The Costumes Of Reign (Mary, Queen of Scots)
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- čas přidán 24. 04. 2017
- 👑The Costumes of Reign: An in-depth analysis of the costumes from the CW television series Spoilers
👗Additional editing by Jack Loney
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👗Kate and Brit Reign Costume Commentary: • Costume Commentary: Ep...
👗Fashion of Reign: / fashion-of-reign
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Mary's rule began when she was 6 DAYS old...
+Kezia D'Abrera Thanks Kezia, I have corrected this in the closed captioning.
While this is true, I believe she was formally coronated at 6 months old.
I think that's where the confusion lies.
@@HallowqueenCrafting Mary was not coronated she was crowned. After an old monarch died, the new king or queen would have been crowned during a ceremony called a coronation
Hallowqueen Crafting crowned! 🤓
I think what annoys me the most is the fact that the producers of Reign think that no teenage girls would ever possibly want to watch something based on facts. And realistic female Renaissance fashion is beautiful, so I don't see what their problem was.
+Amelia Pendragon Yes, precisely! I think we should give our girls more credit!
Amelia Pendragon same. I would love to see a historically accurate "teen show". The costumes in Reign are still beautiful, but they give people a completely misleading image of history.
This is so true. I'm not a teen but I think guys on the Tudors looked really good even though the wore periodic clothes. Their pumpkin pants weren't super voluminous and they wore knee high boots to extend the leg rather than tights/hose. The women's clothes on show was incredible. Isn't the whole point hose to show off the guys calf muscles.
+angellover02171 Yes, we love calf muscles! I'm going to watch the Tudors. I've had many requests.
The thing is historical costumes cost a truckfull of arms and legs, it's the biggest part of any budget for historical movies and series. Which they obviously couldn't afford for each episode on a series like this. Almost all of Mary's dresses are lent by designers, not made for the show.
Reign makes "The Tudors" look like a BBC documentary.
The dresses looked a bit too modern but they where absolutely gorgeous.
I couldnt get over how modern they were so I basically hate them at this point. I couldnt even get through the first episode which sucks
But that's the point tho
Helo Lange but its not? Mary Stuart lived in the 1500s and if they had wanted to make it realistic like advertised they wouldnt have changed so much. The costume was a great place to start
That was the point of the show. They wanted to showcase modern, medieval wear and what it wouldve looked like in modern touch
They looked like they were from the prom dress section of Goodwill and made it incredibly hard to watch
My favourite costume is the red and gold dress Mary wears at her and Francis' coronation. I just think it's so beautiful :D
That is a very pretty one. Here's Markworth-Pollack talking about the coronation costumes: czcams.com/video/RWGMZUhuVGM/video.html
Thanks for the link! :D
Queenofmyself yes
Yes it was another one I liked it was royal blue one she wore it was the episode after Mary was raped and they were looking for the people who did it
What a coincidence I am on that episode right now ☺️
"Many of the costumes were bought from everyday stores"
I KNEW IT I FREAKING KNEW IT. I could NOT get into the show at all because the costumes looked like they went to the local mall for them and I couldn't STAND it.
I loved a lot of the costumes, I didn't mind that they were off the rack, I DID mind that they had random polka dots and key patterns that really didn't go with the more medieval-y pieces. I wish they had done more of the modern cut yet historically inspired stuff. More lace, less polka dots. And more hair styles! The hair down always was a no go. I liked all the intricate braids they did, but it wasn't often enough.
What'd you expect from a CW show. They aren't going to have a crazy large budget for customized clothing.
Yes I am adjusting adding to a Beautiful dress I picked up at a thrift store in the costume section !!! Beautifully made !!!
It really weirds me out that a fantasy series like Game of Thrones has costumes that actually stay truer to medieval fashion than a show is based on an actual historical character.
Also, what the heck is the mentality that teen girls only like prom dresses and ditzy romances? The whole thought is problematic, ugh.
Anyway, good work as always. Never thought I'll see a 43 min video on anything remotely related to Reign, but oh, well.
+Sritama Sen Yeah, I have a tendency to prattle on. :)
You crack me up, make me happy. 😀
Not to be disrespectful or anything, but The CW is known for making highly exaggerated romantic shows. And in the show's defense, the producers were allowed to take artistic liberties. It isn't problematic, it's just historical fiction.
The show is suppose to be a historical fiction, and has a great romance story. You should go watch it, it might get you out your air head. No hate.
@@sonaldoshi9816 I mean there's historical fiction and then there's historical nonsense. And the show it's definitely not historical fiction... 🤣🤣🤣
Personally,I cringed with Reign's costumes.I know I know,I am overreacting bla bla bla but honestly,I can't watch 16th century people going around in prom dresses.Marie Antoinette and the Tudors had a good set of costumes imo...I only stayed to the show for Francis...cute as hell :D
+ElberethOhGilthoniel Thanks so much for commenting!
I could not get passed the first episode because of the costumes and acting
Wow, then think you'll find interesting then that the way Francis looks is totally inaccurate then? He was a sickly boy that totally did not look like that, he was shorter than mary.
@@dannalopez6646 I know this,I've read about a lot of royals.The actor is still cute though 😅
@@sirih4085 I went into a not necessarily expecting a documentary. But it just felt like they were trying to see at what point they could push people over the edge with the Ridiculousness of the costumes. Sometimes some of the women in the show were wearing Macy's prom dresses. Sometimes they didn't even necessarily actually fit the actors like they were supposed to. Comeon guys. A little bare minimum is nice.
the costumes throughout the show are mixed and modern the only period costume used that are accurate of time are in the posters only...😀
+Pudding Pudding I was trying to figure out why they did that. I think the one that Mary wears in the poster was a rental because it's the most historically accurate.
