Alexandra Byrne On: Last News

Designing the costumes for Emma, the Autumn de Wilde-directed adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic period novel, was a balance between staying true to the era (the early 1800s) while leaving room for some creativity and artistic license, says Oscar-nominated costume designer Alexandra Byrne.

In preparation for Autumn de Wilde’s Emma, costume designer Alexandra Byrne spent her time researching her favorite time period for clothing. “The reason I like this period is that it’s the beginning of fashion plates being published for women,” Byrne says. “The combination of the fashion plate and looking at the original garments lets you understand them as clothes rather than costumes.” Based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, and starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the eponymous role, Emma follows Emma Woodhouse, a young woman who spends her time meddling in the romantic lives of those around her. Here, Byrne digs into her fresh, personality-focused approach to a well-loved period story.