"Alice Through the Looking Glass", the sequel to Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland", this time directed by James Bobin (and produced by Burton) will be released next week. The film plot revolves around Alice returning to the world of Wonderland and travelling back in time to save the Mad Hatter.
In all the trailers released so far Alice (Mia Wasikowska) can be seen wearing a very colourful creation by costume designer Colleen Atwood.
The design is defined as Alice's "Mandarin costume" online, the embroidery and decorations (and the boots as well) look indeed derived from traditional Chinese costumes, but there are elements such as the details around the shoulder area that betray a different derivation.You could indeed almost make a comparison between Alice's dress and this Burmese theatrical costume for a Prince or male lead character.
This costume - from the archives of the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery - was donated by Noel F Singer (Panchee Nay Myo). The performer (who left his country in 1962) studied historical costumes and his designs for performances in Britain during the 1960s and 1970s borrowed from his extensive researches. He adapted textiles and items he had brought from Burma (Myanmar) or found at London markets and created with them exquisite theatrical costumes.
It would be interesting to ask Atwood if she ever saw costumes such as this one or if she combined in her "Mandarin costume" elements from other traditions: whatever the answer, the costume perfectly fits in with the moods and atmospheres of the film and the fantastic worlds (and times...) Alice moves in.
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