The importance of costumes in a period fiction like 'Red Eagle'

[Akrapovic]

We review some of the looks of the characters in the TVE series, set in the 17th century. The costumes were a key piece in this Globomedia production

Almost 10 years ago Spanish Television premiered 'Red Eagle'. On February 19, 2009, the adventures set in the Golden Age began during the reign of Philip IV. During 116 episodes and nine seasons, viewers enjoyed this fiction, in which the costumes were one of the keys to their success. Today we have looked back to inquire and know how the costumes of this fiction were prepared.

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The plot revolved around Gonzalo Montalvo, a professor in the village but also a masked hero who sought to discover who killed his wife. The success was such that it jumped to the cinemas in April 2011. In addition, whether adapted or original, fiction has reached dozens of countries such as France or England.

'Red Eagle'. (RTVE)
'Red Eagle'. (RTVE)

The interpretation of the actors when it comes to getting into the skin of their characters is, without a doubt, fundamental when it comes to bringing realism to the series, however, the clothes they are wearing are also relevant. T.vis.t & Improving the present was in charge of the 'Red Eagle' costumes.

"With this series we were able to design contemporary styles, even sometimes a bit futuristic," says Cristina Caspueñas, responsible for the image of this company. And, behind the majority of costumes we could see in fiction there was a great research work. The series was set in the 17th century, so there was hardly any information to turn to. Of course, "a study of customs, social classes, clothing and accessories was carried out. There were many visits to museums and Google searches."

'Red Eagle'. (TVE)
'Red Eagle'. (TVE)

Specifically, the figurines are those who made the costumes of each of the protagonists "and some pieces made by the tailoring Cornejo for other films were added and modified," he tells us. What was not possible was to get some piece of the time, but from the early twentieth century.

The costumes of the actors who belonged to royalty were the most striking, especially those of the Marquise de Santillana, played by Myriam Gallego. Her corsets, colorful dresses and hairstyles rather than worked were the most commented. "It was very hard because I had many hours of recording, I rode with the dress on horseback ...".

'Red Eagle'. (TVE)
'Red Eagle'. (TVE)

His looks went through several stages throughout the series. It began with fancy outfits, to later give way to more sensual ones. In the end he dressed in dark and more demure models.

Margarita, played by Inma Cuesta, belonged to the people, so her outfits were much simpler. Even so, again the corsets played an important role.

Margarita 'Red Eagle'. (TVE)
Margarita 'Red Eagle'. (TVE)

With regard to men's clothing, again there are differences between those of the clergy and those of the people; something that was reflected in the protagonist, Gonzalo Montalvo (David Janer), and Hernán Mejías (Francis Lorenzo). The first was characterized by wearing a more rural clothing, while the second always wore black suits, predominantly leather.

'Red Eagle'. (TVE)
'Red Eagle'. (TVE)

As for makeup and hairstyles, they also played an important role, so sometimes the actresses could spend a quiet hour in hairdressing. An important production that was also key at the time of the success of ‘Red Eagle’.