This sketch of the “shift” dress was done over a year ago, before Catriona or Sam were cast. I locked myself in a London hotel room and sketched for weeks.
As you can see, the final dress was a bit different, button instead of bow, 3/4 sleeves and a leather belt. But that is the process, it is an organic thing. Things change and evolve.
I guess it was pretty successful. It was such a pain to design and then to make. So many prototypes. But it is starting to grow on me…
Thanks, Terry!
I absolutely LOVE your designs for Outlander, Terry. In fact, I love everything I’ve seen so far, especially the fabulously talented cast.
It was a stroke of genius that came out of your time alone, tenacity and resolve to make it right. Hugs Terry and thanks once again for the glimpse into your life and creative process.
Warmly,
Karen Neale
Los Gatos, CA
Thank you Karen. I do have an amazing team. I need to write a piece about them. i have never had a team quite like them.
Love the insights into the creative process 🙂
I need to get a minute to write out how the process works! Maybe I need to write it down in small bites. It will take forever otherwise.
I think it was very successful! Thank you for sharing with us, Terry. I love learning about your design process. Your Outlander creations are wonderful!
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – that dress/shift design was brilliant. I just wish that in the first episode it was clearer that the men (Redcoats and Highlanders) thought Claire was in her undergarments. It was perfectly clear to readers, but I’m curious how many non-readers picked up on that.
You are never 100% sure until you see it in context. Once it is on set then you can breathe, especially with something like this one.
Terry, my apologies if I’m leaving this comment in the wrong place, but I just found your blog and love, love, love it. And I really don’t know my way around here yet.
First of all, your birthday poem is truly perfect, what a gift.
Secondly, I loved the show Carnivale (in a creepy sort of way)! The costumes were perfect, what a wonderful job you did with them.
I wondered about the home you pictured on Twitter but I thought it was something you were just staying in while you were there. What an adventure that it actually belongs to you and that you spend your time there, away from it all. You must learn something new within its walls every day.
And I’m in love with everything Outlander. I love the insight you provide through your blog and your costumes. It does seem real to me and I couldn’t ask for more from any of you involved with the show. Thanks a ton.
Sorry for gushing ~ Debbie
I am so very pleased that you designed this dress as you ended up doing…..its perfect I know it was tough to design you at first did not like it but now it has grown on you.I myself being a huge fan from start think that it could not have been done more perfectly.As she is in the 40’s the style to then fall through time to being a nightdress. Honest I would be happy with that style of many different colors for my own use!!!You are a fantastic designer Terry and it says a lot. I see clothes when I look upon the costumes….Everybody is blown away Thank You for being a fan yourself and putting so much into the designs beautiful job done!!
I have always designed for an audience who will understand and know what I am doing. i usually design imagining other costume designers watching.
On this show it is the fans.
My SIL, who has read the books but is not a social media fan girl, just watched the 1st episode and commented on the brilliance of the dress. I didn’t prompt her at all. Quite a testament to how well it worked! Btw, she loved it all!
LaRayne @Not1But2
That is what I like to hear!!
Terry, I love your comment “But that is the process, it is an organic thing. Things change and evolve.” The creative process is organic and the creativity in the process, the synergy and dynamics of everything involved create the magic! My husband is an incredible stonemason here in the US. When his customers know him and trust him as an artist he is able to create incredible stone work for them. Sometimes following an architect’s blueprints to the T cuts out the possibility for that magic. When he is artistry is freed up, the result is breathtaking. Your comment above is universal in the arts. Thank you for helping to create Outlander from the very beginning for all of us to enjoy! Your costumes are just beautiful and such an important part of Outlander’s magic. We all (husband, 18 year old son included) loved the first episode.
I really enjoy reading your blog entries. Thank you for giving us a look inside the process.
I have to echo the comments of others in that this white dress was a brilliant solution to transition Claire from the 1940s to the 18th century. The solid white is inspired. Is the fabric a wool crepe? I’ve always been curious what Claire did with her undergarments once she arrives in Castle Leoch – did she burn them in the fireplace? Perhaps the show will tell us?
Every photo and snippet I’ve seen about the show reveals beautiful costuming – the details! Your work is simply gorgeous.
I love the knit Cowl Claire wears. I noticed you had a pattern for the Knit Mitts…do you happen to have a pattern for the Cowl? I would love to have it if you do!
I don’t own any of the patterns on the show, and can’t give any out, I am sorry!
The simplicity of this dress, is what makes it astonishing!It is so elegant and essential! As for the designing, I believe, though you don’t know, who is going to be cast( hope I’m telling this right, english isn’t my first language), you foresee the possibilities and you design. Cause I believe, when one is a costume designer, besides from being creative, innovative and fully educated, you must be some kind of psycologist and “prognosticator”. And as we all see, you got it! 🙂