Could Tirelli Atelier Earn Another Costume Design Oscar with ‘Napoleon’? – Sky Bulletin
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In the realm of cinema, Rome’s esteemed Tirelli atelier has emerged as an icon, merging the allure of Italian craftsmanship with the storytelling magic of international film for almost sixty years. Tirelli is affectionately dubbed the “Oscar tailor’s shop” due to its influential role in producing award-winning costume designs for the silver screen.
With a rich legacy rooted in its establishment by the legendary Umberto Tirelli in 1964, the atelier boasts a track record of contributing to 17 Academy Awards for best costume design. Tirelli has most recently lent its expertise to the Ridley Scott-directed “Napoleon,” with renowned designers Janty Yates and Dave Crossman at the helm of the film’s costume creation. The design duo is in the running for an Oscar that will be unveiled at the forthcoming Academy Awards.
Dino Trappetti, who currently leads the storied atelier, expressed his anticipation in a recent interview: “Maybe it will win! Let’s add another medal to the medal collection,” adding, “The Oscar is not won by the tailor’s shop, the Oscar is won by the costume designer. But the tailor’s shop has the honor of having participated to make it win.”
The atelier’s journey began with Tirelli’s devoted pursuit of vintage attire—meticulously amassing over 15,000 pieces from aristocratic attics and global marketplaces, creating a timeline of fashion from 1750 through 1980.
Initially a modest establishment with a single sewing machine and a handful of seamstresses, Tirelli Costumes has now flourished into a mainstay in Rome’s Prati district. The space is adorned with their most revered designs, such as the exquisite ensemble worn by Tom Hulce as Mozart in “Amadeus,” earning costume designer Theodor Pistek an Oscar; and the sumptuous outfit donned by Michelle Pfeiffer in “The Age of Innocence,” which garnered designer Gabriella Pescucci the esteemed accolade.
Despite global recognition following the “Amadeus” Oscar, Tirelli remained firmly based in Italy, as recalled by Trappetti: “I’m not going to America. If America wants, America will come looking for me.” And so it did.
Over the years, the atelier has crafted over 300,000 costumes, meticulously stored in a sprawling warehouse near Rome, a treasure trove where designers seek inspiration and exceptional handmade creations. Trappetti emphasizes, “You can’t make those costumes in a factory. In a factory you can make films with robots, futuristic or fantasy. But these things have to be made by hand,” highlighting the inimitable artistry that defines Tirelli’s legacy.
FAQ Section:
- When was Tirelli Costumes established?
Tirelli Costumes was established in November 1964 by Umberto Tirelli. - How many Oscars has Tirelli Costumes contributed to?
The atelier has been involved in the creation of costumes for 17 Oscar-winning films in the category of Best Costume Design. - Can I visit the Tirelli warehouse?
While the article doesn’t specify visitation policies, typically warehouses storing such valuable collections are not open to the general public but may be accessible to industry professionals. - Are Tirelli’s costumes machine-made?
No, Tirelli’s costumes are hand-cut and hand-sewn, as the craftsmanship required for historical accuracy cannot be replicated by machines.
Conclusion:
The illustrious Tirelli atelier stands as a testament to the timeless art of costume design, interwoven with the tapestry of cinematic heritage. Tirelli’s unwavering commitment to excellence in craftsmanship has been recognized and celebrated in the world of film, and with the upcoming Oscars, it may once again play a role in crowning the achievements of costume design in cinema. Whether ‘Napoleon’ secures the atelier another prestigious Oscar remains to be seen, yet the legacy of Tirelli Costumes endures, resonating through the rich narrative threads it continues to craft for the silver screen.
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