FA1S45 - Innovation in Costume 01 Jan 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FA1S45
Module Title: Innovation in Costume
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Fashion, Marketing and Photography
Faculty Sub Group: Fashion Marketing and Photography
Module Leader: Emma Embling
Module Team: Caroline Thomas, Steven Wright
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100055 - fashion design
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jan 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

1.To develop practical skills to be able change the human silhouette into another form such as an animal

2. To introduce different types of body padding techniques used within the costume industry

3. To produce a complete and wearable body padding/costume fit for stage

4. To develop an understanding of the functionality and practicality of costume for stage

Content Summary

There are many ways in which the human silhouette can be changed to make a wearable costume for a character within any area of performance.

This module will explore a variety of body padding techniques which are currently being used within the theatrical and film industry.

Students will be taken on a field trip to see a theatre production, such as Lion King or Shrek, to see where these types of costumes are currently being used. Where possible students will be taken on a back stage tour to study the costumes. Students will also be taken to visit a costume hire company such as Welsh National Opera Costume Hire to study fastenings and finishing’s of theatre costumes.

Students will then be given a variety of practical masterclass workshops to teach them current body padding techniques used within the world of costume, and shown how they can be applied/worn on the body. These costumes will be cut and constructed for an individual performer.

Upon completion of these workshops students will be required to interpret a costume design given to them and produce a complete costume, using the techniques taught throughout this module. The costume must be both functional and practical for the wearer/model. The students must work in pairs to assist in each other’s fittings, further developing their fitting room etiquette and communication skills.

Upon completion all work will be photographed and included in the students portfolio.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 1
Tutorial 1
Project supervision 10
Practical classes and workshops 30
Supervised time in studio/workshop 5
Independent Study 68
Directed Study 82
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Groupwork 1
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Evidence creativity and innovation through production of practical work
LO2 Incorporate appropriate history, theory and taught techniques to produce a wearable complete costume piece

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Project Output 1 Completed constructed costume based on historical research. 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Project Output 1

Reading List

(i) Pollatsek S. (2016) Unbuttoned: The Art and Artists of Theatrical Costume Design. Routledge;

Bellini J, Angel S (2015) Behind the Seams.,UK ed. Edition, Morris Angel and Sons Ltd;

Huaixiang,T (2007) Costume Craftwork on a Budget: Clothing, 3-D Makeup, Wigs, Millinery & Accessories: Clothing, 3-D Makeup, Wigs. Focal Press

(i) Hoos Fox J , Polhemus T, Gregg Duggen G, Zidiankis V. (2011) Not a Toy: Radical Character Design in Fashion and Costume., Collectors edition Pictoplasma Publishing;

www.wbsstudiotour.co.uk