A Lucid Chat with Costume Designer Edward K. Gibbon on The Lost Daughter
Discussing Costume Design for 'The Lost Daughter' Starring Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson on Netflix with Designer Edward K. Gibbon
Edward K. Gibbon, the brilliant costume designer behind The Lost Daughter, takes a breather from his chaotic artistry to share an exclusive, enlightening chat with our curious interlocutor, Spencer.
Spencer: Edward, my dear friend and formally acquainted stranger, I am absolutely thrilled to have you here! You've woven a spellbinding wardrobe for The Lost Daughter, so let's dive into your intriguing journey as a costume designer. Did you intentionally choose this eccentric vocation, or did it find you like a muse in a dark, mysteriously lit, remote studio?
Edward: Ha! I confess, Spencer, my pursuit of costume design was a winding, improbable path. I knew nothing of such a career when I was a young lad, shackled in an old, traditional, stodgy British school that scarcely encouraged artistic pursuits. Back then, I aspired to be a thespian and attempted working the door in a theater, hoping I'd somehow slide into the acting world. My aspirations eventually shifted to graphic design, where I built a successful career. But like a dormant passion, the desire to create costumes spent years simmering in the back of my mind. I eventually found my calling when I sank my teeth into a theatre gig, apprenticing with a designer and discovering a vocation that perfectly balances artistry and craftsmanship.
Spencer: Your background offers such a unique perspective, Edward! I've noticed in many costume designer interviews that they invariably claim to have stumbled upon their profession haphazardly. There seems to be a common thread here!
Edward: I suppose so, Spencer! I find it fascinating how our careers find us when we least expect it. Reflecting on my path, I believe that each experience has led me to where I am today. It's essential to remain grateful for all the moments that contributed to my journey and stay open to new opportunities.
Spencer: In a world teeming with The Lost Daughter, we now turn to the subject at hand. This film is a tour de force, particularly Olivia Colman's scintillating wardrobe, which caught my attention. What served as your inspiration for Leda's costume design? How did you balance the hint of restraint with the signs of liberation that Leda experiences throughout the story?
Edward: The challenge with Leda's costume design lay in crafting a character who is both elegant and sophisticated (which Olivia portrays beautifully) and yet has a touch of humor and a sense of being slightly controlled and limited. As the story unfolds, we watch our protagonist evolve, and her journey is mirrored in greater color, shape, and freedom in her outfits.
The flashbacks to Leda's younger days revealed a slightly looser, less controlled style, which we took applied to Leda's appearance throughout the film. We introduced moments of liberation as Leda breaks free from her constricting hold, culminating in a bold, vibrant red dress for a powerful scene where Leda sings "Livin' on a Prayer" with unfettered joy.
Spencer: I couldn't agree more, Edward! The film's textured, multi-layered aesthetic was a captivating spectacle to witness, and Olivia's dynamic wardrobe played a significant role in that experience. Speaking of wardrobes, Leda's fabulous pair of sunglasses gave me life! Are they alpha and omega of cool, or what?
Edward: They are cool, aren't they! Sunglasses can make or break an outfit, and these vintage Celine shades that we found in a boutique in Athens are the stuff of dreams. You can thank Leda's impeccable taste for that timeless fashion moment!
Spencer: I feel like it was an iconic fashion statement the moment Leda's character blazed across the screen. Was Olivia involved in the creative process surrounding Leda's costume design?
Edward: Absolutely! Collaboration between the actor, director, and costume designer is essential for a successful and authentic character transformation. Olivia adds her input, and together we explore Leda's personality and layers to create outfits that support and enhance her portrayal of the character.
Spencer: The contrast between Leda and the fiery, uninhibited Nina, played by Dakota Johnson, is striking. What story did you intend to tell through Nina's costumes?
Edward: The contrast between Leda and Nina was intentional, as it beautifully underscores their vastly different personalities and experiences. Leda is composed, elegant, and restrained, while Nina is brash, bold, and fiery. We sought to create a juxtaposition of their visual identities to help the audience form snap judgments about their characters. However, it's crucial to remember that the film isn't judgmental; we aimed to provide subtle hints about the characters that allow viewers to make up their minds without being overly didactic.
Spencer: I adore the fresh take on Leda's wardrobe, and I've been mulling over that gorgeous red dress scene. I was utterly in awe of its symbolic presence, feeling as though it was a testament to her inner strength and freedom, much like a Greek statue. What inspired that powerful finale look?
Edward: I can't claim credit for the inspiration behind the finale outfit; it emerged from a collective vision shared by the costume, hair, and makeup teams. The flowing, sheer fabric lends a dreamlike quality to the scene, while the bloodstains add a tragic, raw, and poignant touch that encapsulates Leda's emotional journey. The white fabric also serves as a connection to earlier scenes in the film, acting as a visual motif that binds the narrative together.
Spencer: You have a golden touch when it comes to designing costumes that serve as the perfect canvas for an unforgettable cinematic experience. What's on the horizon for you, Edward? Can you share any upcoming projects you're excited about?
Edward: I've recently wrapped up an international terrorism thriller for Apple TV called Liaison, which should prove to be a stark contrast from the heart-wrenching drama of The Lost Daughter. Additionally, I'm gearing up to work on a dazzling musical production in 2022. I can't wait to exchange my designer's hat for a conductor's baton and bring the magic of music, costume, and artistry to the stage!
Spencer: Oh, I can hardly contain my excitement for your next endeavor, Edward! It's been a pleasure speaking with you today, and I hope our paths cross again in the future. The Lost Daughter is currently streaming on Netflix; go watch it and marvel at the artistry of Edward K. Gibbon's costumes!
Edward's enchanting costume design for The Lost Daughter* offers a glimpse into the fusion of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and entertainment, as evidenced by the unique perspective he brings to his work.
In his upcoming projects, Edward plans to continue pushing the boundaries of costume design, bringing his exceptional talent to a dazzling musical production in 2022, showcasing how his pivotal role in the world of fashion-and-beauty extends beyond the silver screen.
