do you know what I felt? I honestly felt like I was living through all of it myself. Like I was right there, watching all of this happen, fighting alongside them, and IT JUST FELT SO REAL. I thought we were gonna get like 1-2 episodes about Sendak attacking Earth, but we got a WHOLE SEASON about this. It.. it's been an amazing season 7.

[dangandidlyronpaimgines]

Happy October! Could you do the DRV3 guys doing matching/joint halloween costumes for a class party with their S/O? :D I've got them spoopy vibes ;D (Btw I'm sorry if I do too many asks, I just love the headcannons you come up with, let me know if I need to stop :) )

Gonta Gokuhara

He is so excited for Halloween!!!

(After you explained to him what Halloween was)

When you asked him what he wanted to be he simply answered a true gentleman!!

So with Tsumigi’s help you two had the perfect couple costume

Gonta was Tuxedo Mask while you were Sailor Moon

After you explained to Gonta who Tuxedo Mask was (and even showed him a few episodes) he was so excited

(You two have a Sailor Moon marathon and he is in love)

Gonta plays around with his cape excitedly as you got changed

When you finished he can’t help but pull you into a big hug

“You look amazing S/O!! Real pretty!!”

You blush slightly and you two walk towards the class party together

(Tsumigi totally takes tons of pictures of you two)

Kokichi Ouma

Nishishishi~

Your talking to the Halloween king right here!

He is super excited and coming up with tons of costume ideas

(Some of which.. you have to immediately shot down)

After you two spend some time bouncing around some ideas you both had something you both enjoyed

He was (what else) but a Devil, with a cloak and pitchfork and even small bat-like wings

(He didn’t want to wear a mask though so he used red face paint instead)

(He whined the entire time you painted his face)

While you were an Angel with huge white wings that could get a bit annoying but Ouma enjoyed them so you could deal with it

And everyone agreed that your guys costumes made perfect sense

Ryoma Hoshi

It was hard to find a costume for Ryoma for.. various reasons

(Mostly because if you wanted to get a costume for him you would have to shop in the kid’s section.. which embarrassed him to no end)

It took a while but eventually he cave in and said yes to a couple costume

(Which caused you to let out an excited squeal and hug him)

It took a little bit of trial and error before you two found a costume that you both enjoyed

(And lot’s of embarrassing trips to different stores where they ask what costumes are you looking for your son)

Everyone was surprised to see you at the party in a Red Riding Hood costume with a long and flowing cloak

And when they asked where Ryoma was he would pop out from under your cloak dressed up as a Wolf

(He did give quite a few people a scare)

(If anyone tried to say anything about why he got his costume was he would glare darkly at them while clinging to your leg) 

Korekiyo Shinguji

He was rather intrigued by Halloween

The differences of Halloween then and now are rather surprising

So when you said you wanted to dress up together as a couple he simply nodded and helped you search

In the end you two came up with a rather unique couple costume that you two had to kinda make yourselves

He was a Shinshoku (a male Shinto shrine maiden) and you were a Kitsune

(He still wore his mask of course)

(Though with how long Korekiyo’s hair was it was rather easy to mistake him as a shrine maiden)

(It took forever for you to make your costume and decide on makeup.. thank god for the internet)

You two got plenty of compliments on your guys’ costume which made you both smile

Shuichi Saihara

He was rather embarrassed to dress up for the party

But you were so excited for it that he couldn’t say no

You noticed his embarrassment and decided to go with a simple costume

A simple role reversal if you will

You walked in dressed as a stereotypical Detective, wearing his hat

(And not the sexy one a regular detective.. i think Saihara would die if he saw you in one of those)

And by your side was Saihara dressed as a stereotypical Prisoner, with fake handcuffs and all

Which earned a small laugh from everyone else

And while Saihara was embarrassed.. he had fun

(Though he did blush when Iruma made a certain comment about the handcuffs)

Kiibo

It was kinda hard to find a costume for him tbh

Since it would have to go over his armor.. and paint would be a tad difficult to get off of him

But you were determined to find a costume for him!

In the end you two decided a simple costume would be best

He was a knight (in literally) shining armor and you were his prince/ess

He was the one to suggest the idea actually, he had a soft spot for this type of cliche

He blushed immediately when you got into your costume and when you questioned him he looked down embarrassed

“I-it’s just that… y-you look so beautiful in that outfit.. like.. straight out of a fairy tale.” 

Which made you blush and give him a peck on the cheek

You two walked to the party hand in hand, a small blush on both of your cheeks

You both had fun at the party

Rantaro Amami

Bro he was ready for Halloween

He had tons of ideas to talk to you about

And you and him decided to do a classic couple costume but with a twist

So when he walked in dressed in a fancy golden vest with a rose in his pocket people were slightly confused

What was he suppose to be

And then you walked in and suddenly it all made sense

He was male Belle and you were the Beast

(Rantaro really outdid himself with the make up on you to make you look more beastly)

When people ask you why you chose to be the Beast you simply said, “I mean look at Rantaro there is no way be could be anything but Beauty right?”

And you two had so much fun at the party and danced the night away

Kaito Momota

He immediately knew what he wanted you guys to be

He just had to convince you to wear full body green body paint…

It took him a while to convince you but when you agreed he couldn’t help but pull you into a kiss

The day of the party you both to wake up a bit early to start on your makeup

It was all worth it though to see Kaito’s happy expression

After you were done with your makeup he got ready himself

 Your guys’ couple costume was a bit of a surprise to everyone but it made sense once you actually thought about it

Kaito was Starlord while you were Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy

(You can not tell me that Kaito wouldn’t be a huge fan of the series)

Kaito took tons of selfies of you two in full costume

(And Tsumigi took ton of pictures of you two because your guys’ cosplays were just amazing!)