There are obviously Star Wars fans on the staff of my local library, because Dressing A Galaxy - The Costumes of Star Wars (#626) by Trisha Biggar was included in a dsiplay of an assortment of publications devoted to all things related to the series of films.
I do love looking at books filled with textiles and fashion, and this lush coffee table book was just filled with the official studio stills of the actors in their costumes, concept sketches and close-ups of the astonishing detail that went into making the costumes principally in Episodes I - III (which, if you're a Star Wars fan, you know were actually filmed after Episodes IV - VI - the ones with Mark Hamil, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.)
Trisha Biggar was in charge of costume design for these three films, and she explains some of the rationale of why the costumes in these episodes are so much more formal and elaborate. The attention to detail down to the buttons, piping and trim with the matching jewelry and headpieces is amazing, especially considering that the scenes flash by so quickly on the screen that these fine points will never by consciously noticed. They do, however, contribute to the overall sense of dignity and opulence for many characters, and contrasting circumstances for so many other characters. It's wonderful to be able to sit and just revel in the colors, shadings and rich materials used here.
The fact that the costume concepts have to include not only humans, but also the denizens of other worlds, whether based on human actors, or computer-generated characters with its own CG wardrobing problems was interesting to read about.
If you love fine materials and appreciate quality craftsmanship, or are a Star Wars devotee, or even better, combine both of these interests, you'll spend some rewarding hours browsing through this volume.
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