Costume Cinematografico the costumes in poster got me but the dresses in the show not so much i could tell they were trying to get a certain age group🤔...me too old...my reason why i watch it is Megan Fellows
Least the tutors tried and as horrific as the white queen series where u must admit they had the casting looks and costume on point COA while the Spanish princess was badly done looked like Catharine should in the white queen Margret Amanda hale blew my mind .
Was anyone else a bit annoyed that in the final Mary wears black to her execution instead of crimson red?
Great video BTW!
I didn't see the finale pictures. I'll have to check them out.
But she DID wear a black overskirt or cloak. Her red underskirt was visible only once it was removed did the red become visible.
Sadly, tucked into her underskirts, was her lap dog, who wasn't revealed until after her head came off. His whimpering gave his presence away.
I tried to watch this show because i will watch anything period or historical but i was disappointed in the adaptation but as you mentioned i am not the target audience. Season 1 costumes put me in the mind of if an Anne Boleyn went shopping at Forever 21. Some of the dresses were beautiful though
Yes, absolutely! I remember as a kid, one of my favourite shows was Upstairs Downstairs. My parents watched it every week without fail and to this day it is still one of my favourites. While fictional, it was very historically accurate.
I think I was more distracted by the actresses gorgeous faces and makeup and hair that I didn't even notice the costumes 😂 I'm sure women didn't look so pristine back then.
The thing that kills the historical vibes for me (just that aesthetic, I know they weren't really trying to be actually historical) is the hair. All the girls have like, beach waves with their hair down. Even most queens today just... don't do that. It doesn't really put across a very professional image. But also, their hairstyles all look so similar. Just some slightly more interesting and historically inspired hairstyles would have been nice.
I have always thought that that beautifully shot series was a historical abomination
It's obviously historically inaccurate but that doesn't really bother me. I think when they use modern music and sort of a fictionalized, dreamy renaissance motif it helps communicate what the real people would have felt in the context of the modern age. So for example, what Mary would have worn, which by today's standards would come off constricting and sometimes dowdy would have felt chic and fashionable to her. So by dressing these characters in clothes that look fashionable to modern audiences, it helps communicate what it would have been like for them, if that makes sense. That's just what I think and I know a lot of people disagree. This was a really good review! Nice job!
Thanks Freya! I really appreciate you perspective.
Exactly!
Freya Baldwin-Stuart that's exactly what I always took from it
Freya Baldwin-Stuart that's exactly how I feel! Thank goodness someone agrees.
I feel exactly the same I think that if the outfits and the songs where way acurate I will not understand and like the story the way I like
I always assumed that they split the design three ways. More historically accurate and warm tones in England to reflect 'the golden age' of Elizabeth, more historically accurate but cool/dark/earthy tones in Scotland to reflect the climate and create contrast with England, and more varied and modernly fashionable in France to reflect it being like a safe haven in Marie's memory, like she's looking at her childhood through rose colored glasses. Plus I thought maybe they were leaning into France's association with being high fashion. As Marie got older and she became more savvy and hardened, her style changed and became more rooted in reality. I always assumed in her first wedding she wore a more delicate, bright, fashionable gown to reflect her being young, naive, and in love, and her second gown was more constricting and austere to reflect how she had matured and felt obligated to wed. If you look at her "almost" wedding gown for the Spanish Prince, she's wearing a red satin gown, which I thought fit well with her anger and deviousness as she laid a trap for the would-be regicide. It probably was all because the costumers had more to pull from like you said, but I think the shift in fashion worked with plot.
I _love_ historical fashion but I'm also a slut for this mock-historic fashion that Reign has. It actually influenced me to buy a skirt much like something I've seen Mary wear, and everyone who sees it loves it (if only I could find more clothing like that!). Still, I wish more shows were more in line with historic fashion because it was so stunning.
I also agree that Reign has potential, and it does have its good moments (for example it can be very funny, which is sometimes scarce in historical based shows), but it does lack in a lot of areas. It shies away from being a show that can be taken more seriously if it had a better plot (imo Bash's entire pagan Scooby Doo type investigations are just too ridiculous and too overdone) and better developed characters.
Ginger Turquoise Thank you so much for commenting!
No problem! I quite enjoy your channel's content!
The Tudors definitely took some liberties with the historical accurateness of the costumes and I understand that, it looks more sexy and interesting than real Elizabethan clothing. They've done this in movies too but Reign didn't even try to make it look similar to the 1500s. It's so irritating because I think it just takes you out of the premise completely.
Thanks for commenting Bright Trials.
Costume CO And thank you for making these videos! I especially love the ones on Game of Thrones.
I absolutely love Reign and I'm not an expert on fashion or history but I immediately noticed the use of modern fashion and music. Personally, I think that is one of the reasons I like the show so much because it allowed me as a viewer to connect more with the characters and the emotion. For example, when the characters are at parties and there's a hit song playing and dresses that I find gorgeous and would totally wear if I had occasion to, it's much easier to find myself enjoying the party as if I was there. Had the music and fashion been historically accurate, I think many viewers who aren't particularly interested in history and politics would be much more inclined to be bored and uninterested overall. Also, it's just a TV show for entertainment purposes only, nobody is expecting or caring about every detail being historically accurate. Why not just have fun with it? (Again, not an expert by any means this is just my take as an average viewer)
+meggs762 Thanks for sharing your viewpoint.
