Hamilton's Attire Echoes the 18th Century: Unveiling Narratives through Period Costumes
Written by the brilliant mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Thomas Kail, Hamilton is a dazzling phenomenon redefining the cultural and theatrical landscape. This sensational musical, which won 11 Tony Awards, 1 Pulitzer Prize, and 1 Grammy Award, tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.
"A modern take on America's past"
The immersive story, set against the backdrop of rap, hip-hop, R&B, and soul music, perfectly encapsulates the journey of Hamilton from immigrant to top political figure, founder of the Treasury, battlefront commander, and devoted family man until his untimely death. What sets this musical apart is its innovative approach to merging modern and period elements to bring Hamilton's story to life.
"Designing with purpose"
The extraordinary costume design for Hamilton was the vision of Paul Tazewell, a prolific designer with an impressive portfolio in theatre, film, television, dance, and opera. Tazewell, who has been involved in more than a dozen Broadway productions and is known for his attention to character interpretation and period research, aimed to create an authentic and visually stunning costume design for Hamilton. The result was a remarkable fusion of style, excellence, and innovation.
"It's the details that matter"
With historical accuracy serving as a foundation, Tazewell researched every element that would impact the costume design. From fabrics and colors typical of the time period, to the evolution of garments and silhouettes, no detail was overlooked. With the story taking place from the 1780s to approximately 1810, the costumes gracefully transitioned from frock coats to tailcoats, and from ballgowns to regency dresses.
A personal touch
Although staying true to the period, Tazewell added a contemporary touch to the costumes, making them more relevant to a modern audience. He accomplished this by drawing inspiration from contemporary art, including the works of painters like Kehinde Wiley and fashion designers such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. This unique blend set Hamilton apart, allowing it to speak to both fans of history and modern art.
"A seamless blend of the old and the new"
By combining historical accuracy with modern elements, Tazewell managed to create captivating costumes that represented each character excellently, while still maintaining the innovative and period-defying vision Miranda proposed from the beginning.
For an unforgettable theatrical experience fueled by rap, history, and revolution, don't miss Hamilton. Experience this remarkable production for yourself and immerse yourself in a world of history, reimagined.
[1] - Hamilton's costumes were inspired by a blend of historical and modern elements. Tazewell juxtaposed image research of 18th-century clothing with contemporary fashion and street clothing to create a hip-hop-infused take on the birth of America. This fusion allowed him to maintain a connection to historical accuracy while injecting modern flair, important for the show's unique narrative style.
- [1] National Arts Club. (2021, January). Designing Hamilton. [Interview]. Retrieved from [https://www.nationalartsclub.org/category/designing-hamilton/]
- [2]https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/hamilton-history-has-its-eyes-on-you/15lRhpvT0IrT
- [3]https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/11/theater/hamilton-and-history-are-they-in-sync.html
- [4]https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-paul-tazewell-hamilton-costumes-20160610-snap-htmlstory.html
- [5]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YM9RHD1LwI
- [6]https://www.historyextra.com/period/georgian/alexander-hamilton-facts-duel-aaron-burr-united-states-america-musical/
- [7] Dress Historians discuss Hamilton's Costumes. (2020, May 27). [Video]. Retrieved from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=825DufLvS-o]
- [8] Dress Historians React to "HAMILTON". (2015, November 5). [Video]. Retrieved from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGuQZBuntPc]
The extraordinary costume design for Hamilton by Paul Tazewell showcases a fusion of historical accuracy with contemporary inspiration, drawing upon research of 18th-century clothing as well as contemporary art and fashion.
The innovative costume design of Hamilton mirrors the show's unique narrative style, seamlessly blending historical symbols and modern flair to create an immersive, hip-hop-infused representation of America's beginnings.
