One of the guest speakers at Costume College 2019 was Marion Boyce, the costume designer for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012-2015). Plus, she brought several costumes from the TV series to be displayed during the weekend. Since we know many of you around the world read this blog and don’t attend that small conference in Los Angeles, California, we took photos to share!
All of these costumes were worn by Essie Davis. The details and descriptions were posted at the display and provided by Marion Boyce. Click on the exhibit photos to see larger versions.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 2, Episode 4, “Deadweight” (2013) –Â Harlequin Day Coat and Hat
Jacket: Silk chiffon with silk-velour diamonds. Hat: Felt with original Victorian twisted raw silk trim, Osprey feathers, silkworm thread and velvet bind.
“This outfit is worn at the St. Kilda esplanade and the fabric for this ‘let’s go out and have fun’ coat was sourced in Rome, Italy. It creates a brilliant combination against the sea and sand. Part of the fabric from the coat was used to make the flower-like design for the hat. The hat’s pièce de résistance is the crystal buttons that matched the harlequin pattern. The harlequin day coat suited the carnival atmosphere of the boxing tent and brings a little bit of Hollywood glamour to the episode.”
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 3, Episode 1, “Death Defying Feats” (2015) – Black and Gold Lace Dress
Dress: Black net with burnished gold floral embroidered design and edging with burnished gold lace border. Black silk slip. 1920s clasp gold with floral pearl details. Wrap: Antique gold tulle with burnished gold lace border.
“For the final scene, when Phryne finally get to have dinner with Jack, we made the ‘Tarnished Net’ dress. I’ve had the antique buckles for a long time and used them to fasten the frock. It’s like a lilypad with pearls.”
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 3, Episode 6, “Death at the Grand” (2015) –Â Antique Olive Dinner Frock
Dress: 1920s olive embossed silk bias, cut silk chiffon insets. Antique brass buckle with antique gold chain and beads tabard back and godet sides. Stole: Olive feather.
“Vintage fabric is interesting to work whit, you’ve got to have discipline because of their narrower width. So that’s when period cutting skills really come into play.”
What costumes do you love from Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries?
THANK YOU!
Merci mills beaucoup to both you and the incredibly talented and nice Marion Boyce. These are amazing. Times like this, are some of the reasons I miss attending CostumeCon, but I’ve an elderly mother to care for.
One of the more amazing costumes of the show is the one Phryne wears at the end of the fashion show episode where she’s going up her stairs.
Did Miss Boyce bring any others?
These 3 were all she brought to LA, alas!
I love that they’re are there. And also that my own dress was displayed right next to hers!!!
Marion Boyce was the nicest, most humble and gracious of women. Just so delightful to chat with.
Any one that she’s wearing.
WONDERFUL! Thanks so much for these delicious pics
This was absolutely heavenly – that so much!
Thank you so much!! Each one more beautiful than the other.
I am such a fan of the show, and of course those gorgeous costumes. Thank you so much for this article, and I wish the delightful Miss Fisher would return to our TV screens with more frocks and mysteries.
My mother and I pretty much watch Miss Fisher for the clothes. A second murder? Okay but look at that hat!
I want that last dress.