The attire designed and worn by actors in the 2014 Disney film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical represents a blend of fairytale imagery with a grounding in historical fashion elements. Drawing inspiration from both the original Broadway production and traditional depictions of familiar characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Witch, the film’s wardrobe helps establish character, convey narrative, and create a visually rich world.
Colleen Atwood’s costume designs contribute significantly to the film’s overall aesthetic and storytelling. The choices made regarding color, texture, and silhouette help differentiate characters and signal transformations, both physical and emotional. For example, the Witch’s initial grotesque appearance gives way to a more glamorous style as her curse is broken, visually reflecting her internal change. The costumes also play a role in situating the narrative within a vaguely historical, albeit fantastical, setting, enriching the viewer’s experience. Their impact extends beyond the screen, inspiring cosplay and influencing fashion trends.
Further exploration could delve into specific costume details for individual characters, analyze the design choices in relation to character development, and examine the film’s costuming in the context of other fairytale adaptations. The influence of the original stage production’s costuming could also be examined, offering a comparative perspective.
1. Colleen Atwood’s Designs
Colleen Atwood’s costume designs constitute a crucial element of the 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods. Her work provides a visual language that enhances character development, narrative progression, and the overall aesthetic of the film. Atwood’s approach blends fairytale archetypes with a nuanced understanding of historical fashion, resulting in costumes that are both recognizable and unique. For instance, Little Red Riding Hood’s iconic red cape is reimagined with a textured, almost homespun, quality, grounding the fantastical element in a sense of rustic realism. Similarly, the Witch’s costumes, before and after her transformation, reflect not only a shift in magical power but also a change in social standing, subtly conveyed through the fabrics and silhouettes.
The impact of Atwood’s designs extends beyond individual character portrayal. Her choices contribute to the film’s overall tone and atmosphere. The muted color palette of the villagers’ costumes contrasts sharply with the more vibrant hues worn by characters like Cinderella and the Baker’s Wife, visually highlighting their aspirations for a more magical existence. The use of specific textures and fabrics also plays a significant role. The Witch’s initial costume incorporates elements that suggest decay and wildness, mirroring her isolation and power, while Cinderella’s ball gown, though elegant, retains a simplicity that reflects her inherent goodness. These deliberate choices create a visual tapestry that enriches the storytelling.
Atwood’s contributions to Into the Woods underscore the significance of costume design in filmmaking. Her work demonstrates how costumes can function as more than mere attire; they become integral components of narrative and character development, enhancing the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the story. The costumes offer a tangible link to the characters’ inner lives and motivations, solidifying their presence within the fantastical world of the film.
2. Fairytale Influence
The costumes in the 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods draw heavily from established fairytale iconography, yet reinterpret these familiar visuals to create a unique aesthetic. This interplay between tradition and innovation allows the film to evoke a sense of timeless wonder while simultaneously offering a fresh perspective on classic characters and narratives. Examining specific examples reveals how fairytale influence shapes the costuming and contributes to the film’s overall impact.
-
Archetypal Visuals
The film utilizes instantly recognizable visual cues associated with specific fairytale figures. Little Red Riding Hood’s red cape, Cinderella’s ball gown, and the Witch’s darkened, ragged attire all serve as immediate signifiers, grounding the characters in their respective fairytale origins. This reliance on established imagery creates a sense of familiarity for the audience, facilitating a quick understanding of each character’s role and potential narrative trajectory.
-
Subverted Expectations
While embracing traditional elements, the film’s costumes also subtly subvert expectations. Cinderella’s wedding dress, for example, lacks the opulence typically associated with fairytale princesses, reflecting her character’s pragmatism. The Witch’s transformation, while visually striking, avoids stereotypical depictions of beauty, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of inner worth. These departures from conventional imagery add depth and complexity to the characters.
-
Visual Storytelling
The costumes contribute to the narrative by visually communicating character development and thematic concerns. The Baker and his Wife’s simple, functional clothing reflects their initial preoccupation with their personal desires. As they navigate the woods and encounter other characters, their costumes gradually become more layered and complex, mirroring their emotional and psychological journeys. This visual storytelling enhances the narrative’s impact without relying solely on dialogue.
