item details
Ngila Dickson; designer; circa 1995; Auckland
Robert Gillies; designer; circa 1995; Auckland
Overview
Xena: Warrior Princess
For many women around the world, Xena and Gabrielle - characters in the television series Xena: Warrior Princess - were refreshing symbols of female strength, competence, love and friendship. Even the American Secretary of State Madeleine Albright named Xena as a role model.
Xena first appeared as a character on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. She rated so well that she was given her own show, which was made in New Zealand between 1995 and 2001.
As well as showcasing the talents of New Zealand actors such as Lucy Lawless, Xena: Warrior Princess revealed the creative excellence, technical skills, and ingenuity of local designers, prop and costume makers, and other television production staff.
Xena's costume epitomised her role as the 'warrior princess'. It was initially designed by Barbara Darragh, then reworked by Ngila Dickson. The weapons and other props were designed by Robert Gillies.
Pacific Renaissance Pictures, producers of the New Zealand-made series, gifted signature costumes for Xena and Gabrielle to Te Papa when the series ended in 2001.