EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE

An incoming transmission from the planet below materializes on the circular viewscreen...

"It's Queen Amidala herself" - Rune Haako, Neimoidian Trade Federation

The Queen makes her first appearance in The Phantom Menace wearing this elaborate gown. We are introduced to the newly elected ruler of Naboo, while she is seated on her throne at the Royal Palace in the city of Theed. Soon after, she watches helplessly out a window as Trade Federation forces march down the streets of the capital city. The illegal occupation of her planet has begun.

Queen Amidala's throne room costume was influenced by Chinese Imperial gowns and took almost eight weeks to complete. First an undergarment was created , composed of small canvas panels reinforced around the hem to form the distunct bell shape. The rest of the costume was constructed in several layers, so as to support the lights circling the hem and the electrical wiring. It is mainly made of embroidered corded silk with faux fur.

THE MAKEUP

The Queen's makeup was designed with a Japanese Kabuki style. For the porcelain white base color makeup artist Paul Engelen used RCMA Ivory (He found clown white was too bright and made the eyes look red). The powder applied after the ivory base was Channel 01 Aube Power Lumiere Press». The circles on either cheek were done with red "lake" lip pencil. This same color was used on her top lip and the center section of her lower lip. Nars "Fire Down Below" is the brand and exact color. A white base color was used on either side of the red mark on the bottom lip. Other makeup used included Lancome Elancil black mascara and Givenchy Prizm Topaz (eyeliner?). The eyebrows were sculpted in brown/black.