1920 Socialite Dress: A Timeless Fashion Icon

The art of costume design is a delicate balance between historical accuracy and creative license. For the television show Dickinson, Jennifer Moeller took on the challenge of bringing to life the fashions of the late 1850s. In this article, we'll delve into the world of period dress and explore how Moeller achieved the perfect blend of authenticity and modern flair.

The first scene shot in the iconic gold dress was between Emily and Sue alone in the library. As soon as Moeller saw the dress picking up the light, she gasped at its beauty. The addition of antique lace and beading brought the look together perfectly. However, finding the perfect fabric for Sue's gold dress proved to be a significant challenge.

Moeller explained that sourcing materials is always the biggest obstacle when it comes to period costume design. 'Finding contemporary fabrics, trims, buttons, lace, etc. can be really difficult,' she said. To overcome this hurdle, Moeller looked for trimmings and buttons with a delicate scale and feel, ensuring they wouldn't weigh down the clothes.

One of the most critical aspects of period dress is achieving accuracy without sacrificing modern appeal. Moeller took liberties to ensure that the costumes would resonate with contemporary audiences while still maintaining their historical integrity. 'I thought about her love of flowers a lot when designing her looks for season 2,' she revealed, drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson's poems and personal life.

Understanding the context in which the characters lived was also crucial. Moeller made several trips to the Emily Dickinson museum in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she studied the poet's family and personal belongings. She immersed herself in the world of 1850s fashion, researching real clothes, fabrics, and trims to ensure accuracy.

The advent of photography during this period provided a unique opportunity for Moeller to study portraits from the time. 'I always like to start with primary research,' she said, emphasizing the importance of firsthand sources. By combining historical accuracy with creative flair, Moeller created costumes that not only captured the essence of the 1850s but also resonated with modern audiences.

In conclusion, Jennifer Moeller's work on Dickinson is a testament to the art of period costume design. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy resulted in stunning costumes that brought the world of 1850s fashion to life. Whether you're a history buff or simply a fan of beautiful clothes, Moeller's creations are sure to inspire and delight.

1920 socialite dress