Velvet Goldmine (October 19, 1998) – “Putting The Drama Into Costume” Feature - The Daily Telegraph

Oct 18, 1998

3 min read

This Daily Telegraph style feature goes behind the visual world of Velvet Goldmine, concentrating on the costumes created for the glam-rock film. Judith Woods speaks with costume designer Sandy Powell about transforming the flamboyance of the 1970s into screen clothing, with the finished designs shown in photographs of Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Toni Collette.

Publication: The Daily Telegraph

Date: October 19, 1998

Country: United Kingdom

Published under the headline “Putting the drama into costume”, the feature profiles costume designer Sandy Powell and the clothing created for the glam-rock film Velvet Goldmine. The introductory line makes the subject clear: the clothes take centre stage as Judith Woods meets the designer responsible for creating them.

Powell discusses the challenge of interpreting the early 1970s without simply reproducing period clothing. Drawing on first-hand memories of the decade as well as research, Powell describes approaching the costumes through the heightened, theatrical style required by the film.

The feature explains that designing for Velvet Goldmine meant dealing with the visual extravagance associated with glam rock. Fabrics, colour, artificial fur, feathers, glitter and dramatic shapes became part of the film's appearance, while the costumes also had to work practically during filming.

Powell discusses inspiration from 1970s fashion and music, with the article referring to figures including David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Rather than treating the film as a literal reconstruction, the costume design draws upon the period while creating its own heightened interpretation.

The article also examines individual design choices. Powell talks about sourcing material, working within budget limitations and adapting clothes to performers and scenes. Some garments were created specifically for the production, while other pieces were assembled or altered to achieve the required look.

Photography occupies a major part of the page. The largest image shows Toni Collette and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Velvet Goldmine, while another production photograph presents Rhys Meyers seated in an elaborate costume. A further large image shows Rhys Meyers in a dramatic stage outfit created for a performance sequence.

Alongside the main article is a separate piece titled “Glam rock’s back - pass the make-up bag”, examining the make-up products connected with the glam revival surrounding Velvet Goldmine. The article specifically refers to glitter, brightly coloured cosmetics and the theatrical looks associated with the film.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The feature approaches Velvet Goldmine through costume rather than through a conventional film review. Its focus is on how the visual language of glam rock was reconstructed and reinterpreted for the screen.

Sandy Powell describes the design process as involving both historical reference and deliberate exaggeration. The clothes needed to suggest the period while also supporting the fictional characters and the heightened theatrical world created by the film.

The page demonstrates how closely costume, make-up and visual presentation were connected to the film’s treatment of glam culture. The extensive use of production photography allows the finished designs to form an important part of the feature itself.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Sandy Powell discusses the costumes created for Velvet Goldmine

Era: 1998 glam-rock revival

Tone: Fashion-focused, detailed and retrospective

Photography: Multiple production photographs from Velvet Goldmine, including elaborate costumes created for the film

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Feature titled “Putting The Drama Into Costume”

• Judith Woods interviewing costume designer Sandy Powell

• Discussion of 1970s glam-rock fashion and its reinterpretation for Velvet Goldmine

• References to David Bowie and Iggy Pop as part of the period surrounding the film's visual inspiration

• Large production photographs displaying the costumes

• Separate “Glam rock’s back - pass the make-up bag” feature on glam-inspired cosmetics

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