With that being said I really enjoyed your video and learning about both the historical and industry background. Thank you.
meggs762 Thanks so much! It's fun to see everyone's opinion of the show. Have a great day.
meggs762 I 100 procent agree with this!
Very interesting commentary on Reign’s costuming. I’m not a teenager and I could tell immediately the costuming was not historically accurate, but I loved it anyway! Seemed quite eclectic to me but very interesting. I liked the reinvention of fashion, rather than simply copying history that may have come across to a modern audience as unfashionable or even laughable. The dresses were so beautiful, all of them.
As a show, too much disturbing sex and violence for me, but Francis, Mary and Catherine were great characters, and I did often find myself thinking “Hey, I’d like a dress like that.”
I am 46 years old, love the show and never missed an episode. Loved the costumes.
I've been watching Reign since the beginning, and I never noticed any of this stuff. I knew that the costumes were not authentic to the time period but I never took particular notice, when you mentioned the leather pants for all the male characters that reminded me that they all do have leather pants, but mostly I just got wrapped up in the story. Oh and she was Queen from 6 days old. it's a pity there are only four seasons. it's been fascinating to hear your assessment of how the costumes have developed.
Crap, did I say 6 days old! I will add that correction in the CC at least. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Cheers, Heidi.
you said 6 months ooops.
Sorry, haven't had my morning coffee. :) I added a correction to the closed captioning that she was 6 days old.
Rohen Kapur its cause it was more of a evening soap opera, Frances never had a half brother either.
Tina Huttner I'm aware of that, Francis was only 16 when he died, but in the soap opera he was more late teens. The whole thing wasn't historically correct at all. it was based on her story but embellished with extra stuff.
Don't care if it's historically inaccurate. The whole show is all fictionalized, so it's okay. They all looked beautiful
It just takes you out of the story.
It portrays history incorrectly where teenagers will get it wrong even the Tudors was inaccurate
@@sibs544 The Tudors and The Reign costumes are hilariously bad.
And, this shows costumes spread even more misinformation about costumes of that time.
@@LEMON-bo2bq mhm but Tudors was the closest
You know what ... it is called entertainment. I loved the show and very much enjoyed this. Thank You for your hard work.
Tbh what I loved about the show was actually how they didn't take the historical accuracy too seriously and had fun with the costumes. Seeing "Queen Mary" in D&G and Alexander Mcqueen literally gave me life, if only the royals actually dressed like this today.
I LOVED how detailed your commentary was concerning all aspects of the costumes, history of the period, your opinions, referencing other designers, etc. I felt like I was in a design class. I wish I could find videos like this for all my favorite shows. This video inspired me to pursue my passion of fashion/jewelry design.
Wow, thank you so much! I'm so glad that you are following your passions.
Ha I’m their target audience... and man after seeing their grossly inaccurate costumes I’ve been deterred from even considering watching the show, because I know the costumes would thoroughly bother me the entire time I watched it.
I feel like people would agree that like, why would I watch a “historical drama” if I can’t even GUESS what time period they’re going for from the costumes?
Like if I’m gonna watch a historical drama, I want them to at least give an EFFORT to make it look historical. If I didn’t want it to look historical, I wouldn’t look for something that’s labeled a historical drama. :/
I would love to see you tackle Claire Randall Fraser of the Outlander series, since she is in both 18th century scotland and post war england. You coulod touch on Jamie Fraser too, for the traditional scottish male 18th century garb.
+dyslexia0star Oh yes, I'm just finishing season 1. So good!
Awesome, cannot wait for your costume analysis!
please
make a video about outlander (y)
+Azalia Gonzales Yes, I'll be working on that in July.
Costume Cinematografico keep in mind that the men rarely wear kilts because they are always on horses and things. They chose modesty, I believe.
I'm their target audience, and I was very well aware from the very first moment that the show wasn't historically accurate. I knew *nothing* about that time period mind you XD They definitely didn't give us enough credit. I'd rather see some historical accuracy than 16th century people in prom dresses having affairs all over the place. And it's not like the real story was boring either! Thanks to the show I am now informed on the actual history behind it, so to me it doesn't really matter if the show provided it or not. I really hope other viewers did some research as well
If only Reign didn't look like its actors raided a prom dress shop. What a shame, a wasted opportunity for the world to know more about Mary, Queen of Scots.
+Innate Nobility Haha! Yes, exactly!
I hadn't heard of the show until watching this video, and that is the first thing I thought. "Why is Bloody Mary wearing a prom dress?!" I really wish they had more faith in their audience to handle history. I understand they weren't trying to make an historically accurate show, but why didn't they choose someone who wasn't historic to make it about. If they were going to make something that was completely fictional couldn't they have come up with completely fictional characters. Too many young people are going to watch this and think that's what really happened. Someone in the comments said that all they have to do is google it to find out what really happened - but how many are going to go that far. They'll just accept what they are seeing as at least close to accurate.
+Jennifer Yes, and yes!
Jennifer bloody Mary is not the same person as Mary Queen of Scots. The nickname bloody Mary was Mary Tudor, Queen Elizabeth's older sister. Mary Stuart was Elizabeth's cousin.
Funnily enough, I just found this out today due to some very strange set of conversations I was having with my husband. My husband was born in Scotland and even he didn't know they were separate people. Mary I of England was a contemporary and cousin, but not the same person as Mary I of Scotland. Thank you for the correction, because if it weren't for the strange conversation I was having, and the fact that my phone happened to be in my hand today, I would not have known if you hadn't given me a heads up. :)
If I wanted a documentary or biography I would have watched the history channel. Reign was a beautifully made fictional series, the music, costumes, hairstyles, the entire mood had a youthful, modern flair, which made the whole watching experience more appealing to me.... I personally loved it but I always had in mind it was very loosely based on the life of Mary Stuart, so it didn't disappoint.... I'm 49 yrs old by the way... (characteristically) far from what is perceived as the entended viewing audience. I Loved this video, learned many things.... I never notice the finnishings on the costumes, or whether they have modern fastenings like zippers, etc.... I just appreciate the aesthetic.... obviously those details will be very noticeable to someone who works in the field of fashion or costume design... very interesting, thank you.
