Currently Browsing: Arts: Applied Arts

Leesa Evans’ Iconic Costumes: From ‘Clueless’ to ‘Bridesmaids’

On this day in 2011, the iconic movie Bridesmaids was released. Taking a quirky cast of characters through pre-wedding celebrations and eventually to the big ceremony, the world of Bridesmaids would not be possible without the costumes designed by the brilliant Leesa Evans. 

Leesa Evans is an American costume designer who has contributed to some of the most iconic films of the past few decades, and whose designs remain memorable to viewers for years after watching one of her films. read more.

CONTINUE READING

Composer Isobel Waller-Bridge: From ‘Fleabag’ to ‘Emma’

On this day in 2020, Emma. was released in theaters. A period romantic comedy based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, this film was instantly beloved for its dreamy, pleasant atmosphere and charming comedy. The mood of a film is set by its score, and for Emma, the elegant yet playful music certainly did so.read more.

CONTINUE READING

Elizabeth McBride’s costumes grace many iconic films of the ’90s

When Driving Miss Daisy was released on this day in 1989, it was a hit amongst critics and audiences alike, and became a classic. The film was applauded for its incredible performances by both principal actors, and there’s no doubt that the costumes helped their characters come alive. The costuming for Driving Miss Daisy was one of the earliest successes of costume designer Elizabeth McBride. read more.

CONTINUE READING

Holiday Toys Revisited: The Women Behind My Little Pony

If the holidays can be counted on for one thing – regardless of region or cultural moment – it’s turning back the clock for a month or so, and offering up brightly-wrapped nostalgia. Nostalgia literally means the “pain from an old wound,” but today its connotations include both sentimentality and irreverence for the past.… read more.

CONTINUE READING

The Life and Legacy of Punk Icon Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood, the fashion designer who blazed her own trail, bringing punk to high fashion, died on December 29th in South London at the age of 81. Her death was announced by her company, which did not specify the cause.
CONTINUE READING

Female Composer Amy Cheney Beach Broke Musical Bounds

Today, on the anniversary of her death, we’re celebrating Amy Cheney Beach, a groundbreaking female composer. 

Born in America in 1867, Amy Cheney Beach was a composer at a time when it was not only rare, but actually unheard of to be successful in that field as a woman. In fact, Amy’s first symphony (her “Gaelic Symphony”) was the first symphony to be composed and published by an American woman.read more.

CONTINUE READING