‘Life is a Dream’ was originally written in the 17th century in Spain by Pedro Calderon De La Barca. With this project, a set fabric was chosen for us and a decade for it to be based on was given out at random. My chosen decade was the 1940s. Starting my research I looked into the array of styles of the 40’s and realised that most of the garments at the start were dictated by World War II. I looked at fashion during the War and found it to be very interesting and felt that it would stand out in the show amongst the array of big dresses of the other decades in the class.

 

With the character Rosaura being a very strong independent woman throughout the play I felt that she related well with the powerful women of the war. Rosie the riveter, land girls, showing everyone that they can do anything the men can. With Rosaura being a part of the backbone of the war I thought that Astolfo could have been her solider at war. However nearing the end of the war and he’s uncle being ill, he’s returned home and forgot about he’s Rosaura.

 

With using original patterns for both of my costumes I will make there silhouettes historically accurate. With regards to their style I would like to incorporate techniques and tips from the make do and mend manuals to make them look WW2 ready. Also I am very interested in incorporating the Japanese textile technique Boro as I find it a very intriguing way of creating patchwork.