Thanks so much for commenting!
I totally agree! I love historical documentaries so when I’m in the mood for that I watch an actual documentary. But this show was like the type of show you watch when you don’t want to think too much, it’s beautiful to look at as the costumes were beautiful and fit everyone really well. It also had the intrigued and drama of like a soap opera. It was literally what I was looking for at the time. To this day, I still go back to watch it when I’m in the mood for something romantic and youthful. And I’m in my 30s so I don’t think I was also in their demographics but sometimes we don’t want to watch something so serious & realistic. And I agree, especially after watching this review, if you’re in the field, you’ll def be bothered by the fashion but as a normal viewer looking for something light and young, this show accomplished that for me
The only thing I didn't like about the show were the "Mary's" or that's what they should have been called.
@@LyricalXilence I mean, that would've become extremely confusing for watchers.
I mean, at 29:33, that character was meant to portray a real stuck up spoiled princess. So I guess that costume was chosen to represent some fakeness and some youthfulness and be completely out of place. But I agree, it was completely out of place for the show and the timeline.
Yeah, they did put Claude into a lot of kind of ridiculous pink dresses to really drive home the prom princess popular girl stereotype that she played when she was first introduced. I noticed that as she began to develop more as a character and start to lose some of that affectation of the bitchy stuck up princess, her wardrobe became far less bubblegum and superficial, and more harmonious with the other ladies in the cast.
I love period dramas, but I had to give up in season one, because the girls wore ca. 2012 prom dresses to their first ball, in the 16th century. Oh, brother.
Honestly I feel like they use 'younger demographics' as an excuse to cut corners; similar to what you said. It's very dumbed down and repetitive in its dialogue and story. With the costumes some feel like they throw some incredibly cheap looking lace and jewelry on to make it more seem more extravagant or distracting. There's a lot of dissonance in the quality of fabric and construction, too which makes it even more obvious. It really bothered me one episode when there was a tag sticking out of the back of a dress. I like the show but definitely agree with your suggestions and analysis. Thanks so much for these wonderful videos!
Thanks Hannah! You gave me a giggle with he tag. I've had some wardrobe malfunctions myself in the past on shows. :)
As I study art history and general history in university, this type of shows, I think, are just not my cup of tea. I think these shows create a wrong kind of picture of history and life of real people to audience. Biggest problem in historical dramas specially in America is that they don't hire researchers in they production. In Britain and Germany they use historians in period dramas and I think the difference in remarkable. For example Downton Abbey is like one of the most successful tv-series ever and historically it's amazing! Also Downfall (Der Untergang) German film about Hitler's last days is one of the most historically accurate films ever. I can't even watch others play Hitler than Bruno Ganz.
Anyway I think these type of shows are more like "drama" shows than historical shows and important thing is to remember that they are not historically accurate. In Reign I think they would have made far more successful series if they have use more historically accurate costumes and followed the real life of Mary Stuart - her life is much more interesting than the show's plot. I think they should have do something similar like Downton Abbey, Victoria or the Crown. I think all of these series provide that in the end historically accurate shows are more successful than this type of shows are except maybe Tudors but it was successful just because Natalie Dormer's performance as Anne Boleyn was amazing - even I have to admit that.
In the words of Tim Goodman in his report about this show: "Reign" brings historical absurdism to new levels and reveals just how dumb The CW must think its audience is to accept such fantasy as fact because real history is "hard" -- especially for a girl. In short, The CW is ruining the country." (www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/reign-tv-review-648214)
BTW loved this video! It was amazing and I am very happy to hear that show is ending - finally.
PS. Sorry for my bad English. I am not native speaker and I have a terrible dyslexia.
+Joa Moon Wow Joa! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and intelligent comments. As I mentioned, I've never seen the show. I really love Downtown Abbey, grew up watching PBS and the wonderful BBC shows.
My pleasure. Actually I haven't see the show either. I watched like two seconds from the first episode and I was like "yeah, nope".
It's not bad at all! My husband has Dyslexia. :)
Huge history buff and still loved the show all you have do is google and you you'll find the truth not hard at all.
MEDIVAL WOMEN COULDNT SHOW THERE ARMS OMG this makes me so maddddddd
Uh... but this show wasn't set in the Medieval era...
@@ladyfoxwf1075 Just switch the word "medieval" with "renaissance" and the comment still holds true.
Eve Irish
I like the costumes... except for that. There arms should be covered to fit the era better
I love the costumes on Reign, honestly that was the main reason I watches.
+Jennifer Robertson I'm glad you like them!
am i the only person who thought the dresses made it beautifully cinematic as it should be
I think the important thing in reign is that the fashion resembles the characters. They are a concrete depictions of the character's mood and state. Therefore the costume focus is not to depict the fashion of the time, but to support the character.
Thanks for commenting.
I initially watched the show only for the costumes! No matter what, they are amazing. Plus all the different crowns and hairstyles... The modern touch just makes them better imo
+irynaishere Thanks for commenting!
I agree!