-
Creating a Unified World
The consistent fairytale aesthetic, woven through the costumes of all characters, establishes a cohesive visual world. Even minor characters, like the Steward and the Wolf, wear clothing that aligns with the film’s overall fairytale tone, creating a sense of immersion and reinforcing the fantastical nature of the narrative. This cohesive design strengthens the film’s internal logic and allows the audience to fully suspend disbelief.
By strategically blending traditional fairytale imagery with innovative design choices, the costumes in Into the Woods enrich the narrative, deepen character development, and create a visually captivating world. The film’s costuming demonstrates how engaging with established fairytale tropes can serve as a springboard for creative interpretation, resulting in a fresh and engaging cinematic experience.
3. Character Transformation
Character transformation serves as a central theme in Into the Woods, and costumes play a vital role in visually communicating these shifts. Changes in attire reflect evolving motivations, desires, and consequences faced by the characters as they navigate the complex moral landscape of the narrative. Costume design acts as a powerful tool for conveying internal transformations externally, offering the audience a visual shorthand for understanding character development.
-
The Witch’s Reversal
The Witch’s transformation, perhaps the most dramatic in the film, is clearly depicted through her costuming. Her initial grotesque appearance, characterized by tangled hair, ragged clothing, and a crooked posture, embodies her bitterness and isolation. Upon breaking the curse, her attire shifts to a glamorous, flowing gown and styled hair, reflecting her newfound beauty and social acceptance. This drastic visual change underscores the transformative power of fulfilled desires and the subsequent alteration of self-perception.
-
Cinderella’s Evolution
Cinderella’s costumes chart her progression from downtrodden servant to empowered individual. Her initial simple, ashen attire reflects her subservient status. The glittering ball gown signifies her temporary escape and aspiration for a different life. Finally, her less elaborate wedding gown and eventual hardened demeanor, conveyed through darker, simpler clothing in the film’s later scenes, suggest a disillusionment with fairytale endings and a newfound strength in facing reality.
-
The Baker and his Wife’s Journey
The Baker and his Wife undergo a less visually dramatic but equally significant transformation. Their initial practical, workaday clothing reflects their focus on their immediate needshaving a child. As they venture into the woods and face moral dilemmas, their attire becomes subtly more layered and complex. This visual shift mirrors their growing understanding of the interconnectedness of actions and consequences and the increasing weight of their choices.
-
Little Red Riding Hood’s Maturation
Little Red Riding Hood’s transformation embodies the loss of innocence. Her initial bright red cape, a symbol of childhood naivet, becomes tattered and stained after her encounter with the Wolf. This visual change reflects her newfound awareness of danger and the complexities of the world. Her eventual adoption of a more practical, hunter-like cloak in the second act signifies a loss of innocence and the assumption of a more assertive role.
The careful use of costume design in Into the Woods reinforces the narrative’s central theme of transformation. By visually reflecting the characters’ internal journeys, the costumes provide a powerful and nuanced layer of storytelling. They demonstrate how external appearances can reflect internal shifts, offering a compelling visual commentary on the characters’ evolving understanding of themselves and the world around them.
4. Color Symbolism
Color symbolism plays a significant role in the film Into the Woods, enriching the narrative and deepening character understanding. Costume design utilizes color to convey emotions, social status, and transformations, adding a nuanced layer of visual storytelling. Analysis of the color palettes employed for different characters reveals insightful connections between hue and meaning within the film’s fantastical world.
-
Red: Innocence and Danger
Red, most prominently featured in Little Red Riding Hood’s cape, symbolizes both innocence and danger. The vibrant hue initially represents youthful naivet and vulnerability, attracting the Wolf’s attention. As the story progresses, the cape becomes stained and darkened, visually reflecting the loss of innocence and the character’s encounter with the harsh realities of the woods. This shift in shade underscores the character’s journey from childhood ignorance to a more mature understanding of the world’s complexities.
-
Gold and Yellow: Ambition and Deception
Gold and yellow, often associated with royalty and wealth, are used to signify ambition and, at times, deception. Cinderella’s gold ball gown reflects her desire for a better life and her temporary escape from drudgery. Rapunzel’s golden hair, a symbol of her magical power and isolation, also becomes a source of manipulation and betrayal. These uses of gold and yellow highlight the seductive nature of ambition and the potential for its corruption.
