|
Satin fabric is a virtual necessity for the stagecraft and costuming industries. The unique fiber content and special weave of satin fabric produces a material that is shiny on one side and matte finish on the other. This makes satin a versatile, reversible fabric for many stage and costuming needs. For the stage, satin material is a staple for things like draperies, pleated stage wraparounds and props. Likewise, the costuming industry makes good use of Satin fabric in everything from period specific costumes and wedding gowns to lingerie and neckties.
Satin fabric is created with a low twist, warp-dominated weaving technique that creates a glossy surface on the “front” and a matte finish on the back. Satin fabrics are susceptible to wear caused by rubbing and snagging more so than the more sturdy cotton fabrics, and are therefore are considered luxury fabrics. Silk is the primary fiber content of satin fabric and the color choices of satin are seemingly endless. When cotton fabric is used to create a “satin” looking type of fabric it is called Sateen.
The costuming industry relies on satin fabric to give the appearance of luxury or elegance to a production. During the Elizabethan period, satin was one of the most popular materials used for lining clothing and shoes of the nobility. Costuming departments creating period specific costumes, such as those of royalty in the 12th through 14th centuries in Europe and England, are heavily dependent upon satin to create the illusion of grandeur. The heavier weight “baroque satin” or “bridal satin fabric” is the fabric of choice for these elaborate costumes.
The matte side or “back” side of satin resembles a type of satin fabric used during the 16th century as well. Costume designers will want to avoid “hammered” or “wrinkled” satin fabric for period specific costumes such as these because these types of satins are modern creations and would render the costumes unauthentic. Additionally, satin fabric for costuming should be used in wardrobes that directly correlate to the societal status and age of the character portrayed. Nationality and ethnic background of the character will also influence the costume designer’s choice of color and type of satin cloth that is used.
Regardless of the time period, satin fabric has been used for centuries in the creation of wedding attire, especially wedding gowns. A costume designer who knows a little history can create truly authentic costumes with satin material by using the proper color for the period wedding gown. In the 16th and 17th centuries, teen brides wore light green wedding gowns as a sign of fertility. Older brides of these centuries wore brown or even black satin wedding gowns, depending upon their age at the time of marriage. Queen Victoria set the current trend of the white satin wedding gown in 1840 when she wore it in her wedding, solidifying the “Victorian” era and the notion of the perceived purity of that time.
The stage manager has a much more limited, although equally important, use for satin fabric. In stagecraft, satin is primarily used for drapes and stage skirting. The lighter weights of satin fabric are used for this purpose.
A more minor use for satin fabric in theater production is that of props. For example, an ordinary folding chair and card table set up can be beautifully morphed into a royal banquet seating arrangement or intimate, romantic rendezvous for two simply by covering the chairs with satin slipcovers and adding satin table linens. Satin fabric can be used on stage as table dressing for larger banquet scenes as well as bed linens for the richest characters bed chambers.
Because of its unique weave, texture, and reversible qualities, satin should always be considered for stage and costuming when a luxurious or elegant look is desired. The versatility and endless color selections of satin fabric allow costume designers and stage managers to create everything from period authentic costumes to proper stage dressing. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that satin fabric be included in the basic inventory of any stage and costuming department to create that unique sophisticated look that only satin fabrics can achieve.
|