Reimagining history
The BBC asked two experts to comment on whether The Favourite, a dramatisation of the later life of Queen Anne, is fact or fiction. On the subject of Sandy Powell's costume design, Matthew Storey observed that:
Sandy Powell's costumes from the film, are a great way of understanding the whole film's approach to history. Because she takes eighteenth century styles and silhouettes, and then puts them through a punk, creative, reimagining to present a very modern view of eighteenth century fashion. Sandy Powell took the idea that people at the Royal Court wore elaborate fabrics, beautiful lace, brocade, even fabrics imported from Asia. She applied her own creativity to that. Sourcing African prints from Brixton Market. Using up-to-date techniques, like laser-cut vinyl, to get a sense of this lace.
Matthew Storey, curator of Kensington Palace
As soon as phrases like creative reimagining
and a very modern view
are used in relation to historical authenticity, particularly when these are a great way of understanding the whole film's approach to history
, you have to conclude that historical authenticity may not have been the film-makers' highest priority. Thank you for clarifying that for us, Mr Storey.