For costume designer Robert Turturice the film was a once in a lifetime opportunity to design anywhere from 600 to 800 costumes and dress more than 3000 extras.
“I think they were looking for outrageous, flashy clothes and someone who wasn’t afraid to just take the risks and go completely over the top. I mean what does couture of BC look like? Plus there were fashion class distinctions even then,” says Turturice.
“So many elements go into achieving the look. All the jewelry are stones that have been cast. Everything was made. We had to develop new ways of doing things. The costumes are sewn, but not in the traditional sense. All the seams of the leather are glued together and then very narrow strips of leather are threaded through the holes that are punched in the leather, so technically all of the costumes are sewn by hand,” adds Turturice.
Over 700 costumes with more than one million specially-designed rock crystals were designed for the production.
Levant adds, “Here’s a man who does high fashion, and yet is delighted in creating tunics out of grass, complete with soil like sod. Besides finding new ways to use suede and leather, he’s expanded the materials used in creating the ‘Flintstone’ wardrobe.”
“Brian and I had a standing appointment once a week, and I’ve never looked forward to meeting so much with any director. He’s quite visual. The whole energy is different from the first film, so I wanted Wilma and Betty to be flirtier and younger. Brian gave me the opportunity to redesign the Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty basics in ways that make them younger and more fun. A little wackier, a little more haphazard. Jane has more of a kewpie doll look and Kristen more of a classic Princess look with a flip skirt. But they are not the most comfortable costumes that everybody’s worn. Because they’re heavy and are made out of suede and leather.”
But the ladies still appreciated his talents. As Jane remarks, “I can thank Robert for giving me a 23-inch waist.” Adds Johnston, “Robert builds clothes for the female body that makes you look as beautiful as possible.”
Collins also appreciated Turturice’s input. “I felt that Robert, who designed the costumes so brilliantly, was tremendously helpful and beneficial in showing me what they wanted for Pearl.” Or as she commented one day on the set in 90-degree heat dressed in the famous orchid gown, “He’s such a genius, I’d suffer through thick, thin and leather for him.”
As Turturice notes, with a big smile, “There is only one real rule…there are no shoes, no pants and no sleeves.”