I really do love this show! I may be reading into it too much but the whole "fuster cluck" of costumes shows how women have struggled through the whole time. Each era that the costumes draw inspiration from also relates the the fact women have had to work extra hard to prove themselves through all the eras. I think that's a really nice thought to have. This is a really good video, there's definitely some stuff that I didn't notice. I think it's really strange how I didn't notice just how modern and couture some of the dresses used are, it's crazy that you can literally buy a lot of the dresses from online; I honestly never noticed most of these off the rail dresses when I was watching the show. Maybe due to the fact that I was more interested in the story. Either way I love how this show embraces strong feminine roles and incorporates modern themes; it makes the show even more addictive and relatable.
You should really look into the clothing in this Turkish show called Magnificent Century and Magnificent Century: Kosem. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.
+Clown Love Hi there, Is it available on Netflix?
Season One of MC is currently on Netflix
The costumes are really pretty and most of them are historically accurate
Clown Love yes
I don't think a lot of their costumes, particularly the women's costumes, are historically accurate to the 16th century Ottoman world.
lolllll my brain exploded seeing this many time periods in the costumes alone!!!
Haha! Yes, indeed.
I think if you pretend reign is not about Mary Queen of scots, the series can be pretty enjoyable.
First I really liked the show and I study history of costume. At first I thought that the costumes were awful (like the high heels in season 1), but as the show continued I saw the development that you described. I also thought of the resemblance to movies like Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola and I think that in season 3 and 4 they did a good job of maintaining a kind of personal style from the characters mixed with a contemporary feel with the silhouette and a historical hint. I think overall the costume stylist did a good job of incorporating all of the different aspects and the modern music played in kinda medieval style makes a good match. It would have been a complete other show if they used realistic renaissance fashion, but the story wasn't realistic either. This show was a hybrid and I think that the costumes underlined that and matched it at least in the two last seasons very well.
I liked the mix of period costume and modern but sometimes they did take it a little too far, so much so that it took you out of the story. I find Kenna's looks in S1 often were too out of place.
The clothes, music, and ACCENTS bothered me. I watch basically anything somewhat historically based because I adore history. It bugs me how it's so often wrapped up in really incorrect things or just so much sex. I laughed out loud when I heard the accents on Reign, because it's supposed to be the French court! I guess most of them couldn't swing a solid French accent so they went with English. *facepalm* The clothes looked like prom dresses, especially early on, and while I realize the budget constraints, it bugged me! They'd have been accused of being prostitutes for showing their arms like that! If and how much cleavage varied by region and period, but the entire arms!? It's STILL a big deal when Princess Kate shows her arms! The music also bugged me at first, because it was jarring. But I did get used to that. And of course many of the costumes are gorgeous. But it's just... the printed keys dress in particular bugged me because it was obviously not stitched and they didn't print like we do today. So.... I know people can get over this and watch it. I did, and I watched the whole series. But I don't love that we HAVE to get over it. I'd like a show that at least tried. Without a ton of modern music. Or do like Reign sometimes did and have the music be orchestral covers, that was always lovely! A nice modern nod but not as obvious or jarring. Have fewer more appropriate costumes. And... I'd rather have them all do passable English accents than have a huge variety of skill of French accents but still, in a perfect world, if it's a French history supposedly, these are actors, maybe have actors who can do a French accent. Just once I'd like a show that's really faithful. History is crazy enough that we don't need to add people who don't exist (as much as I love Bash, he didn't exist so why add him as a main character!? Or Francis's son the Barron, who didnt exist either, and though bastards could slip by in history if not recognized, a recognized one would be remembered, like Henry VIII's Fitzroy). Again, I did like the show. I just... really disliked decisions that were made about the styling and making it soo about relationships (even with a half brother love triangle!?). I don't bash that too much because so many historically based or influenced shows do it, so it's a genre problem and not just a Reign problem. I was so happy to settle into the show in seasons 3&4, with less gripes with costuming and music. There was less of them taking their shoes off and dancing in prom dresses and if felt slightly more respectable.
One note though.... It did kind of bug me that the reviewer didn't watch even one episode, it doesn't sound like. Maybe some of the backlash would be less if she had. But it strikes me when someone puts this much work into something but they haven't done something simple like watch some of the episodes. I'm not a judgmental person, but it kind of rankled me. I just feel like I can more easily accept people's opinions, regardless of how in tune with my own they are, if they have at least shared, in part, my experience. Like for instance, Mary was wearing black with the mesh gold sleeve detail because she was in mourning. I also wish you'd maybe mentioned which character was dressed the most often in a modern look (Kenna, I think) and which was your favorite overall in terms of styling.
Fair point, but I was upfront that I'd never watched an episode.
cinnamongirl3121 Why should it matter to you
Also, you don't have to watch an episode of Reign. You could just look at the photos and screenshots and they're clearly inaccurate. I get that some of the costumes may have meaning, but she isn't talking about the meanings and symbolism, just the way the costumes look and how most them look like modern day prom dresses.
muffin6369 First off, Idk who the hell you are and I could care less. Secondly, I comment on almost every history video because I'm interested on the subject and I like commenting my opinions or facts on some of them. Lastly, unlike you, I've studied and researched Richard lll and there is no historical evidence that he killed the princes nor is there evidence that he was an evil man. He was ruthless, but who knows if he was genuinely a bad man. It irks me though when people say he was evil and stuff without no evidence to back it up and pass it off as proven fact. But anyways, have a nice life.
Historical,y I found it a farce. If it had been brought forward as a fantasy about Mary Q. O Scots I would have been able to accept better. I love historical fiction this was not that . And to top it off was as this info is showing the costumes. It reminded me of our play acting as children. Back then it was seen as cute.
