Carlo Poggioli's Tut

In the SPIKE television miniseries “Tut,” costume designer Carlo Poggioli utilizes ancient Egyptian art as inspiration and research to create the stunning costumes that represented the famous Egyptian Pharaoh, Tutankhamun. The miniseries “Tut” tells the story of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun (also referred to as Tut) time ruling over Egypt and his pursuit to conquer the rest of his enemies in order to insure his importance in history, but little does he know he was deceived by those he held closest to him. As his power grows, Tut struggles to maintain his control over his kingdom and his people. Due to this film portraying the life of a historical figure, the costume design was crucial to help accurately portray Egyptian lifestyle during that time.

In his interview with Erika Smith, Smith asks the question of whether or not the costumes used for the series were 100% historically accurate, Poggioli responds no and explains “For "Tut," I started with reality in its absolute then added on adjustments to help the actor become somehow modern. I always like thinking that a spectator will say, "I'd like to dress like that.” I am also very sure that most women that watch “Tut” will want to be dressed like the actresses playing [the characters] Ankhe and Suhad” (Fashiontimes.com, 2015). Some of the changes that were made to the costumes were as simple as adding a chain to the back and front bodice pieces so that they would hold better for modesty purposes. Ancient Egyptians were not as modest with their womens fashions, most style of dresses were revealing or easily moved in ways that would reveal the breasts, unlike today's fashion where it is not publically acceptable to exposes one’s breasts in public. In addition to covering up the actress's breasts, another modern style added to the design was the fabrics not being shear to the point of exposing the body. Poggioli was careful to mimic the draping techniques and styles of the ancient Egyptians, but unlike the Egyptians, the materials used were not opaque enough for the body to be seen, instead the designer had decided to use thicker material or used a lining in the garments for modesty purposes. In summary, though the designer changed some aspects of the costume design to appeal to the modern audience member, overall the design has a very apparent, and mostly accurate portrayal of the Egyptian