Making 'Em - Kong
Here we are just going to post tips that are Kong Costume specific for
making costumes.
Most of our tips are over in the main
Making 'Em
section under LOTR. Be sure to check out that section for dozens of
articles on
duct
tape dummies,
pattern alterations & fittings,
fabric
modification techniques including distressing and dying and many other
construction tips. Be sure to
check it out.
Making Index
Patterns
Time Period Notes
A Few Quick Costuming Tips
Men
Women
The Time Period Notes
The 2005 King Kong was set in the 1930, the same time frame as the
original movie. Peter Jackson wanted to stay with the original period:
"I just wanted to be able to have
the climax of the film - which is obviously the iconic sequence of the
biplanes attacking Kong on the top of the Empire State Building - and I
couldn't figure out a way that you could ever justify having biplanes
attacking him if it was set in the modern day. Also, I think it gives the
film a little kick sideways into a slightly fantastical realm as well. I
think that there's no real sense of mystery or discovery in the world
anymore today. Yet in the 1930s, you could believe that there was one tiny,
uncharted corner that hadn't been discovered by man yet…this one tiny,
little speck of an island on the ocean that could have slipped through the
net."
Muted colors were chose for the opening New York scenes. Grays,
neutrals, many browns, muddy colors, true blues, navy and a bit of green.
The only red seen is very deep - maroons and dark magenta or rust.
The ship and the jungle colors are lots and lots of kaki, black, creams,
mocha, some navy, some denim (color, not trousers),
New York in the finale has shaper colors - pure blacks and whites.
Lots of grey, less brown, navy, little bits of color, lavender, green.
In contrast throughout, Ann's colors are purer and un-muddied. She
stands out in whatever background she's against.
A Few Quick Costuming Tips for King Kong
The King Kong costumes are fairly easy to reproduce, even though we do
not have all the info yet. Much of the clothing and many of the
accessories can be hunted down in thrift store. Modification may be
minimal.
The men's suits need wide lapels and wide ties. Pinstripes and louder
ties were popular. Many of the shits and ties can be hunted down in the
thrift stores. The shirts can be bought. Be sure to
accessorize, and where appropriate
distress the costume.
Men were more formal. Vest were worn more as were ties. Also
look a "V" necked sweater vests and sweaters to tone down the formality.
The Island Adventurer outfits will be the main costumes that need to be
constructed vs. "found".
The women wore both dresses and separates. Slinking and bias cut
looks. Many of the fabrics we see in the film are shears and semi
shear. Slips add a 3rd layer under the linings for the proper look and
"modesty".
Besides a slip, It is very important to add a long line shaper, or even
girdle, to the look. It makes all the difference in the look.
Even the lower classes wore "proper" undergarments. No giggle or
lumps. In reality, seamed stockings would have been worn.
However, that's a detail that seems to have been skipped here so you have
your choice in hose
Hat's and the right style shoes will help the look. Hats are very
important and were worn outside a lot of the time.
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