The Mary Poppins Returns costumes are as magical as the movie

Emily Blunt in the title role

"It was the first movie I saw — a long time ago," says "Mary Poppins Returns" costume designer Sandy Powell, about the original 1964 classic children's film starring Julie Andrews in the titular role. "I do remember Mary Poppins's dress, and that's always stayed with me. Also, the fact that, you realize now, you know all the words to the songs still."

It's all come full circle as the three-time Oscar-winner (and nine-time — so far — nominee) excitedly took on the momentous job of bringing everyone's favorite flying nanny, the Banks siblings and co. forward two decades via costume. Grown-up Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael (Ben Whishaw) are raising the latter's three children after his wife's death a year ago. Money management hasn't ever been his thing, either, so the family home is in jeopardy of repossession. Yeah, dark. Hence the urgent need for a visit from Mary (Golden Globe and SAG Award nominee Emily Blunt), who hasn't aged at all, as Michael incredulously comments (only to be met with a scolding from his former nanny). But she has received an ultra-chic — but authentic to the original character — outfit update from Powell. 

"Her silhouette is ingrained on everyone's memory, isn't it? We know it. It's an iconic image and I knew I had to reference that, but didn't want it the same. We didn't want to put Mary Poppins in 1934 in something that would have been worn in 1910," explains Powell, who also designed another awards season, erm, favorite, "The Favourite." But in a moment of sartorial kismet, 1930s fashion actually nods back to Edwardian style, with mid-calf hemlines and nipped-waist silhouettes.

"I designed a 1930s version of the belle-tiered, elegant longline coat, with the edition of a double-cape at shoulders," adds the costume designer. "Just to make it more modern and fashionable for the 1930s and also to create a bit of movement." (Also perfect for a jaw-dropping landing via aeronautic umbrella.) In a nod to the traditional nanny's uniforms in navy, Powell stayed within the blue family for Mary's iconic coat. But she "bumped up" the shade to a brilliant cobalt to stand out in the more dimly-lit interiors of the Banks house.

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