The inconsistency is what bothered me. I was so surprised when Queen Elizabeth came in. Everything was on a whole new level.
Reign costumes are gorgeous! I loved the modern touch on the gowns
I´m only at minute 22 but I completely agree with you. One can design anachronistically, granted, but what I truly miss is a common denominator, an idea that powers and runs through all the characters of, at least, the season. In my opinion, it doesn´t matter that you draw inspiration from the tudor era, the 1900´s or your mother's wardrobe, but keep it consistent. Also, I love that you keep disclaiming that is your own opinion and the way you are being so polite about it. Truly enjoyable video. Thank you :D
+Paula Moran Thank you so much Paula! What a thoughtful commentary and I truly appreciate it. I don't want to get too harsh, snarky about the clothes because there are many viewers who enjoy it.
I think this show wasn't thought to be historically accurate (script or costume) even tho it is in some ways.... instead the main porpuse was to catch a young audience which it did... if you like romantic series this is for you👌 also the dresses in this show are soooo beautifull!!!
Thank you Sonia for your comment!
I’m a history buff, and I really enjoy Reign. However, I always was frustrated with the inaccuracies and sort of “off-ness” of some parts that were put in. Now seeing the transitions with the costumes, I realize why I liked the later seasons better. Thanks for this informative video!
Just got done watching the series for the second time! Loved it even more the second time around. I also noticed the modern accents especially Mary’s first wedding gown and all the sleeveless dresses. But overall I enjoyed the variety of dresses and colors. Thought the ladies and dresses were all beautiful and would describe them edgiest of period pieces. Kept me intrigued!
Reusing costumes would have been more accurate anyways because people didn't wear new clothes every day in Tudor years. Not even queens.
A whole generation is going to grow up accepting the utter nonsense of programmes such as this as actual historical fact. Apparently, the producers of 'Reign' developed the "historical" premise of this show like 1,000 blindfolded men in a room full of targets, each of them with handfuls of darts: throw enough darts, SOME will hit the target. And if they stab one another occasionally, well, so much the better!
+Brenda Harper Yeah, I was talking to a friend about this yesterday. It saddens me that some youth will take these adaptations as actual history.
Costume Cinematografico I do appreciate that you interject a bit of a caveat in your assessment of the costumes, which is, btw, excellent.
+Brenda Harper Thanks Brenda!
I watched the show a few years ago and I have to agree that I didn’t enjoy some of the ‘modern’ costumes that were used. I think the idea to give all of the men leather trousers was a great choice, as they are much more visually appealing and ‘rugged’ as men were supposed to be back then. The costumes definitely got better throughout the seasons, it’s just a shame that the time, resources and budget weren’t available from the start. The worst outfit for me was definitely Claude’s almost neon pink strapless gown she wore to her coming home party. It honestly made me cringe a little, but I suppose Claude’s character was supposed to be shocking and risqué so it suited her in a sense 🤔
Love it!
Will you review the costumes of "The Tudors" or "The White Queen"?
I'm definitely going to do the Tudors, but I haven't seen the White Queen. Is that Philippa Gregory?
That's great! Yes, it's Philippa Gregory :D
Okay, I will add it to my shows to watch. :)
Costume Cinematografico Great! :D
Its been awhile since I watched that series but I seem to remember seeing a Zipper on a dress. First episode
I've just started watching Reign as I needed something to watch on Netflix. I'm not in the target audience and know nothing about fashion, but I did notice the style was very contemporary of today with a little hint of being "old" . I though about this and instead of betting this was a cost issue I decided they have done this because this style is much more attractive to todays audience as the fashion at that time is ridiculous for us, not only the guys pants and neck rings and girls gowns and white powdered faces. I bet Elisabeth R wouldn't fly well with Reigns target audience. I agree that they could have done without that many costumes and I think many people of that time got their costumes enhanced and updated rather than replaced.
I love how they mix pop music in TV series and loved how they incorporated music from SIa, Lorde, ... as string pieces.
Thanks for commenting!
Bro- I only watched the show for Lady Lola 😭
tbh, the costumes on BBC's Elizabeth R were very pretty, just as pretty as the costumes on Reign, though the designs are completely different. I'm a young woman and I've watched Reign and I even know that the costumes aren't remotely historical. Also the "pumpkin" pants can look sexy on a guy who looks good on them and I would've liked to see some of them on Reign. Great video though. I would like for you to review the costumes of The White Queen, or the new Starz sequel, The White Princess.
Thanks Wendy! I appreciate your comments. Yes, men with good legs can look very sexy in pumpkin pants. I have had many requests for the White Princess. I am just finishing Outlander (also Starz) so I will check it out when I.'m done. From what I've see it looks very good.
Costume Cinematografico Oh you're welcome :) that's great since I love the costumes on Outlander as well.
Awesome! Hopefully have Outlander done for July.
i like the costumes, i love history but just allow myself to enjoy the beauty.
It's wonderful to allow yourself to be immersed in a show.
I want Mary's wedding dress to get married, the one when she marries Francis. AMAZING!!!
Yes, it's really beautiful.
I honestly didn't mind the historical inaccuracy of the costumes. Well, maybe I did a little bit at first, but then I became more absorbed into the story rather than the history.
The only costume that made me really upset, was the dress Mary was executed in. The fact that the original Mary, Queen of Scots wore red to her execution was so iconic because it showed her devoutness as a Catholic even to her dying breath, and I think they tried to portray that by having her hold her prayer beads as she was executed, but from a cinematic point of view, the red dress would have been better in my opinion. I mean, just imagine a stark, bold, red dress against a grey, muted scene. It would emphasize her as a character, and also show just how isolated she was from everyone, as she literally had no one at the end of her life.
