Sara Freeman (Tessa Thompson, center) is a seamstress in season two and her work offers insight about the designs and fabrics of the time: Silks, linen, bamboo and "tons" of wool. Click through to see more historical creations.
Costuming 'Copper' —
Sara Freeman (Tessa Thompson, center) is a seamstress in season two and her work offers insight about the designs and fabrics of the time: Silks, linen, bamboo and "tons" of wool. Click through to see more historical creations.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
Garments were cut differently in the 1800s -- they wouldn't fit these modern actors. Costumer Delphine White had to adapt the patterns to more square-shouldered, toned and taller frames.
Costuming 'Copper' —
Garments were cut differently in the 1800s -- they wouldn't fit these modern actors. Costumer Delphine White had to adapt the patterns to more square-shouldered, toned and taller frames.
© BBC AMERICA/Cineflix (Copper 2) Inc./Steve Wilkie
It's all about the details. From ruching and pleating to distressing fabric and lacing corsets, the "Copper" costuming team has its hands full. Concepts like this elaborate gown for character Sara Freeman go from sketch to reality every week.
Costuming 'Copper' —
It's all about the details. From ruching and pleating to distressing fabric and lacing corsets, the "Copper" costuming team has its hands full. Concepts like this elaborate gown for character Sara Freeman go from sketch to reality every week.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
White put Thompson in peachy tones, but added wines, oranges and garnet to the palette this season. They also experimented with round and square necklines based on Sara's personality in each episode, alternating between sweetness and a rougher edge.
Costuming 'Copper' —
White put Thompson in peachy tones, but added wines, oranges and garnet to the palette this season. They also experimented with round and square necklines based on Sara's personality in each episode, alternating between sweetness and a rougher edge.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
For Anastasia Griffith's character of Elizabeth Haverford, a wedding dress was in order this season. In the 1860s, it was all about the elaborate design and less about the white dress. Besides, Elizabeth has already been married once before, so white wouldn't do.
Costuming 'Copper' —
For Anastasia Griffith's character of Elizabeth Haverford, a wedding dress was in order this season. In the 1860s, it was all about the elaborate design and less about the white dress. Besides, Elizabeth has already been married once before, so white wouldn't do.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
"When a woman from 1865 is dressed, she has twice as many garments on as you and I wear in a day," White said. Yards and yards of silk dupioni went into the pleating at the bottom of this gown alone. Fun fact: Her veil is actually an old lace curtain.
Costuming 'Copper' —
"When a woman from 1865 is dressed, she has twice as many garments on as you and I wear in a day," White said. Yards and yards of silk dupioni went into the pleating at the bottom of this gown alone. Fun fact: Her veil is actually an old lace curtain.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
White works on a hat for Elizabeth. "I fall in love with every garment as its being made," she said.
Costuming 'Copper' —
White works on a hat for Elizabeth. "I fall in love with every garment as its being made," she said.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
One of the wealthier characters on the show, Robert Morehouse (played by Kyle Schmid), sports luxurious oriental smoking jackets. Elizabeth's dress also showcases the general brightening of colors used in season two.
Costuming 'Copper' —
One of the wealthier characters on the show, Robert Morehouse (played by Kyle Schmid), sports luxurious oriental smoking jackets. Elizabeth's dress also showcases the general brightening of colors used in season two.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
Because most people only had two basic outfits in the 1860s -- one for everyday wear and another for special occasions -- the outfits have to look worn and slightly distressed. All of the natural fibers break down beautifully and take on a lovely patina, White said.
Costuming 'Copper' —
Because most people only had two basic outfits in the 1860s -- one for everyday wear and another for special occasions -- the outfits have to look worn and slightly distressed. All of the natural fibers break down beautifully and take on a lovely patina, White said.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
Madame Eva Heissen (Franka Potente) owns a Five Points brothel. "Eva lives in a man's world. She is playing their game and doing it very well. And her top hat was symbolic of that," White said.
Costuming 'Copper' —
Madame Eva Heissen (Franka Potente) owns a Five Points brothel. "Eva lives in a man's world. She is playing their game and doing it very well. And her top hat was symbolic of that," White said.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
Although not historically accurate in color or fabric choice, the women of Eva's Paradise wear labor-intensive corsets. Each one took almost a day to create.
Costuming 'Copper' —
Although not historically accurate in color or fabric choice, the women of Eva's Paradise wear labor-intensive corsets. Each one took almost a day to create.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
Detective Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones) traverses the slums and uptown, so his look walks the line. His coat is historically accurate, but given a rakish edge by being made out of leather -- which was entirely unconventional.
Costuming 'Copper' —
Detective Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones) traverses the slums and uptown, so his look walks the line. His coat is historically accurate, but given a rakish edge by being made out of leather -- which was entirely unconventional.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
Detective Francis Maguire had a rough, unkempt look in the first season, but returns with a polished, gangsteresque style.
Costuming 'Copper' —
Detective Francis Maguire had a rough, unkempt look in the first season, but returns with a polished, gangsteresque style.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie
A new Boss Tweed-type figure for season two is Brendan Donovan (Donal Logue). His double-breasted vest adds to his air of authority.
Costuming 'Copper' —
A new Boss Tweed-type figure for season two is Brendan Donovan (Donal Logue). His double-breasted vest adds to his air of authority.
BBC AMERICA/Steve Wilkie