Cool Costumes From the Land of Oz

By: Lynn Barker

While in Pasadena, Ca. at a press event for the magical new Disney film Oz: The Great and Powerful, Kidzworld took a close look at several of the costumes for the major characters in the film; the three witches, Evanora (Rachel Weisz), Theodora (Mila Kunis) and Glinda (Michelle Williams) and Oscar Diggs, later Oz himself (James Franco). 

Costume designer Gary Jones, who once worked with Ringling Brothers circuses, researched circuses and carnivals during the period between 1880 and 1930 for the look of Oz. He centered around 1900 and added a fantasy flair. Oscar Diggs is an illusionist/magician with a ragtag circus when the film begins. Jones also collaborated with director Sam Raimi and James Franco who had his own collected photos from that era. Everything meshed into the dapper cutaway suit the lead character wears throughout the film.

For the three witches, Jones collaborated with designer Michael Kutsche to create three distinct looks for the magical ladies. For Evanora, the temporary ruler of Emerald City, the designers drew inspiration from the architecture of the city, an Art Deco vibe. Kutsche did some sketches and Jones brought the designs to life in fabric. Later Evanora rocks a darker gray and black look.

Theodora has two distinct looks; one a trendy white, black and red riding outfit with an amazing red hat that most of us would wear today (well, maybe not the hat). Later, let’s just say she sports a very different, much darker and iconic costume.

Glinda the good witch; is all sweetness, light and delicate glitter when we meet her then, later on she changes into a more structured, feathered-bodice look; the equivalent of “fairy princess armor”.  She, of course, has her bejeweled crown and very pretty wand.

The actresses and James all praised their various costumes for helping them really get into their characters and seeing the outfits ourselves, we can see why.