Set in Rome during 44 to 42 BC, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is an example of the physiological impact of fear on humanity. Brutus, the tragic hero, faces a moral dilemma. With Brutus’ trepidation of Caesar’s growing power and his misinterpretation of the Ides of March, before his eyes a conspiracy, an assassination, and civil war transpire. Ultimately, Brutus’ own ambition leads to his demise. By reinterpreting the story to 1920’s New York under the influence of the Harlem Renaissance, the characters are revitalized. With a heightened color story, a juxtaposition of visual compositions (texture and pattern), a detailed use of symbolism, and a visually rich incorporation of 1920s art, the costumes will display the “perceived” unity and comradery that Julius Caesar believed was amongst himself and his representatives. 

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My designs are based on Act 3.1. My inspiration was my 1920’s setting, and the characters' personalities. My priority was to be historically accurate of the 1920’s with silhouette and styling. Although, I decided to partake in creative liberties with the use of pattern and color. 

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The conspirators, Julius Caesar and allies were each given a color scheme. By using the 1920’s prohibition as my focus, I drew inspiration for the colors by researching speakeasies and clubs. I created factual and evocative mood boards to design my own magnified outlook of a 1920’s club that inspired my designs. For the prints and patterns, I researched a combination of Art Déco, Art Nouveau and Cubism fine art, furniture, wallpaper and home décor.