Cate Blanchett plays the Wicked Stepmother in ‘Cinderella’ (2015). She wears 1940s inspired costumes designed by Sandy Powell in the film.
The live action adaptation of ‘Cinderella’ hits theaters on March 13th. Starring Lily James as the titular character, Cate Blanchett as the Wicked Stepmother and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother; the costumes are no doubt amazing. Oscar-award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell took inspiration from 1940s silhouettes and actresses like Joan Crawford for Blanchett’s looks. Powell wanted Blanchett’s outfits to look like a 1940s period film that was set in the 19th century.
See the Cinderella Posters with Cate Blanchett + More Stars
THE WICKED STEPMOTHER COSTUME SKETCH
A sketch of the Wicked Stepmother’s costume from the 2015 film, ‘Cinderella’.
Powell began working on costume ideas nearly two years before filming even began in 2013. About the Wicked Stepmother’s costume, she says, “They wanted to give the stepmother a bit of a history, to give her a reason for being the way she was. She was hurt, bitter, but there was no reason she should be ugly. She was beautiful but kind of intimidating.” For much of the film, she is dressed in a citron green shade which is often associated with evil.
CATE BLANCHETT AS THE WICKED STEPMOTHER
Cate Blanchett with Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera at the ball. Still from ‘Cinderella’.
Cate Blanchett was cast as the Lady Tremaine, also known as the Wicked Stepmother. The Oscar-winning actress plays a deliciously cruel character swathed in fine fashions. Her perfect wardrobe only adds to the sense of intimidation. “You know when you meet someone who is absolutely impeccably dressed, not a hair out of place, perfect makeup?” Powell told NY Daily News. “There is always something a bit scary about that in a kind of Anna Wintour way. It’s deliberate, like an armor.”
HAIR & MAKEUP LOOK
Cate Blanchet channels 1940s style and beauty as Lady Tremaine in ‘Cinderella’.
Going along with the 1940s themed costumes, Cate Blanchett’s hair and makeup for the film is also representative of the era with a pinned-up and curled updo. Her lips are a deep red while eye makeup is heavier on the upper lashes with less emphasis on the bottom ones. A “soft” smokey eyed look also evokes 1940s glamour. Finally, the long evening gloves and classic style jewelry including large brooches and earrings accentuate the wickedly perfect look.
