‘Water for Elephants’ Style Gallery – The Hollywood Reporter
Water for Elephants
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson star in the film (based on Sara Gruen's best-selling novel), which was styled by costume designer Jaqueline West, who did a lot of research to create accurate period pieces. "You just don't find 1930s circus comstumes on the rack of any costume house," she said of the type of wardrobe needed for the drama–which centers around a travelling circus.
White Silk Gown
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Jacqueline West "It's made from a hammered-silk-satin material that was popular in the '30s but is very hard to find now. We tracked it down in France," said costume designer Jaqueline West.
White Silk Gown
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox "I really love Reese in this dress–it's one of my favorite costumes in the film," said West of tthe white gown Witherspoon donned.
1930’s Tuxedo
Image Credit: Photo Credit: David James/Twentieth Century Fox Pattinson–in a 1930's era tuxedo–plays a young veterinarian who falls in love with the star performer of a travelling circus (Witherspoon) in the period drama.
Black Silk Racer-Back Gown
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Jacqueline West "There were brilliant movies made around that time," noted West of her research for the period film. This black racer-back gown was one of several looks inspired by iconic 30's movie stars, such as Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow.
Black Silk Racer-Back Gown
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox "I think we're going to see a return to slinky, elegant looks inspired by the fabulous designers of the 1930s," said the costume designer of Witherspoon's movie wardrobe (including the many silk gowns, which the actress wears throughout the film).
1930’s Three-Piece Suit
Image Credit: Photo Credit: David James/Twentieth Century Fox Pattinson's three-piece ensemble–tweed pants, a suede vest and a collared shirt–was just part of the 500 original costumes that were designed in a mere 10 weeks. "It was a very short prep time," confessed West.
Red Silk Halter Dress
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Jacqueline West "When Marlena wasn't performing, she still had to keep up the mystique of the circus–even her downtime looks had to be glamorous," said West of Witherspoon's circus-performing movie character.
Red Silk Halter Dress
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox "Reese's character would probably try to emulate ['30s film stars] and incorporate their clothes into her performance costumes and everyday looks," noted West of Marlena. The elegant red-silk number. and blond finger-waves, she donned for a night out with Jacob (Pattinson) is reminiscent of a 1930's screen-siren.
Gray Embellished Bodysuit
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox "This was the most labor-intensive costume to create," said the costume designer of the gray, cutout bodysuit (which she modeled after Greta Garbo''s character in Mata Hari). The designer topped off the look with a bejeweled headpiece from the 1931 film. "It had a silver lace inside the frame that you just don't find anymore. I had my jeweler re-bead it with bright-blue stones to match her costume."
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