Moana
In celebration of Disney Animation’s Moana release on home video, we had the chance to chat with Neysa Bove, the costume designer for the film, about the development of the costumes, as well as what it is like seeing her work make such a big impact.
LaughingPlace: Is it weird to watch the Oscars and see a film you worked on be in that discussion?
Neysa Bove: It’s so weird. I’m waiting for the day someone taps me on the shoulder and they’re like, “You need to leave.” Because it feels so surreal to be here. I love working here. Really awesome.
LP: If we can talk a little bit about the costumes in Moana. When you think of an animated film, you think about the characters and you think about the backgrounds. Obviously they have to wear something, and just like any film it has to look like something. How did you start to even conceive of what that was going to look like?
NB: First you start with the script. You get to know a little bit what the story is about, and then you see what you want to tell about this character. We knew that Moana was a voyager, an adventurer and kind of an action hero, so the costume had to reflect that. Finding attributes that you’re trying to tell, and then once you hit that, then you’re like okay, I kind of have an idea of what I want to do. In this film specifically, it was based on a specific culture. We did so much research, like an insane amount of research. We got a lot of inspiration from the directors when they visited the island. We learned about this culture and taking a history lesson on what they wore to try to make it as authentic as possible.
LP: When we were learning about the movie, they talked a lot about the oceanic trust, the folks that were able to advise and consult and inspire. Did they participate in your work on the costumes in any way?
NB: These guys participated in everything in this movie. They were such a crucial part for this film that we wouldn’t be where we’re at without these guys. It’s just so great that they were willing to come help us out and get this movie right because I think it wouldn’t have turned out the way it did without them. Disney wanted to makes things authentic and respect these cultures because again it based on real a place, or not a real place, but real people.
LP: When you design a costume for a Disney heroine, you’re not just designing it for Moana — you’re designing it for millions of girls across the world. Is it weird to see girls wearing the costume and the Parks or at Halloween?
NB: It’s really weird. It’s so cute to see little girls wearing it and that they feel empowered by something you got to work on. I think that’s such a powerful thing. The fact that you get to be a part of that, it feels really, really good.
LP: Do you have a favorite piece of contribution you made to the film, something that you’re particularly proud of?
NB: A lot of the stuff I got to work on was my favorite, but I do like the epilogue costume. That one’s was my favorite one that I got to work on because while it was something that we went back and forth with the directors quite a bit just like everything else, it means that Moana got to find out who she was. That costume that she’s wearing when she gets to lead her people. It’s really fun for me to do that one because I felt that one was definitely the very empowering costume of the chief’s daughter. She kind of becomes a chief herself, and it’s cool to be able to dress her in that role.
LP: How did your career guide you into working Walt Disney Animation Studios?
NB: Well, I think I was very lucky. I think everything has to do with timing. Like you were saying, I think the studio realized that these costumes are very important and we have so many talented people under official development. We didn’t have anybody focused on costume design, so they wanted to bring someone in. I think it helped me a lot to be working at Barbie, you know, on Mattel, because you’re kind of cartoonifying fashion for a toy. I think that’s the transition you would do from designing for toys to come to Disney. I thought by having that knowledge, that helped me to come here. I got a phone call, and I put a costume portfolio together, and I went through some strenuous interviews, but then I got the position. That was really exciting for me.
LP: Ron and John directed this film. I imagine that the films that they worked on, Little Mermaid and going forward from there, were meaningful to you 20 years ago. Is it neat to work with people who might have guided you as a youngster?
NB: I think it’s more than neat. I’m not kidding. I was freaking out. I was in my first review with Ron and John, and they’re sitting in front of me, and I’m about to lose it at this point because I’m like, oh my God. These guys that made the Little Mermaid, they’re right here. Now, I have to present … I’m going to screw this up. I had an internal meltdown, but then it ended up working out. It didn’t show, but yeah, it’s surreal. Then, you get to know them and they’re the sweetest guys ever. It’s so cool. Really, really cool.
Moana is now available on Blu-ray.