Costume designs in Reign
Hey dolls,
I wanted to talk about a T.V show I’ve been watching.
However not really about the T.V show itself but the costumes worn in the show.
The show is CWs new programme Reign. Reign
is based on the younger years of Queen Mary of Scots, focusing on her years in France.
I love period dramas (it comes with the History student territory) so this show is right up my street. When I first started
to watch it, the one thing that came to my attention is the incredible costumes
worn in it, especially the ones that Mary wears. Trust me there to die.
However, strangely enough I see many people criticizing the costumes
saying that they do not conform to the correct time period. Ok so yeah you are
right they would not be the typical 16th century run of the mill
clothing, that a high-born lady would prance around in, but that is not a good
reason to diss the show. I mean do you
really think that the show is a true account of what happened between Mary and Francis!
Ehh no sorry to burst your bubble but that is not what happened. In addition,
before you say anything about that aspect no period drama shows a true account
of what happens in history. I mean BBCs the White Queen for example Elizabeth was
not a witch and the Tudors well... I do not think Henry and Ann had this incredible
romantic love affair, so let us just leave it at that! Regardless of all that, it is an incredible
show with a gripping plot.
Anyways my mini rant aside I want to get back to the
costumes. Rather than the strictures of 16th century court wear,
with stiff frills and angular silhouettes, the costumes are an artistic blend
of modern and period. There like something a modern day princess would wear
with an old style twist. That is exactly the idea that they are going for, reign
is not geared towards the typical person who would normally watch period
dramas. However, they aim for the mass of the younger generation, and they
manage that extremely well. Think Game of Thrones meets Gossip Girl/90210. I for one do not think that the costumes are too
far-fetched from medieval time though. I do believe that the costume designers
put in a great amount of effort to make the outfits have that ‘medieval’ type
look while still making it look fresh and modern.
On another note, the men’s costumes are incredibly well done.
I like the fact that they wear trousers instead of tights, because quite
frankly I do not fancy watching men run round in a pair of tights. That being said
all the guys in the show are easy on the eyes so you could dress them in
anything and you’d still watch it! Just have them naked even sure why not, a
lot would prefer it that way I am sure!
I thought I would share some of my favourite looks from the
show and a couple of portraits from the 16th century so you can see
the differences and similarities :
Mary Queen of Scots portrait
Mary Queen of Scots played by Adelaide Kane
This dress was by far my favourite but for the life of me I could not find a full length picture of it :(
Love her headband here.
King and Queen of France-
King Francis and Queen Mary
Don't they both look dashing.
Francis II
Personally I think this is the closest outfit to that of a 16th century dress that has been shown.
King Henry II of France
Thats the end of my Post. I hope you all enjoyed it :)
Emma x