But that's just me.
Well I like Reign and watched it since the beginning, but it kinda annoyed me after Francis died. Of course I noticed that the costumes were not accurate, but they are amazing. Their gowns are gorgeous, even if they have nothing to do with the historical period. I think it doesn't really matter because this is not an accurate historic fiction, it's just fiction.
The funny thing is that one of the things that attract me on the show was the costumes. They gave a modern feel that I enjoyed.I watch other series like Outlander and they are more accurate but is a series where the costumes blend in the scenario, because it doesnt get your attention, but in Reign they are like an extra caracter.I'm not a Teenager by the way.
I think this was a really interesting wY to break it down. I do think it's worth recognizing that the examples that do it so well are movies, often with much longer prep times, a set budget instead of an episodic budget. It's an enclosed project instead of an open end ended one. Even plays have all the costumes but they get done over and over, movies are a specific #of scenes more or less.
Loved the really deep detailing on other examples though, this was so cute
interesting how i didn't realize some of the outfits were literally modern off the rack stuff before. when you see them in the context of the show your brain, even when it knows it's not accurate, takes a leap to make it look just a little bit more historical
Oh, yes, in context of the show it will make more sense. But it's the overall contemporary look of the fashions that took me out of it.
I stopped watchting the series because everything was historically amiss, not just the costumes. The behaviour, the language, the hair, the make up. It was too annoying.
I wanted all their dresses though. xD
Could you do a video on Once Upon a Time? Particularly for the costumes used in the "Enchanted Forest" scenes?
Hi there, I'm going to have Regina in my upcoming video.
I LOVE the costumes in OUAT! Ecspecially Regina's, Killian's and Rumple's costumes. The good thing is, because this is a fantasy-show (kinda like "Game of Thrones") the costumes don't have to look historical acurate. (Sorry for my bad english.)
this show so incorrect with history facts, but the costumes were great.
When I started to watch Reign the one think that really annoyed me was the outfits, I really appreciate a show that is accurate with costuming.
So happy to have found this. The time line cluster cluck probably killed me the most. You've pointed out everything I've been repeating to my friends since I began watching the series. It's nice to know I haven't fully lost it!
Haha! No, you have not lost it. Thanks so much for commenting. 😆
This was the best episode I've personally seen to date. I learned SOOOO MUCH, regarding anchoring looks whether it be through color, texture, or silhouettes. I've never seen the show, Reign, but I was picking up on what you wound up discussing right from the start. I really look forward to seeing more episodes like this, very insightful.
Thanks Carla. I'm glad someone gets me! The young ones tend to tune me out. :)
Costume Cinematografico I subscribe to channels such as yours to absorb everything and anything about costume design. A critical narrative such as this provides tremendous value to someone like myself. Thank you again!
This is one of my biggest pet peeves about the show. Half the time, it just looks like they're wearing prom dresses with a crown. It's what I would imagine a teenager would come up with for "historical clothing".
PS, you should do Outlander! The costumes are amazing, especially season 2 which was set in France instead of Scotland and with a ton of embroidery. I watched a featurette on the costume design for it, and since (if you haven't seen it) the premise of the main character, Claire, is that she's out of her own time, they wanted her to look historically accurate, yet always just a little bit "wrong" for the time period. IE, 18th-century french gowns with a touch of Chanel to fit her 20th-century tastes. I adore the costumes.
+maybememory1 I'm just finishing season 2 of Outlander. Hopefully get to the shoe this summer. :)
the general fashion I believe is pretty much "fashion porn" material :P at least for me :P but yeah it is obvious that many pieces are contemporary and not historycaly accurate. but it doesnt reallt bother me
I enjoyed the modern/ historical-ish mix, well the idea of it. I think it made it seem more possible to wear those gowns in real life for me. The play with texture towards the ending was beautiful!
Hold up stockings were hillarious and all the fabrics.
it is strange seeing meghan follows in not-turn-of-the-century dresses :D I mean, she looked lovely in 1900s dresses
+Terinka14 Yes, absolutely. I first saw her in an Alice Munroe movie, Boys and Girls, when she was a little girl. I think that one might have been depression era.
It´s like some teenagers thought lets play a bit around with costumes - time period doesn´t matter, accuracy doesn´t matter. I tried to watch this series but I couldn´t get over the costumes.
Haha! Yes, absolutely.
I adored Reign, and I'm not a teenager. Although I knew about Mary during her time in Scotland, I had little knowledge of her childhood in France and being Queen consort there. Even though not historically accurate, the plots are within the framework of history, with fictional characters thrown in for dramatic effect. I found myself looking into the history and how it matched to the storyline. In the end, the show really emphasized how important alliances were in royal marriage and the court system & even a queen could be vulnerable without a husband. As a result, I really enjoyed watching the female characters out maneuver their male counterparts. As far as the costumes go, I always described it as Gossip Girl in medieval times...Kenna's outfits especially! Even so, there was always one gown, each episode, worn by Mary that would make me gasp out loud because it was so literally stunning...and made her standout...which was the point, since she was the main character & star of the show.
One thing I couldn't understand is how most of the background characters, the servants, the males had time accurate dresses and then mary (the protagonist) and her ladies had dresses that looked like they came straight from an american prom. This especially in season one and two; I felt that as time went by the dresses got more and more accurate. While, as you said, Elizabeth and Catherine's dresses were amazing since the start.
