THE LAST HABSBURG

When a struggling portrait painter gets the chance to paint the young king, Charles II of Spain, he dives headfirst in the opportunity. Not knowing  he is about to uncover the royals family biggest secret. The story is set in the second half of the 17th century. Written by Annie Ning and directed by Bryn Mitchel.

Costumes codesigned with Eliza Garcia

Photos by Brandon Goebel

He is the most reputable portrait painter in Spain but lost his passion for art long ago. Using painting as a way to pay back his debt.

Juan de Miranda

Juan from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Juan from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Juan from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Juan from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Juan from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Juan from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo

Due to the historical nature of this project, I based the costumes on paintings from that time. Although Juan’s character was inspired by real life painter Juan Carreño de Miranda, his backstory was changed in the film. Instead of a nobleman , the Juan we meet is struggling financially and is doing is just starting his work with the royal family. So, the design of his clothes came from a combination of paintings of common man and court artists. I also decided to avoid any fine or black fabrics using instead a more texturized brown material. At this time in Spain, black clothing was heavily associated with nobility, so the difference in color between Juan’s and Charles’ clothing helps show how distant their worlds are.

Research

  • Juan de Miranda sketch

  • Juan Carreño de Miranda - Ca.1680

  • Un Generale di Artiglieria - Francisco Ricci Ca. 1660

  • The Water Seller of Seville - Velazquez Ca. 1620

  • The Picture Merchant - Jose Antolinez Ca. 1670

  • Claudio Coelho - Ca. 1680

The young king of Spain. He is intelligent, mature and ambitious. However, his face is disfigured, causing him to be hidden from the public.

Charles II

Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo

Charles’ costume was based on paintings of the real Charles II of Spain, as well as of other noblemen . As said before, black clothing was associated with nobility at the time, so that is his main color. Other tones worn by the elite of the time include gold, white and grey, which I used for some details The fabric used in his doublet (top part of the outfit) is an upholstery damask, while his breeches (pants) are made of velvet. Both of these materials fit the descriptions I found in my research. On top of his outfit, Charles wears a rebato collar and a golden necklace, like the ones seen in many of his portraits.

Research

  • Chrales II sketch

  • Portrait of Charles II - Juan Carreno de Miranda Ca. 1675

  • Portrait of Charles II - Juan Carreno de Miranda Ca. 1680

  • Portrait of Charles II - Juan Carreno de Miranda Ca. 1685

  • Duque de Pastrana - Juan Carreno de Miranda Ca. 1670

  • A Gentleman in a Ruff - Esteban Murillo Ca. 1670

  • Don Juan de Austria- Ca. 1670

  • Don Andres de Andrade - Esteban Murillo Ca. 1670

This cape was inspired by the robes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Charles II of Spain was a part of this group and was painted wearing its garment.

Order of the Golden Fleece

Charles II and the Queen from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo and Eliza Garcia.
Charles II and the Queen from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo and Eliza Garcia
The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo
Charles II from The Last Habsburg, costume design by Cibele Cozzo

Through my research I could not find patterns of the robe, but I saw quite a few images it. So, I created the cape by draping it in half-scale -using the paintings are reference- then went on to make some changes to the design, to allow the actor more free movement, as requested by the director. The garment is made of an asymmetrical velvet ellipse with golden brocade near the hem. The final look differs from my original sketch as it is shorter and has a hidden opening near the shoulder, so the actor could easily remove the cape in scene.

Research

  • Robe of the Golden Fleece Sketch

  • Portrait of Charles II- Juan Carreño de Miranda 1676

  • Ceremonial robes , Order of the Golden Fleece, 18th Century - Kunsthistorisches Museum

  • Robe of Grand Master of the Order of the Golden Fleece- Photo by Gryffindor, Wikimedia Commons

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