Skip to content

Lord of Darkness costume reimagined into eight-foot creation

An eight-foot-tall reimagining of a costume for horror character Darkness, from the 80’s cult film Legend, has been created by a Nottingham Trent University student, complete with a demon head and dramatic horns.

    The costume is based on Darkness, the main character in the 80's film, Legend

    The imposing outfit was designed and made by Nottingham School of Art & Design BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction student, Issi Roberts, as part of an ‘industry brief’ module, which gives students the opportunity to work with costume design professionals. It will now be exhibited as part of the NTU Graduate Festival 24 student showcase.

    Taking inspiration from films like Labyrinth, Dark Crystal and The Lord of the Rings, as well as fashions of the 15th and 16th Centuries, Issi based her final creation on Legend’s main character, Darkness, the master of the underworld.

    With advice from costume designer Enda Kenny – who has worked on productions such as Game of Thrones, The Northman, and Outlander – Issi pushed her skills to the limit by using a vast range of materials and techniques, manipulating fabric in various ways to make different textures.

    Issi Roberts with the costume

    She also delved into mask making for the first time, creating a striking silicon mask which moulds into four large horns. For this part of the project, Issi worked with NTU mould and casting specialist, Jayne Hyman, an experienced special effects makeup artist and prop maker.

    The costume also includes leather belts embossed by Isobel, with a demon head suspended from them.

    Issi, age 21 from Awsworth in Nottinghamshire, said: “An in-depth analysis of the screen play provided me with a solid foundation on which I was able to build a fluid and cohesive design scheme. Being able to place myself in each character's shoes meant that I could create costumes that fit each one with ease.

    "I chose to make my design for Darkness as I knew it would present a unique challenge to push my construction skills. A large demon lord with so many elements meant an incredible amount of work in just five weeks!

    "In terms of my career going forwards, TV and film is something I find myself fascinated by. My interests centre around all things dark, dramatic and mysterious- the combination in this brief has provided me with fitting, and exciting experience."

    The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Graduate Festival 24 will see hundreds of final year art and design students putting their work on public display.

    Published on 22 May 2024
    • Category: School of Art & Design