‘Star Wars: Insider’ #223 Shines a Spotlight on ‘Star Wars’ Fashion and Gets Ready for ‘The Bad Batch’ Season 3
The latest issue of Star Wars: Insider hits shelves today on December 12th (US) and January 11th (UK) and kicks off with a look at high fashion in a galaxy far, far away. Issue 223 takes a look at what it’s like to don Mandalorian armor on set, takes a look back at The Bad Batch in readiness for season three and has the latest short story from The High Republic phase three.
Hutt Couture – high fashion Star Wars style
Insider takes a look at the increasing examples of high-end fashion in Star Wars. While we mostly associate clothing in a galaxy far, far away with the well-worn fabrics of Rebel soldiers and Outer Rim scum and villainy, glamour has become an increasingly prominent part of the costuming language of Star Wars.
Supported by interview snippets from costume designers and quotes from notable fan costumers, the article takes a deep look at the custom design behind some of the most iconic figures in the galaxy. Focusing on how Padme’s costumes show her journey from Queen to Senator, young Leia’s costume highlighting her royalty and free spirit, Mon Mothma’s high fashion ‘armor’ in galactic politics and Garsa Fwip just looking fabulous, the article digs into the materials and skills involved in making these galactic fashion statements.
Whether you’re an aspiring costume designer or you’re just wondering what the word ‘couture’ actually means, it’s a fascinating insight into a different side of Star Wars
Embodying Viszla – Tait Fletcher interview
Outside of the titular Mandalorian, Bo-Kata and the Armorer, Paz Vizsla is probably the most recognizable member of the beskar-wearing supersoliders seen on-screen in The Mandalorian, serving as both ally and antagonist to the titular character. While showrunner Jon Favreau lends Paz his voice, the man under the armor is actor and stunt performer Tait Fletcher, who sits down and talks to Insider about his experience of getting the role and donning the iconic suit.
Tait’s journey to getting the role is an interesting one as he was already cast in the series as the trawler in the opening scene who unwisely picks a fight with Mando. He describes the role as a blast and talks about fun aspects of acting in Star Wars, such as having to learn Huttese for his part. From there he was asked to play the role of Paz Vizsla, where he had to be in good shape for the role as he describes moving in the suit as a full workout in itself. Fletcher is high in his praise of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, describing working with them as a ‘masterclass’, and talks about the positive experience of joining the Star Wars universe.
The Bad Batch Season 2 Companion
Get ready for the next season of The Bad Batch with detailed recaps of each episode of the second season, recounting each one of Clone Force 99’s adventures.
Fon Davies interview
Continuing their run of ILM veteran interviews, Insider talk to Fon Davis, who worked in ILM’s model shop and contributed to the Special Editions and Prequel Trilogy before setting up his own company Fonco Studios, where he continues to be involved with Star Wars projects. He talks about the importance of Star Wars to him growing up and how reading about how the original trilogy was made inspired him to move to San Francisco to work in the film industry, eventually landing a job at ILM/
Fon talks fondly about his dream job and how he had to contain his excitement when handed tasks like restoring R2-D2’s head for the Special Editions, where he also got to be on screen as part of the celebration scenes filmed for the end of Return of the Jedi. He also cites the importance of seeing Asian modelmakers such as Larry Tan in giving him the belief that he could have a place in the industry and how he seeks to pay that forward by inspiring the next generation to see what a young Asian American with no college degree could achieve.
Dexter Jettster profile
Whaddya know? Insider have compiled a full profile on Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Besalisk buddy. Only seen on-screen in Attack of the Clones, where George Lucas wanted to show that a simple diner owner could know more than the great Jedi librarians, his story has been fleshed out over the years in fiction.
Drawing from novels and comics, the comprehensive article covers all the events that gave Dex his wisdom that he could impart to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Dex’s prospecting years include both prospecting for minerals, where he first met Obi-Wan, and prospecting hyperspace routes in the High Republic era. The biggest reveal to me was that he once served as a part of Maz Kanata’s crew on Takodana long before setting up his diner. So, if you need a bit more Dex in your life – Insider has you covered.
The Death Star Stratagem
An in-depth tactical analysis of Palpatine’s grand schemes and why they ultimately failed, this article draws both from Star Wars and real-world historical sources to look at how the scheming Sith built his power base – and then lost it all.
Exclusive High Republic Fiction
‘Friend or Foe’ by Lydia Kang continues the adventure of Republic soldiers Joss and Pikka Adren as they are trapped in the Nihil-occupied Occlusion Zone after pursuing a distress call. The series of stories features art by Star Wars concept artist Jake Lunt Davies.
All this, as well as quizzes, reviews and spotlights on the fandom, are available when Star Wars: Insider hits shelves. You can order your copy at the links below.
REST OF THE WORLD SUBSCRIPTIONS
A teacher from Wales in the UK, Aled has loved Star Wars ever since that Star Destroyer flew over his head and blew his mind.