-
Earth Tones: Humility and Connection to Nature
Earth tones, such as browns and greens, frequently appear in the costumes of the Baker, his Wife, and other villagers. These colors represent their grounded nature, their connection to the natural world, and their initial focus on practical concerns. The muted palette contrasts with the more vibrant colors worn by characters like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, emphasizing the villagers’ more pragmatic approach to life.
-
Dark Hues: Mystery and Transformation
Dark colors, particularly black and deep purples, are associated with the Witch and the mysteries of the woods. The Witch’s initial darkened, ragged attire reflects her isolation and the potent magic she wields. As she transforms, her costumes incorporate richer, more vibrant colors, signaling a shift in her character and the shedding of her bitterness. The strategic use of dark hues underscores the transformative power of the narrative and the potential for change, even in the darkest of circumstances.
The deliberate use of color symbolism in Into the Woods adds depth and complexity to the characters and their interwoven stories. Costume design employs color not merely as decoration but as a powerful narrative tool, enhancing the audience’s understanding of the characters’ motivations, transformations, and relationships within the enchanted world of the woods. This careful attention to color elevates the film’s visual storytelling and reinforces its thematic richness.
5. Texture and Fabric
The textures and fabrics employed in the costumes of Into the Woods contribute significantly to the film’s visual storytelling and character development. Beyond mere aesthetics, these material choices reflect social status, personality traits, and the characters’ journeys throughout the narrative. Careful analysis reveals how texture and fabric choices enhance the film’s overall impact and deepen the audience’s understanding of the characters and their interwoven stories.
-
Rustic Simplicity vs. Regal Opulence
The contrast between rough, homespun fabrics and luxurious silks and velvets underscores the social disparities between characters. The villagers, including Cinderella in her initial scenes, wear clothing made from coarse materials, reflecting their working-class status and connection to the natural world. Conversely, characters like Cinderella at the ball, the Prince, and the Stepmother wear refined fabrics that denote wealth, privilege, and social aspiration. This juxtaposition highlights the film’s exploration of social hierarchy and the pursuit of upward mobility.
-
Transformation through Texture
The Witch’s costumes exemplify how texture can visually communicate transformation. Her initial attire incorporates rough, tangled elements, reflecting her bitterness and isolation. Following the breaking of the curse, her costumes transition to smoother, flowing fabrics, mirroring her newfound beauty and social acceptance. This shift in texture underscores the character’s internal change and the transformative power of fulfilled desires.
-
Durability and Functionality
The Baker and his Wife’s costumes utilize durable, practical fabrics, reflecting their pragmatic nature and focus on their immediate needs. These sturdy materials contrast with the more delicate fabrics worn by characters like Cinderella and Rapunzel, emphasizing the Baker and his Wife’s grounded approach to life and their preoccupation with tangible goals. The choice of fabric reinforces their roles as relatable, everyday individuals within the fantastical context of the narrative.
-
Symbolism through Embellishment
Embellishments and surface details further enrich the costumes’ storytelling potential. Little Red Riding Hood’s initially pristine cape, adorned with a simple hood, gradually becomes tattered and stained, mirroring her loss of innocence and encounter with danger. The intricate embroidery on Cinderella’s ball gown reflects her aspirations for a more refined life. These details add depth and nuance to the costumes, allowing them to function as visual metaphors for the characters’ internal journeys.
By carefully considering texture and fabric choices, Into the Woods utilizes costume design as a powerful tool for character development and narrative enhancement. These material choices move beyond mere aesthetics, offering insights into the characters’ social standing, personalities, and transformative journeys. The film demonstrates how texture and fabric can contribute to a richer, more nuanced cinematic experience, adding layers of meaning to the visual narrative.
6. Historical Grounding
While Into the Woods unfolds in a fairytale setting, the costumes subtly incorporate elements of historical fashion, providing a temporal anchor and enhancing the film’s visual richness. This grounding in historical aesthetics, though not strictly adherent to any specific period, lends a sense of authenticity and depth to the fantastical narrative. The costumes evoke a vaguely European, pre-industrial sensibility, suggesting a time before modern technology, further emphasizing the characters’ reliance on folklore and tradition.
