making history

Besides a solid performance by Emily Blunt, the best aspect of The Young Victoria are Sandy Powell's costumes.

The film, detailing the rise of Victoria to power, is a bit choppy. And despite the stellar cast, it doesn't really come alive on-screen due to a lack of narrative focus.

But legendary costume designer Powell (Shakespeare in Love, Far From Heaven, The Wings of the Dove, The Aviator) gives the film a colorful, visual punch. The dresses are gorgeous but not in a distracting way.

Powell researched Kensington Palace archives and paintings for inspiration.

Check out this fabulous interview with Powell on Hist-Fic Chick!