Downton’s back! And it’s most definitely a new fashion era. As Downton Abbey costume designer Caroline McCall says the shift to the 1920’s has meant a whole new wardrobe. Including two wedding dresses….‘Lady Mary’s wedding dress was the most expensive costume we’ve made. It cost around £4,000 to make,’ she says. ‘It’s a silver lace tabard fabric that goes into a train at the back, and underneath is a silk dress with silk sleeves. The detail at the back wasn’t really seen on camera but the lace goes into a V at the back with tiny buttons and it’s completely edged with tiny rice pearls and Swarovski crystal.’
And, given the competition between the two sisters in the series, how much pressure was there to make Lady Edith’s wedding dress different? McCall says she planned it carefully – and with the plot in mind. ‘Edith always been a little bit awkward but I wanted us to see her on her wedding day as absolutely stunning so that’s the way I went with her dress,’ she recalls.
Lady Edith's wedding dress is not to be missed!!
In the meantime one of Caroline McCall’s favourite moments thus far this series was dressing the two grandmothers for Lady Mary’s wedding. ‘Both grandmothers ignore the tradition not to upstage the bride and wear cream. Maggie Smith’s costume is so sophisticated and Edwardian and then Shirley MaClaine is all Hollywood diva in a turban with a bird of paradise. It’s bit of an outrage – the American granny really gone for it,’ McCall says proudly. ‘You pinch yourself to see Maggie Smith and Shirley MaClaine sitting next to each other in your costumes.’ And contrary to reports MaClaine ‘loved her costumes but she is more of a leisurewear kind of woman she doesn’t like whole load of fuss’.
Along with chief designer Susannah Buxton, Caroline is responsible for creating corsets, petticoats and tunics fit for an early 20th-century aristocrat.
"It can be pretty tough and stressful at times and obviously the costumes play a large part," she said.
Caroline started off her career at art college in Belfast before moving to the Wimbledon School of Art. She then trained with the BBC.
"I have been very lucky to make great contacts and I've done some lovely jobs along the way.
Caroline is responsible for some of the eye-catching costumes donned by the Downton Abbey cast
"But period costume is what I have always loved. So to work on a prime time costume drama was the job of a dream as a child," Caroline added.
"Sometimes I have to pinch myself. Sometimes you can't believe it.
