Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel takes place in 1905 New York, and focuses on an African-American woman making her living as an intimate apparel seamstress. Intimacy, the exposure of one’s inner self, and the nature of undressing are some of the major themes explored. To make this evident in my design, I chose understated colors and textures for the exterior garments. When the characters are in a state of undress, more intricate patterns and richer colors are revealed to suggest the deepest, richest, but most vulnerable pieces of our spirit are the pieces we keep covered from most of the world. This provides a strong character contrast between Esther, the seamstress, who goes through the process of being undressed, and her clients, who are always undressed.
Research
Watercolor Renderings
Regan Shaw Design 