The Red Queen of Wonderland Emma Forsyth Johnny Depp’s quirky impersonations, Helena Bonham Carter’s booming voice set against the backdrop of Tim Burton’s carefully curated CGI – it’s Alice in Wonderland! The film would not be the film it is without those iconic costumes! Costume designer Colleen Atwood received her ninth Oscar Nomination for the film so we know there was no messing about in the style department!
The second step is the makeup: prosthetic forehead, eyebrows rising in grandeur to the middle of the forehead, and swathes and swathes of blue eye-shadow, somehow managing to simultaneously draw attention to and divert it away from the massive head. Let’s not forget those iconic red heart lips: a nod to the quintessential Red Queen brand this creation represents.
The most iconic outfit is definitely the Red Queen’s. Her concept was to defy all odds, go against the conventional concept of a Cards costume into something much more magnificent. Think Bette Davis as Queen Elizabeth I, with a sprinkling of Helena Bonham Carter.
The final step is Bonham Carter’s hairline pushed back to make way for that monstrous, red, curling, heart-shaped wig. Alone, the wig weighed three pounds which proved to be a challenge for the costume designer, as making the head too big (as required) made the neck disappear and the head roll on the chest. Thus, CGI was used to deliver the fully imposing effect of The Red Queen. Helena Bonham Carter’s head was enlarged to appear three times its usual size.
A costume this imposing and this iconic of course required all hands on deck. The formula for the Angry Red Queen included an Elizabethan dress complete with legof-mutton sleeves, nipped-in empire waist, high ruffle-style collar and gloriously juttedout skirt. Its imposing purpose is to make Carter seem larger than she already is – by using mountains upon mountains of fabrics. Ironically, both Burton and Atwood drew the same design for the costume; coincidence that it was the costume destined for such a villain?!
With Bonham Carter’s superb acting, our Red Queen is created in all her glory – a truly underrated costume and character who deserves our full attention for her impeccable style and imposing presence. Time to whack on the TV to watch Alice in Wonderland and take some style notes!
How do vegans bring home the bacon? BLUDGERS!!!
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