HBO Video and Barneys New York teamed up over the weekend to celebrate the DVD release of Rome: the Complete Second Season. Recognized for its imaginative window displays, Barneys New York unveiled Roman-themed window displays of April Ferry’s Emmy-nominated costumes from the second and final season of HBO’s award winning series, Rome.
Luminaries in attendance at the Beverly Hills soiree included actors James Purefoy, Polly Walker, Kevin McKidd, and award winning costume designer April Ferry.
On her experience designing for Rome, Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winner April Ferry said, “Working in Italy and with the cast and crew was such a pleasure. Everyone was easy to work with and all of the materials were readily available.” Mark Antony’s wolf-skinned winter cloak, for example, required about six wolves to construct, according to James Purefoy, who portrays Mark Antony in the series. “That’s not something you can do easily in America,” April Ferry commented.
Regarding Antony’s gorgeous wolf-skins, James Purefoy keeps them in his bedroom as a sexy bed warmer. He also has Antony’s black armor and a slave dress for his girlfriend. But Purefoy isn’t the only cast member possessing one of April Ferry’s luxurious made-to-order designs. Polly Walker (Atia of Julii) has several gowns, and Kevin McKidd (Lucius Vorenus) displays his Montefortino helmet above his fireplace.
To meet the demands of this history-based production, April Ferry extensively researched each character’s wardrobe. She painstakingly focused on every detail to make the pieces as authentic as possible. And with a team of about 45 laborers, April Ferry hand-dyed, and otherwise crafted individual pieces, including chain mail and iron breastplates molded from wet leather, on location daily. “I loved every minute of it,” she said.
April Ferry has designed for films including Maverick (Oscar nomination), Brokedown Palace, and Donny Darko. She won an Emmy for ‘Outstanding Costumes for a Series’ for her work on Rome last season. She also won two Costume Designers Guild Awards for her work on Rome. She is an Emmy nominee again this year for ‘Outstanding Costumes for a Series.’
April Ferry has recently finished costume design for the film The Edge Of Love, starring Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller.
Barneys’ installation of Ferry’s Rome collection will remain on display through August 13th.