Volvo OPINIONS Forum

OK, being a creature of the stage and other theatrical venues at times, I take great interest in costumes and costume designers. I admit to being very conservative in many things - I expect Donna Elvira to be kitted out in 18th century garb, not biker pants. However, the great wardrobe mistresses of the past are a dying breed, and even when the costume budget is very lavish, things can get out of hand.

My particular peeve is...Girlie Shoes. By that I mean that whatever outfit woman is wearing is feminized because she is a woman. Huh? A woman is wearing it, why wouldn't it be feminine? Well, are combat boots feminine? No. They are for a certain task. If a woman is wearing those boots, she is doing so for a reason. Why make them look 'girlie' just because its on stage or a movie?

Occasionally, a woman will play a male part. Happens a lot in Mozart and Handel. I've had to do it, especially when I was younger. Quick, get out the girlie shoes! Nickers, stockings, vest, tricorn hat....and high heeled shoes. What? Usually I manage to put my foot down- no pun intended- and get something reasonable. Occasionally I lose to the over-puffed designer, and try and not twist an ankle if I have to make some masculine moves on stage. Such as jump out a window.

Movies do this same silly thing.

Watching Dune series the other night, I noticed with chagrin that Jessica is struggling in the sand in high heeled boots. Her son Paul Attrades has what you would expect in a rugged environmental suit. Sturdy wide soled boots. But mom? No, she has the rugged suit with impractical footwear, perfect for rolling an ankle in. How they were found in the crashed dessert flyer I have no idea. And the actress playing her was having a hard time of it too floundering about in the sand.

Why? What is it? Where does this need to sexualize clothing come from? Its silly. I don't understand it.

Its like mice that eat erasures.