Colleen Atwood’s designs draw inspiration from various historical periods without explicitly replicating any single era. Elements of Romantic-era silhouettes can be observed in Cinderella’s ball gown, while the villagers’ attire incorporates aspects of peasant clothing from earlier centuries. This blending of historical influences creates a timeless quality, avoiding a specific historical designation and allowing the fairytale narrative to take center stage. The muted color palettes and natural fabrics further contribute to this sense of historical grounding, avoiding anachronistic brightness or synthetic materials that would disrupt the film’s carefully constructed atmosphere.
This subtle historical grounding enhances the film’s overall aesthetic and contributes to its thematic resonance. By situating the characters within a vaguely historical context, the costumes subtly underscore the timeless nature of fairytales and their enduring relevance across generations. The costumes’ historical echoes allow the audience to connect with the characters on a more visceral level, fostering a sense of familiarity despite the fantastical setting. This approach demonstrates how costume design can enrich a film’s narrative by subtly layering historical influences within a broader aesthetic framework.
7. Practicality and Movement
Costume practicality and allowance for movement proved crucial in the film Into the Woods due to the demanding nature of the musical’s staging and the characters’ physical interactions within the forest setting. Consideration of these factors influenced design choices, impacting both the actors’ performances and the overall visual narrative. Restricting costumes would have hindered the actors’ ability to execute choreography, particularly during complex musical numbers like “Agony,” which requires the princes to climb and express physical frustration. Similarly, Cinderella’s escape through the woods necessitates costumes allowing for swift movement. The layered, flowing nature of the Witch’s costume, while visually striking, needed to allow for expressiveness during her dramatic pronouncements and magical gestures. These practical considerations influenced fabric choices, construction techniques, and overall silhouette design.
Examples of practicality integrated into the costuming include the use of lighter-weight fabrics for characters frequently engaged in physical activity, such as Little Red Riding Hood and the Baker. Reinforced seams and strategically placed closures ensured durability during demanding scenes. The design of Cinderella’s ball gown, while elegant, allowed for dancing and movement through the forest. These practical adaptations ensured the costumes functioned effectively within the context of the performance, enhancing both the actors’ comfort and the credibility of the characters’ actions. Ignoring such practicalities could have resulted in costumes hindering the narrative’s progression and diminishing the impact of key scenes.
The balance between visual appeal and practicality underscores the importance of thoughtful costume design in film. While aesthetic impact remains crucial for establishing character and tone, costumes must also serve the practical needs of the production. In Into the Woods, this balance is successfully achieved, allowing the costumes to contribute meaningfully to both the visual spectacle and the storytelling efficacy. The costumes function as more than mere adornment; they become integral components of the narrative, facilitating character expression and enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
8. Impact and Legacy
The costumes of the 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods have left a notable mark on both popular culture and the field of costume design. Colleen Atwood’s work has resonated with audiences, critics, and fellow designers, influencing subsequent productions and shaping perceptions of fairytale adaptations on screen. Examining the impact and legacy of these costumes reveals their enduring significance beyond the film’s initial release.
-
Awards and Recognition
Atwood’s costume designs for Into the Woods garnered significant acclaim, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design. This recognition solidified the costumes’ artistic merit and highlighted their contribution to the film’s overall success. The nomination, alongside other accolades, brought further attention to the artistry of costume design within the broader context of filmmaking.
-
Influence on Fairytale Adaptations
The film’s costuming has influenced subsequent fairytale adaptations, both live-action and animated. The approach of grounding fantastical elements in historically-inspired designs, while maintaining a sense of fairytale wonder, has become a recognizable trend in the genre. This influence can be observed in the costuming choices of later films, demonstrating the lasting impact of Atwood’s work on visual storytelling within the fairytale realm.
-
Inspiring Cosplay and Fan Creations
The distinctive costumes of Into the Woods have become popular subjects for cosplay and fan art. This engagement with the costumes demonstrates their enduring appeal and their ability to resonate with audiences on a personal level. The costumes’ intricate details and recognizable silhouettes have inspired countless recreations, further cementing their place within popular culture.
