"My overall design concept for the costumes of “Beauty and the Beast” stems from what I call “fairy-tale opulence with a hint of realism.”
The super-saturated colors and patterns, the hint of shine in most fabrics, the miles of beaded and sequined trim applied to every inch of the enchanted objects — all these aspects create a mystical look and a fairy-tale world of lavish riches. As this kind of wealth simply doesn’t exist in the average theatregoer’s life, ornate costumes help the audience believe that money is no object for the Prince.
The hint of realism comes from the mostly historical patterns I have used from the Rococo time period and, of course, the real objects in the Appleton’s collection that served as the primary resource inspiration for the enchanted objects in the Beast’s castle.
Every object I have created has some sort of floral pattern, whether in the appliques, the fabric, or even a hint of flora in an overlay of sequins. The floral motif ties all the enchanted objects to the curse of the Enchantress and the magical rose that sets the story in motion.
The fabrics I have chosen for the enchanted objects are reflected in their human clothing as well. This helps the audience connect the humans they see at the end of the show with the clock, wardrobe, teapot and candelabra they first meet. In the end, it is still an opulent fairy-tale world — now magically real again."