It's with tremendous sadness that I report today upon the death of production costume designer Janet Patterson. The Australian designer, who frequently collaborated with filmmaker Jane Campion, was known for her stylish, striking outfits, with bold colours and strong silhouettes, often working in the 19th Century period. Although known for her wardrobe creations, Patterson was also an accomplished production designer, commencing her film career in both faculties at the same time. During her career, despite only working on a total of nine films, she earned four Oscar nominations, an award from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and a BAFTA. Among her credits were acclaimed titles such as The Piano, The Portrait of a Lady, Oscar and Lucinda, Bright Star and Far from the Madding Crowd; all but two of her films were directed by women, and every one was an Australian production. Her contribution to film will continue to be valued as deeply as it is today for many years to come, and she will be much missed.
