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In The Favourite (2018), the only thing sharper than Lady Sarah’s (Rachel Weisz) wit is her silhouette. As Queen Anne’s childhood friend and confidant, Sarah Churchill wields enormous influence in 18th-century England, and her clothing symbolises her power.
This jacket often features in scenes where Sarah exerts her command, particularly while shooting with her rival, Abigail (Emma Stone). Costume designer Sandy Powell made it in a similar shape to men’s shooting jackets – to demonstrate Sarah’s liberation from the gender politics of the time – yet kept a feminine touch. Sarah also wears breeches as she navigates (and controls) the male-dominated world of military strategy and domestic politics.
See Lady Sarah's riding jacket in action in this clip from Searchlight Pictures.
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Collection
Not in ACMI's collection
Previously on display
10 February 2022
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
LN180912
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Worlds → MW-04. Costume Design → MW-04-C02
Object Types
3D Object
Costume/costume element
Materials
cotton, linen, wool, nylon, canvas, leather, spandex, brass, lastic, leather, rubber, felt, feathers, bamboo and rag paper, synethetic polyester fiber