Dressing a Galaxy book review
I finished reading Dressing a Galaxy: The Costumes of Star Wars last night. It is, without doubt, the most beautiful book I have ever read. 12 1/2 inches by 9 1/2 inches of the most exquisite, full color portraits of the amazingly detailed costumes from the prequel movies, and amazing close-ups of specific details.
The seven chapters are split into the following categories: Jedi vs. Sith, Royalty, Military, Galactic Senate, Slaves, Rogues & Bounty Hunters, and Padmé Amidala. Each chapter is prefaced by two pages of comments by Trisha Biggar, the costume designer and author, about the incredibly painstaking costuming process. In addition, throughout the book there are photos of costumes from the original trilogy and comments from many of the actors who wore the costumes (including several entertaining quips from Carrie Fischer) and artists, like Ian McCaig. Rick McCallum and George Lucas also wrote a forward and preface, respectively.
I only have a copy of the book itself, and not the super deluxe edition that included a DVD, fabric swatches, and other bonus goodies, but it is absolutely fabulous. If you like gorgeous coffee-table books, costuming, or are even the slightest bit of a Star Wars fan, I highly recommend the book. If you are a Star Wars costumer, this book is a must-have. Not only is is a very interesting read with more text than you'd expect, but the photos give new meaning to the term "eye-candy".
The seven chapters are split into the following categories: Jedi vs. Sith, Royalty, Military, Galactic Senate, Slaves, Rogues & Bounty Hunters, and Padmé Amidala. Each chapter is prefaced by two pages of comments by Trisha Biggar, the costume designer and author, about the incredibly painstaking costuming process. In addition, throughout the book there are photos of costumes from the original trilogy and comments from many of the actors who wore the costumes (including several entertaining quips from Carrie Fischer) and artists, like Ian McCaig. Rick McCallum and George Lucas also wrote a forward and preface, respectively.
I only have a copy of the book itself, and not the super deluxe edition that included a DVD, fabric swatches, and other bonus goodies, but it is absolutely fabulous. If you like gorgeous coffee-table books, costuming, or are even the slightest bit of a Star Wars fan, I highly recommend the book. If you are a Star Wars costumer, this book is a must-have. Not only is is a very interesting read with more text than you'd expect, but the photos give new meaning to the term "eye-candy".