Clothes Make the Character - The Role of Wardrobe in Early Motion Pictures

"Clothes make the man" (or woman). This is especially true in early Hollywood silent films where a character''s appearance could show an immense number of different things about them. For example, Theda Bara''s role in A Fool There Was (1915) was known for her revealing clothing, seductive appearance, and being the first "Vamp."

Wardrobe and costume design played a larger role in silent films than in modern movies. The character''s clothes told the audience who they were and what their role was in the movie. In this in-depth analysis, the author provides examples and explanations about noteworthy characters who used their appearance to further their fame.