Around the World in 80 Days: Costume design (including hair and make-up)

Overview

Costume design plays a significant role in “Around the World in 80 Days”, enhancing the different locations visited and the cultures encountered.
Each character has distinct attire reflecting their culture, class, and personality, such as Phileas Fogg’s tailored English gentleman attire and Passepartout’s more relaxed, utilitarian clothing.

Hairstyling is also significant in depicting the time frame (Victorian era) and the global cultures being portrayed.
Makeup helps to emphasize or complement the characters’ features and costumes, enhancing the overall visual impact.

Historical accuracy is essential when designing costumes for this play to reinforce its setting, making research a crucial aspect.
Cultural sensitivity is also paramount, careful considerations around cultural appropriation need to be taken when designing costumes from different cultures.

Color is used to portray mood, with dark and light costumes reflecting the changing atmosphere of the story.
Characters must be distinguishable from each other, making the use of distinctive colours, silhouettes, and styles necessary.

The numerous changes in location require the costume designs to be easily adaptable for quick changes.
Costumes can be layered or stripped down to display the transition from one location to another quickly.
Costumes also require practicality, as characters may have to perform physical activities, including quick movements and potentially stunts or tricks.
Continuity is also important - costumes, hair and make-up must be maintained throughout the performance.

Attention to minor details (buttons, accessories, type of fabric) adds authenticity to the attire, helping to create a convincing world on stage.
Props are crucial parts of the costumes - consider Fogg’s pocket watch, it’s a key part of his costume.

Finally, budget and resources are significant considerations, as all designs must be achievable within these constraints.