Lee Daniel’s The Butler
The Butler is a fictionalized account of the life of Eugene Allen, a Black American who worked as a butler in the White House through eight administrations, from 1952 to 1986. The director, Lee Daniels, uses Allen’s life story as a framework to tell the story of segregation, the struggles of the civil rights movement, John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the Black Power movement, the Ronald Reagan era, and finally the election of President Barack Obama. The film follows Cecil Gaines, modeled after Allen, as he witnesses the changes of each administration while his son, Louis Gaines, fights for equality.
Film details
The Butler, 2013
Character Cecil Gaines played by Forest Whitaker.
Materials
Cotton, wool, silk lapels
Credit
Courtesy of Western Costume Company
Notes
Eugene Allen wore a tuxedo to work every day, but over the years subtle details in cut and trim came in and out of fashion. In preparation for the film, Carter consulted period magazines such as Ebony and Esquire and Allen’s personal archive of photos from his time at the White House. This costume, an example of full evening dress which requires a white bow-tie and a tailcoat (white-tie and tails), was worn by the White House butlers for the most formal occasions.
Supporting Imagery
Film details
The Butler, 2013
Characters Cecil and Gloria Gaines played by Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.
Materials
Cotton, wool, silk lapels
Credit
Courtesy of Western Costume Company
Notes
The film follows the Gaines family through several decades, showing the changes in fashion.In this scene from the 1970s, Cecil and his wife Gloria are dressed for a night out at the disco. Carter consulted period publications including the Eleganza mail-order catalog where she found this Fredericks of Hollywood advertisement for his-and-hers pantsuits. Carter used the image as a guide for the costumes she made for Whitaker and Winfrey.
Supporting Imagery
Film details
The Butler, 2013
Character Gloria Gaines played by Oprah Winfrey.
Materials
Silk
Credit
Courtesy of Western Costume Company
Notes
One of Carter’s strengths as a costume designer is her use of texture. This dress, worn in the film by Oprah Winfrey, uses a sheer fabric for the sleeves and a highly textured crepe for the body. The smooth, sheer sleeves contrasted with the raised surface of the rest of the dress give visual interest to what could have been a simple look.
Supporting Imagery
