Gabrielle outfit

item details

NameGabrielle outfit

ProductionJane Holland; designer; circa 1999; New Zealand
Robert Gillies; designer; circa 1999; New Zealand

Classificationoutfits

Materialsvelvet, cotton, synthetic fibre, leather, metal, wood

DimensionsOverall: 800mm (height), 370mm (length)

Registration NumberGH016676

Credit lineGift of Pacific Renaissance Pictures, 2001

Overview

For many women around the world, Xena and her companion 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 Allbright named Xena as a role model.

The programme revealed the creative excellence, technical skills, and ingenuity of local designers, prop and costume makers, and other television production staff. Jane Holland designed the costume of Xena's companion Gabrielle. For the first few seasons, Gabrielle wore a long peasant dress befitting her character as a bard. Then, as her role evolved into a more active one, so too did her costume. The weapons and other props were designed by Robert Gillies.

Pacific Renaissance Pictures, producers of the New Zealand-made series, gifted the signature costumes for Xena and Gabrielle to Te Papa when the series ended in 2001.