The Dreamland parade sequence in Tim Burton's 2019 live-action adaptation of Dumbo was a spectacular visual feast, featuring an impressive array of costumes that brought the magical world of the circus to life. While an exact count is not available, we can piece together information from various sources to get a sense of the scale and scope of the costume design for this pivotal scene.
Colleen Atwood, the renowned costume designer who has collaborated with Tim Burton on numerous projects, was responsible for creating the stunning costumes for Dumbo. In an interview, Atwood revealed that she designed and made over 2,000 costumes for the entire movie. This massive undertaking included outfits for the principal cast, supporting actors, circus performers, and hundreds of extras.
For the Dreamland parade sequence specifically, Atwood's team created more than 200 costumes for the performers. These costumes were designed to be eye-catching and theatrical, befitting the grand spectacle of Dreamland's inaugural parade. In addition to the performer costumes, an extra 500 costumes were created for the crowd characters watching the parade. This brings the total number of costumes for the parade scene to at least 700, showcasing the immense scale of the production.
The design process for these costumes was intricate and multifaceted. Atwood drew inspiration from various sources, including vintage circuses, carnivals, and even silent movie stars. For the Dreamland sequences, which represented a more opulent and futuristic vision of the circus, Atwood likely incorporated more avant-garde and fantastical elements into her designs.
One of the challenges in creating costumes for a parade scene is balancing visual impact with practicality. The costumes needed to be striking enough to capture attention from a distance, yet comfortable and flexible enough for the performers to move and dance in. Atwood's experience in designing for real-life circuses, such as her work for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in the early 2000s, likely informed her approach to this challenge.
The color palette for the Dreamland parade costumes was likely vibrant and bold, contrasting with the more muted tones used for the earlier circus scenes. This shift in color scheme would have helped to visually distinguish Dreamland as a more grandiose and modern spectacle compared to the traditional Medici Bros. Circus.
In addition to the human performers, the parade also featured animal characters, including the titular Dumbo. While Dumbo himself was created through CGI, Atwood and her team would have had to design costumes for any human performers portraying other animals or fantastical creatures in the parade.
The makeup design for the parade performers was another crucial element in creating the overall look of the scene. Disney collaborated with Emmy-nominated makeup artist David Petruschin, known for his work on RuPaul's Drag Race, to create bold and vibrant makeup looks that complemented the costumes. This attention to detail extended to every aspect of the performers' appearances, ensuring a cohesive and visually stunning presentation.
Creating over 700 unique costumes for a single scene is a monumental task that requires a large team of skilled artisans. Atwood likely worked with a team of costume makers, tailors, and other specialists to bring her designs to life. The process would have involved everything from initial sketches and fabric selection to fittings and final adjustments.
The Dreamland parade sequence in Dumbo serves as a perfect example of how costume design can enhance storytelling in film. The elaborate costumes help to establish the grandeur and spectacle of Dreamland, contrasting it with the more modest Medici Bros. Circus. This visual distinction supports the narrative themes of the film, highlighting the tension between traditional circus values and the allure of modern entertainment.
In conclusion, while we don't have an exact count, it's clear that the Dreamland parade sequence in Dumbo featured hundreds of meticulously designed and crafted costumes. With over 200 performer costumes and 500 crowd costumes, plus additional outfits for principal cast members involved in the scene, the total number likely exceeded 700. This impressive array of costumes, created under the expert guidance of Colleen Atwood, played a crucial role in bringing the magical world of Dreamland to life on the big screen.
