Housewife 49(2006) movie & costume analysis

This film is set in the late 1930 and follows Nella Last a housewife aged 49 living in Barrow-in-Furness located on the North West English coast. she decides to send details of her life to the Mass observation project(a non-governmental scheme designed to document the lives of ordinary people at war time. Nella's defies her over protective husband and joins the local women's voluntary service where her life somewhat improves as it gives her purpose and distracts her from her marital issues. The film also shows her relationship with her two sons one of which we learn is a homosexual who endures the loss of his partner due to the war. This film gives a great indication of British Society at the time.

Reflection of the costume design in the film Housewife 49:

The 1940s inspired costumes in the film Housewife 49 follow the typical trends at the time due to the restrictions on resources as an effect of the war. Clothes were also rationed as well as food, so you also see repeating costumes throughout the film as characters re-wear their day- to -day clothes again and again. The colour palette Consists of mainly navy’s, browns, greys as well as opposing colours such as bright blues, yellows and red that were worn as a patriotic symbol in support of the country. Pastel colours also make an appearance in some of the patterned costumes used in the film.

Throughout the film many male and female characters wear woollen garments such as jumpers, cardigans, and vests. Mr Last is also gifted a blue woollen vest at Christmas to keep as ‘his best’ although later in the film he ruins it and tries to repair and mend it the best he can which was encouraged by government campaigns at the time. Women are also shown coming together and knitting garments to be sent out to soldiers. Small floral prints are also repeatedly used in the film costumes on blouses, aprons, and dresses. During the V-day celebrations Nella wears a navy polka dot dress with a pearl necklace which is a popular style of the time. The typical women silhouette pictured in this scene of the film consists of Knee length dresses, with broad shoulders and a cinched waist and short sleeves. During the Blitz scene Nella is seen wearing a siren suit, which at the time were popular.

The costume design where made by Charlotte Holdich.