Patterns for Performance is a new strand for the Awards, encouraging students to design a period garment for a character in a performance.
The Patterns for Performance Awards launched in 2019 for students to design a period garment for a character in a performance.
You can see examples of previous Patterns for Performance finalists on The Costume Society's YouTube channel.
For 2020 Michele Clapton, costume designer for Game of Thrones and The Crown, was our judge and chose the winner.
2020’s shortlist were all graduates from Wimbledon School of Art, University of the Arts London (UAL): Evie Bertram, Sophie Jones and Eleonora Pariselli responding to Into the Woods, Romeo and Juliet and the Magic Flute.
All of the garments were based on the Janet Arnold patterns for the primary research, while also taking account of further scholarship such as the work being undertaken by Jenny Tiramani and Susan North.
The design was based around any character for a performance, including dance, theatre and opera, with the designs and final costume expected to extend, expand, and develop the theatricality of the garment. Initially, the design, and supporting research, was submitted as a toile made in calico, which was then photographed as part of the interim submission.
The shortlisted entries were then offered the opportunity to develop their toile into a fully realised costume.
Both competitions are open to any student currently studying at second year undergraduate level and above, including post-graduate.
Patterns for Performance are saddened to see that access to museums and archives is still limited by closures due to Covid19. We will be taking these restrictions into account in the judging of this award and hope that students will still be encouraged to enter their work.
The Awards are an important part of the Costume Society’s output and we are keen to continue to promote the high standard of craft and artistry that they produce.
We understand that everyone is working under Covid19 restrictions and that you may have limited access to facilities and be unable to meet with the person who was to model your toile, but we hope that you will continue to work on your entries. Please photograph your toile to the best of your ability, preferably on a mannequin or a person (if possible). As soon as we have further information on the progression of lockdown and the possible opening up of universities we will be in touch again.
