Fashion Book: Hamlet

In honor of the opening night of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead on Saturday, I decided to put together a Shakespearian revamp. Because Ophelia is one of the only female characters in the show (a take on Hamlet from the doomed point of view of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern), she was the logical choice. Ophelia is one of the great Shakesperian icons, though not the best representation of female strength and sanity. In a famous scene in Hamlet, Hamlet tells the damsel to “get to a nunnery” and he doesn’t mean a convent. Ophelia goes a little nuts, and ends up drowning herself in response to her paramour’s madness. (Too bad she didn’t have a Sassy Gay Friend to straighten her out!)

In R&G Are Dead, Ophelia is a peripheral presence, mostly just crying hysterically, but I was still inspired by what she might wear today–a floaty, romantic skirt, a linen blouse, pretty pink bag, and striking necklace all seemed to me to make perfect sense for our tragic heroine. What do you think she would wear?

For any of you in the NYC area, you should consider coming out to see the show! Opening night is Saturday June 4th, and there will be seven performances before it closes on Sunday, June 12th. Tickets are $20 and it might be your only chance to see this fantastic play in such an intimate setting. Please go to Big Rodent’s website for tickets and more information. I’d love to see you there!