Just about a year ago, one of my lifelong friends asked me a pretty crazy question: "Do you want to go to London to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with me?" The only thing crazier than that was my answer: "Sure!"
As a '90s child, I read Harry Potter books since I was 6 and I felt like I grew up alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Several of my copies have pages falling out because I would fall asleep on top of the open book. I went to midnight premiers, in costume of course! I have made my own Gryffindor tie to wear to a Halloween Party in college. I still use my tin Harry Potter pencil case as an adult, which I have had since the first grade. So yes, you could say I am a fan.
I traveled to London at the end of June with my friends and the trip earned the nickname "Potter Pilgrimage." Along with going to see the Cursed Child (which had some very impressive magical effects), we went to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios, which were absolutely amazing. The studios really make you forget that your Hogwarts letter got lost in the mail and you were finally joining the Wizarding World as you always should have. Seeing all the sets and props up close gave me chills!
Me, very excited to be on my favorite set
It wouldn't be a vacation for me if I didn't see some form of fashion or costumes, so I was beyond thrilled when there were so many of them were at the studios. Costumes, especially from film, are always really exciting to see in person because so many details get lost on screen. I always love to see these tiny details and how the costume designers or sometimes the actors interpret the characters into clothing. Stories are told through the characters clothing, making them the finishing touch to an image. A great example of this was the tinsel bracelet Luna Lovegood wears to Professor Slughorn's Christmas party. There was tiny beaded hare on the bracelet, representing Luna's Patronus and it was beautiful! This is my fashion and nerd alert!
So here are few of my favorites from our visit!
1) Luna Lovegood's Christmas Tree Dress, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Seeing this dress made me audibly gasp (or was it more of a squeal?) when I spotted it on display. It has always been one of my favorite costumes from the movies and I didn't expect to see it there, so it was an amazing surprise! The dress is sparkling silver, edged with tinsel (that matches her equally pretty bracelet) and is tiered to make the shape of a Christmas Tree. Our tour guide, who was wonderful (and who I am convinced is related to Harry Potter) was able to give us a close up look at the dress and it was darling! It's perfectly whimsical and quirky, just like Luna!
Luna's Christmas Dress
2) Hermione Granger's Yule Ball Gown, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Another breath taking and jaw dropping costume to see was Hermione's Yule Ball gown. It is simply stunning! The layers are so delicate and the colors so feminine, creating a equally delicate and flattering shape. Even though it was still on the form, the dress seemed to be moving, I couldn't stop looking at it. It is the perfect contrast to the darkness in the rest of the Fourth Movie and truly makes Hermione the bell of the ball.
3) Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort's Battle of Hogwarts Costumes, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Weirdly, one of my favorite costumes in the series happens to belong to the Dark Lord himself. The fabric billows and slithers in the slightest breeze or with the tiniest movement, so my eyes immediately go to Voldemort in a scene, as they perfectly portray the character. What was really cool to see at the studios was Voldy's robes displayed with Harry's pre and post Battle of Hogwarts attire, displaying the talents of the Distressing Team of the costume department. Voldemort's robes suddenly lose their deep gray color and become a faded greenish shade, showing his fall from power as Harry finally vanquishes He Who Must Not Be Named.
4) Albus Dumbledore's Robes, Harry Potter and the Sorcecceror's Stone
Dumbledore is one of my favorite characters (but let's be honest, aren't they all?) and seeing the costume Richard Harris wore in his time as the Headmaster of Hogwarts was just insane. Richard Harris brought such wisdom and power to the role, but was also so gentle, and the costume really reflects these aspects. The textures and fabrics are exquisite and establish the professor as the headmaster, but also as a mentor for students. The costume gives Dumbledore a commanding presence in the Great Hall. A bonus to seeing that, Professor McGonnagle's robes were right next to Dumbledore's, again giving me chills for staring at an iconic costume worn by the iconic Maggie Smith.
5) Beaubatoneux Uniforms, pictured with the Pattern Pieces as well as Costume of Professor Lockhart, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
I always thought the dresses of the French witches were especially charming and the fashion designer in me was really thrilled to see how the dresses were put together. The classic silhouette referencing the 1930s and 1940s shapes combined with magical details, like the layered collars and slightly pointed hat bring elegance to the wizarding world. Fleur always looks so pretty in this costume and the movement is beautiful to watch on screen.
Hermoine's Yule Ball Gown
Here are some other highlights, since there were so many amazing things to see! And no, I'm not sharing anymore pictures, I would hate to give everything away!
- There was a display of costumes from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which were really beautiful. I adore the 1920s, so seeing that decade combined with Harry Potter flair was just magical. Not to mention, Eddie Redmayne actually wore that coat!!
- On one of Professor Dolores Umbridge's signature pink (and sickeningly sweet) dresses, there were tiny buttons that weren't just any buttons. They were tiny skulls, reflecting her dark intentions. What a genius detail you would never catch on screen!
- Snape's jet black robes were actually made in navy blue, as it shows up better on camera than black. As a side note, the pleating and gathers on the back of his cloak were beautiful!
-There was an entire display filled with Quidditch robes. It was really cool to see the changes from year to year, as the characters or players got more experienced. It was also cool seeing all of the different houses' uniforms in a display of bright Hogwarts colors.
If you ever happen to find yourself exploring London (which I highly recommend!) make the trip to visit the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios, it is unbelievable!
A candid from our adventures of the day
Mischief Managed!