Phyllis Dalton, a renowned British costume designer behind some of the most iconic historical epics, has passed away at the age of 99. Her contributions to cinema include “Doctor Zhivago,” “The Princess Bride,” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” Dalton’s meticulous attention to detail earned her Oscars for “Henry V” and recognition for her emotive, striking costumes in “Lawrence of Arabia.”
Born on October 16, 1925, in Chiswick, London, Dalton began studying costume design at Ealing Art College at the age of 13. She later served as a code breaker in the Women’s Royal Naval Service during World War II.
Dalton’s notable works include “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), where she crafted the iconic wool robe for T.E. Lawrence, and “Doctor Zhivago” (1965), which featured over 3,000 costumes and 35,000 items of clothing. Her designs for Geraldine Chaplin and Omar Sharif won her her first Academy Award.
Dalton’s dedication to accuracy was evident in her work on “Henry V” (1989), where she aged the costumes using steel files, hair spray, and grease. She also worked on “The Princess Bride” (1987), fashioning a special shoe for Cary Elwes after he broke his toe during filming.
Dalton is survived by her stepson, James Barton, and several other family members. Her legacy as a master costume designer will be remembered through her timeless and iconic creations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/31/movies/phyllis-dalton-dead.html