Being Rose

Costume Design

2025

Costume Design | Garment Design | Styling

This is a costume design project inspired by the play Being Rose by Richard James. The one-act play centers on Rose Woodford, an elderly woman with dementia who recounts the memories that shaped her life during her childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age.

For this project, I designed the costumes for four characters: Old Rose, Robert, Helen, and Twenties Rose. The goal was to create a distinct aesthetic essence for each character, one that communicates their personality and supports their storytelling. I then developed one of the costumes for the character of Twenties Rose, using second-hand garments to adapt and build the intended design

Old Rose Woodford

Rose Woodford is an elderly woman in her 60s who suffers from dementia. She confuses reality with the past, even inventing stories and characters from earlier periods in her life.S he is deeply nostalgic, idealizing dramatic moments by minimizing the pain and the event. Rose frequently recounts old stories and then loses track of what is real. She lives alone, but her son constantly visits her.

Costume for old Rose Woodford | Narration scene

Robert Trent

Robert Trent is a young man in his early 30s. He is married and has a daughter. He finds his mother after several years of being separated from her. He is very patient with his mother, who suffers from dementia; he cares for her and visits her constantly, even though dealing with her is very difficult. He physically resembles his father, which is why his mother mistakes him for his father.

Costume for Robert Trent | Scene 6

Helen Woodford

Helen Woodford is a single mother who left her husband because he was a gambling addict.From that moment on, she fought to raise her daughter, always defending her, eventhough her daughter was restless and had trouble at school. She used to work hard to support her family, but they couldn't afford a place of their own.

Costume for Helen Woodforf | Scene 1

Costume for Helen Woodforf | Scene 3

Twenties Rose Woodford

Young Rose is a shy and introverted 23-year-old secretary in a small office. She marries Billy quickly because she doesn’t want to be a spinster and idealizes marriage. After a few years of marriage, she becomes a housewife and falls into alcoholism, which leads to their divorce. Her husband abandons her and takes custody of their son. Rose becomes a lonely woman.

Costume for Rose Woodforf | Scene 4

Costume for Rose Woodforf | Scene 5

Costume Development

Costume design for Twenties Rose, created using two second-hand garments that were adapted to the required size and style. The pieces were reused and enhanced through careful tailoring, embroidery, and ribbon detailing.

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