-
Contribution to Costume Design Discourse
Atwood’s work on Into the Woods has contributed to broader discussions within the field of costume design. Her innovative approach to blending historical influences with fairytale archetypes has served as a case study for aspiring designers and has sparked critical analysis of the role of costumes in narrative filmmaking. The costumes continue to be examined and discussed, solidifying their place as a significant contribution to the art of costume design.
The impact and legacy of the costumes in Into the Woods extend beyond mere aesthetics. They have shaped perceptions of fairytale adaptations on screen, inspired creative expression within fan communities, and contributed to the ongoing evolution of costume design as an art form. The costumes serve as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring influence of imaginative design within the realm of cinema.
9. Costume Details
Costume details in the 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods function as crucial narrative and thematic elements, extending beyond mere decoration. These specifics, often subtle, contribute significantly to character development, plot progression, and the overall aesthetic cohesion of the film. Examining these details provides deeper insight into the artistry of costume design and its integral role in cinematic storytelling.
-
The Witch’s Transformation
The Witch’s dramatic transformation is conveyed not only through the shift from ragged attire to a glamorous gown, but also through minute details. Her initial costume incorporates elements suggesting decay and wildness, such as tangled vines and uneven textures. Post-transformation, her gown features intricate beadwork and flowing lines, signifying newfound elegance and social acceptance. These details underscore the magnitude of her change and its impact on her character.
-
Cinderella’s Footwear
Cinderella’s footwear choices serve as symbolic markers of her journey. Her worn, practical slippers reflect her initial subservient status. The sparkling glass slippers represent her fleeting moment of magical escape and the precarious nature of her newfound elevation. Finally, her deliberate decision to leave behind a single slipper underscores her agency in shaping her own destiny.
-
Little Red Riding Hood’s Cape
The evolving state of Little Red Riding Hood’s cape visually charts her loss of innocence. The initially pristine red cape, a symbol of childhood naivet, becomes progressively tattered and stained following her encounter with the Wolf. This visual deterioration mirrors her growing awareness of the world’s dangers and complexities.
-
The Baker’s Apron
The Baker’s simple apron represents his pragmatic nature and his focus on providing for his family. The apron’s persistent presence throughout the film, even as he ventures into the fantastical woods, grounds him in his everyday identity and underscores his unwavering commitment to his wife and their shared desire for a child. This seemingly mundane detail reinforces his role as a relatable figure within the fairytale narrative.
These carefully considered costume details in Into the Woods demonstrate how seemingly minor elements can contribute significantly to the film’s narrative richness and thematic depth. By paying close attention to such specifics, costume designer Colleen Atwood elevates the costumes beyond mere attire, transforming them into powerful storytelling devices that enhance character development, plot progression, and the audience’s overall understanding of the film’s complex themes. The details work in harmony with the broader costume designs, creating a cohesive and impactful visual narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Costumes of Into the Woods
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the costumes designed by Colleen Atwood for the 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods.
Question 1: What was the primary inspiration for the film’s costume designs?
Colleen Atwood drew inspiration from the original Broadway production, traditional fairytale iconography, and historical European clothing to create a unique aesthetic blending fantasy and subtle realism.
Question 2: How do the costumes contribute to character development?
Costumes visually communicate character transformations and inner states. Cinderella’s evolving attire, for example, reflects her journey from servitude to empowerment and eventual disillusionment. The Witch’s dramatic costume change mirrors her internal shift after the curse is broken.
Question 3: What is the significance of color symbolism in the costumes?
Color plays a key role in conveying character traits and thematic ideas. Red symbolizes both innocence and danger, evident in Little Red Riding Hood’s cape. Gold and yellow represent ambition and deception, exemplified by Cinderella’s ball gown and Rapunzel’s hair. Earth tones denote humility and connection to nature, primarily seen in the villagers’ attire.
Question 4: How did practicality influence the costume design?
Given the musical’s demanding choreography and the characters’ movements within the forest setting, practicality was a major consideration. Costumes were designed to allow for ease of movement during complex musical numbers and physical scenes, influencing fabric choices and construction techniques.
Question 5: What impact have the costumes had beyond the film?