I hope one day when I grow up I'll study fashion and costume here in Rome where I live: to work for historical productions it's my dream!❤
+Rosalba Russo Thank you so much for your comments. Since you live in Rome, you have lots of museums at your disposal and of course Italy has a very vibrant fashion industry!
Costume CO oh thanks for YOUR comment! Your videos are always brilliant.❤
And, yes, living in Rome sure helps with that since we have a really good art academy where also my aunt studied fashion, I hope I'll one day get to study there. While waiting I'll visit all the museums and take all the inspiration I need!
What a FANTASTIC video. It's clear you've put so much work into it. I'm so glad that I found your channel - I had been watching the channel Prior Attire to learn about ladies' clothing in past centuries and CZcams recommended me your video on the side panel. YOUR CHANNEL IS AMAZING, and I'm so happy I found it. I am not a costumer myself (no sewing skills, sadly) but I am so very interested in fabrics, silhouettes, and such.
Also, I'm from Toronto, too! So nice to find a fellow Torontonian creating quality content on youtube :) Can't wait to see more of your vids.
+sunsetxsong Hi, so glad to meet a fellow Torontonian! Also, thank you for your kind words. I'll have to check out Prior Attire (cool name) It's just my first year, but I hope to up my schedule and get more vids out.
the historical inaccuracies of the tudors pissed me off more than those of reign. at least reign wasn't trying to be accurate.
Kristin Arrington the writer of the tudors said he wasn’t trying to be accurate, they were doing more of an historical soap opera or something like that, so it’s really the same. Maybe if the costumes had been all over the place like Reign maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad?
Love the costumes on Salem! The costume designer is a genius and i love many of his other works.
+Meryl Simmons Thanks for commenting!
A very even-handed treatment of the costuming. Beautifully done!
+Prof. Cecily Cogsworth Thanks Cecily! I'm doing some research for your question for the upcoming Q & A.
Tbh if it was accurate I wouldn’t like it as much...
This is such an amazing channel I'm so glad I found it!!! Could you maybe do a video on the costumes of The Vikings? That would be so awesome!
Andrea Gutmann I think I've had a request. I'll add it to my list of shows to watch.
@ 7:15 the beadwork on that dress is BEAUTIFUL!! It’s actually what inspired me to watch this video, haha.
Funny you should say that Emily. I was looking at a painting the other day that has that beautiful net detail. The painting was from the mid fifteen hundreds. Let me see if I can find it. 😊
I've watched and re watched Reign. I'm 65, my Friends late 50's. What I determined from the Costumes. They brought the very young girls as they were to the Castle. Over time their "design" became better as the girls adapted to life at "Court". We enjoyed the more youthful dresses. Every time I see red and gold and the poofed out skirts. I think of Carol Burnett. When she looks like she's wearing drapery or the clothes should be a rug to walk on. So for me. I loved the fun of Modern day Music, and the clothing was usually great. Elizabeth's Castle is bigger and lighter and so was she. Scotland Castle, Darker and so was the clothing and design. Etc... Any floral prints with big sleeves were OMG's for me. I love what they did with Kenna. It is Kenna... Bohemian, very stylish. Loved Mary in Black and Silver. Yes. It's not true depiction of that Era. Which is what we Love about it. And Holy Smokes. Where do they find those men?! LOL Lordy!! James, Conde, Lord Bauthwell!! Geez, King Henry, I could go on but there's so many great ones. I'm moving to Canada. Wink!
I hated that show, I was 19-20 when i watched it. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief for a moment. A big part of it was the costumes.
All of the dresses are so pretty. =) I hope that you have a nice day. =)
+Jazzy Puppet Thanks, I hope your channel blows up soon. :)
Yes the costumes on Reign especially in the very beginning (first season mostly) really bothered me because it took away from any sort of “authenticity” that was left of actually history. They could have added elements of the Tudor era like they did towards the end of the series throughout the series. I don’t however miss the pumpkin pants that one was a good call 🙈😄👍🏼
Yes, pumpkin pants are not that flattering.
I was certain Mary and Francis were supposed to be 15-17 years old in the first episode. Its just that Reign lengthened Francis reign so the characters got older. Historically, Francis only ruled for 17 months.
Yes you are right
Can you do gossip girl and analyze why it was such a huge fashion iconic show?
For god sake, the girls on this show look like they just came out of coachella
🤣😂😁
When I first watched Reign I was so confused by the costumes. I didn't know much about Mary Stuart, so I was got confused about what time this all was supposed to be happening. I noticed right away the costumes did not look accurate to something from the 15oo's. I still think some of the costumes are beautiful though.
I don't know why but for some reason your videos are very soothing.
+Tyra Awe, thanks! That's very sweet.
it's suppose to be historical fiction so I am perfectly fine with the costumes through out the seasons. but some like you said weren't the best like the pale blue dress on Elizabeth in season 4. but overall I love it just the same since they arent following the history. plus since season 4 is the last season to air on the CW. the writers may have had to forced 5 times the drama in one episode if you compared it to the other seasons.
Hi Margaret, thank you so much for commenting! Cheers, Heidi.
Please review the costumes of Outlander!!!
+Jack Griffin I have this on my list. :) I'm still on season 1.
When I used to watch the show, I regularly would say aloud, "There is no way they wore clothes like that back then!" :-)
+BodaciousBeverly Yes, absolutely!
Fantastic commentary. You clearly know what you're talking about. Educated, knowledgeable, great examples, great visuals. Loved that you reference Elizabeth R and Greenaway's The Cook! Never seen the show but am a fan of Mary Queen of Scots and have seen other dramas based on her.
+hamburgerhelperflick Thank you so much! Getting attacked on on fronts, it's nice to have an ally!