Tonight the Kodak Theatre will held the 88th Academy Awards and I'm sure nominees are already feeling the nervousness and excitement of the big day. But, as it happens every year, a few very deserving films and professionals have gone empty handed in the nominations. Today I'm doing a quick review of a few Best Costume Design snubs that, in my very personal, should have been up for the award.
Odile Dicks-Mireaux, Brooklyn
Seriously, I can't understand why this is not nominated. The costumes of Brooklyn, the story of an Irish immigrant in the 50s, are every fashion lover's dream. Bright, shiny colors, beautiful silhouettes, gorgeous accessories (I'm still drooling over a certain pair of white heels) make the wardrobe of the film the biggest snub of the category, especially taking into account that the film is up for best picture.
Kate Hawley, Crimson Peak
Another huge snub, Crimson Peak's costumes capture perfectly both the atmosphere and the psychology of the characters. I already talked briefly about them in here, but the darkly beautiful designs of Kate Hawley reveal more and more of themselves each time. In general, I think Crimson Peak has been undeservingly shut down from the awards season, especially in the production design categories.
Michael Kaplan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Kaplan's work was a difficult one: creating a wardrobe that suited the film and that had the potential to become iconic itself. With Star Wars, the film is only the beginning and that is something that should be taken into account in all aspects, including costume design. Your designs are going to be on toys, backpacks, linens... They will also become everyone favorite Halloween costume. I think that must be pressuring job for everyone. Nevertheless, Kaplan manage to create some awesome pieces which are already part of film history, like Poe's jacket and Rey's whole outfit.
Arianne Phillips, Kingsman: The Secret Service
A well-tailored suit can be as spectacular as the most pompous period dress, and Kingsman has no shortage of them. I mean, even the basic plot of the movie is something like "tacky british dude becomes a spy through the power of Colin Firth and elegant brogues". Clothes are as important as weapons in the film and Arianne Phillips work rightfully deserves some recognition.
Kelli Jones, Straight Outta Compton
Legendary hip-hop group N.W.A. became one of the most influential acts of music in the late 80s and their style still resonates in the fashion world. Jones successfully achieved the goal co-producers Dr. Dre and Ice Cube set out: make the characters seem cool today, while wearing the things they wore twenty years ago.