The costumes have influenced subsequent fairytale adaptations, inspired cosplay and fan creations, and contributed to discussions within the field of costume design. Colleen Atwood’s work on the film received critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination, solidifying its artistic significance.
Question 6: Where can one find more information about the costumes?
Further information can be found in various resources including behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews with Colleen Atwood, and academic analyses of costume design in film. Image galleries and online discussions offer additional insights into specific costume details and their symbolic meaning.
Understanding the meticulous detail and thought process behind the costumes enhances appreciation for their narrative and artistic contributions to Into the Woods.
This concludes the FAQ section. Further exploration could involve examining the film’s production design, musical score, and thematic interpretations.
Tips for Analyzing Costume Design in Film, Inspired by Into the Woods
Careful observation of costume details provides deeper understanding of character, narrative, and thematic elements within a film. Into the Woods offers a rich case study for such analysis. The following tips provide a framework for examining costumes and their contribution to cinematic storytelling.
Tip 1: Consider Historical Context: Even in fantastical settings, costumes often incorporate historical influences. Note any period-specific elements or stylistic allusions that may inform character or setting. Into the Woods blends elements from various historical periods, creating a timeless, fairytale atmosphere.
Tip 2: Analyze Color Symbolism: Colors convey meaning and emotion. Observe the color palettes used for individual characters and consider their symbolic implications. In Into the Woods, red signifies both innocence and danger, while gold and yellow often represent ambition.
Tip 3: Examine Texture and Fabric: Fabric choices communicate social status, personality, and character arcs. Note the textures and materials used for different characters and how they evolve throughout the narrative. The contrast between rough homespun and luxurious silks in Into the Woods highlights social disparities.
Tip 4: Focus on Transformations: Observe how costumes visually represent character transformations. Look for changes in color, silhouette, and embellishments that signify internal shifts. The Witch’s transformation in Into the Woods is a prime example of this visual storytelling technique.
Tip 5: Note Symbolic Details: Small details can hold significant meaning. Pay attention to accessories, embellishments, and the condition of garments. Cinderella’s footwear and Little Red Riding Hood’s cape in Into the Woods are replete with symbolic weight.
Tip 6: Consider Practicality and Movement: Costumes must function within the context of the performance. Analyze how practicality influences design choices, particularly in scenes involving movement or physical activity. Into the Woods features characters engaging in demanding choreography, requiring costumes that allow for freedom of movement.
Tip 7: Research the Designer’s Intentions: Whenever possible, research the costume designer’s stated intentions and inspirations. This can provide valuable context for interpreting the costumes’ significance. Colleen Atwood’s commentary on her work in Into the Woods offers insights into her design choices.
By applying these tips, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of costume design and its contribution to cinematic storytelling. Analyzing costumes enhances understanding of character, narrative, and the overall thematic richness of a film.
This exploration of costume details provides a foundation for a more comprehensive analysis of Into the Woods, encompassing its narrative structure, musical elements, and thematic interpretations.
The Enduring Power of Costume in Into the Woods
Exploration of the attire in the 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods reveals the significant role costume design plays in enhancing narrative and character development within cinematic storytelling. From the transformative journey of the Witch, reflected in her dramatic shift from ragged garments to elegant gowns, to the symbolic weight of Cinderella’s footwear and Little Red Riding Hood’s tattered cape, each costume element contributes to a deeper understanding of the characters’ inner lives and the film’s complex themes. The interplay of color symbolism, texture choices, and historical influences creates a visually rich and thematically resonant world, grounding the fantastical narrative in a tangible reality. Practical considerations, such as allowing for movement during musical numbers, further demonstrate the intricate balance between aesthetic impact and functional design. Colleen Atwood’s work exemplifies how costumes can function as powerful storytelling devices, enriching the cinematic experience and leaving a lasting impact on audiences and the field of costume design.
The meticulous detail and symbolic weight embedded within the costumes of Into the Woods invite continued analysis and appreciation. Further exploration of design choices, character interpretations, and the film’s broader thematic concerns promises a richer understanding of the enduring power of costume in shaping cinematic narratives and enhancing the art of visual storytelling. The film serves as a compelling case study for the crucial role costumes play in bringing stories to life on screen, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and delve into the rich layers of meaning woven into every stitch and fabric choice.
