C o s t u m e
Showcase pays
homage to the
past, present
and future
S
TUDENTS FROM QMU’s Costume Design and
Construction degree programme dazzled audiences
with their creative talents at this year’s Costume
Showcase held in May.
The event featured an array of costumes modelled by
Performing Arts Students. The breadth of work reflected the
Costume Design and Construction students’ portfolio and
the supporting exhibition featured illustrations, mannequins
showcasing costumes, impressive masks and millinery.
The main show transported the audience between different
worlds – from the 17th century court of Charles II, stopping
for a moment in an Edwardian musical hall, and reaching into
the future with space-aged mutants.
Sarah Paulley, Programme Leader in Costume Design
and Construction, explained: “It was a visual rollercoaster
which moved from bold black and white harlequin costumes
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QMYOU /Creativity and Culture
to gloriously colourful African textiles. This year, an entire
collection of costumes were themed around the Tempest,
Shakespeare’s mystical island, with costumes inspired by
birds, fishes and spirits.
After the shows guests had the opportunity to meet the
student designers and makers, and to get an insight into the
research, creativity and skill that goes into developing their
creations.
Some of the students from QMU’s Costume Design and
Construction degree have gone on to create costumes for
Holywood blockbusters such as ‘Gravity’ with Sandra Bullock
and George Clooney, the new TV series ‘Outlander’ and some
TV drama favourites such as ‘Mr Selfridge’. Other graduates
have worked with companies such as Scottish Ballet and the
Welsh National Opera. ❒