Costume Remix #19: The Butler (2013)

As a baby costume designer, I’m so eager to learn and enhance my craft and I spend a lot of time studying other artists’ work. I am always inspired by the costume pieces from some of my favorite films. So, I decided to start trying to recreate, and in some cases, revamp or put my own spin on some famous and not so famous pieces from these films.

Lookit, we all know that I love and revere the great Ruth E. Carter. The reason why I have studied her design so closely is because she is the reason why I decided to take this leap and switch careers this late in the race. And I think that The Butler is one of the many examples of the greatness she is capable of. There are so many beautiful pieces I could have chosen from this film to remix. But I was most fascinated by the matching outfits worn by Cecil (Forrest Whittaker) and Gloria (Oprah Winfrey). I think I read somewhere that Ruth was inspired by a mail order ad from the period that advertised outfits similar to these. I swear if hubby and I lived during this time period we’d totally have us some matching jumpsuits…but I digress.

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Pattern: V9259 Misses' Criss-Cross Halter Romper and Jumpsuit with Length Variations

Fabric: Vintage print poly-knit from Rye Canyon Co.

Style: Halter Jumpsuit

Vintage/Contemporary: Contemporary

Instead of making an exact replica, I decided to make a halter jumpsuit in contrasting print and solid indicative of the era. The silhouette is similar and the print screams late 60s/early 70s.

Costume DesignLo BrewerJune 27, 2022DIY, Costume Design, Remix, Ruth E. Carter, The Butler, SewingComment