Photo courtesy of Amh VFX Photography
Ava Vice
Costume Design and Construction
Costume Design and Construction
This project began in November of 2010 when I came across a Craigslist posting asking for a "Victorian stage costume". I quickly learned that it was for a steampunk band, and came up with some more appropriate sketches. I worked closely with Natalie Abell, alias Ava Vice, to create the look and feel she desired for her character.
Over 100 hours were put into the design, patterning, draping, construction, and distressing of this project. I was completed in March of 2011.
There are multiple pieces in the entire costume (not all pictured here), including: leather harness, shrug, bra top, leather collar with pleats, skirt with removable front panel, removable bustle, recovered corset, and a cropped Victorian straitjacket.
Materials used: twill, leather, cotton duck, a standard bra, twill tape, bias tape, snaps, grommets, corset lacing, metal gears, tulle, D-rings, buckles, tea, lime green satin ribbon, and metal buttons.
Over 100 hours were put into the design, patterning, draping, construction, and distressing of this project. I was completed in March of 2011.
There are multiple pieces in the entire costume (not all pictured here), including: leather harness, shrug, bra top, leather collar with pleats, skirt with removable front panel, removable bustle, recovered corset, and a cropped Victorian straitjacket.
Materials used: twill, leather, cotton duck, a standard bra, twill tape, bias tape, snaps, grommets, corset lacing, metal gears, tulle, D-rings, buckles, tea, lime green satin ribbon, and metal buttons.
Brainstorming sketches and front and back
Shrug and Harness Before & After
Draped both shrug and harness on an adjustable mannequin. Flat patterned pleated puff sleeves. Supported the shape with tulle. Strap across chest is patchworked leather and snaps to the shrug on one side. Harness laces up the back.
Draped both shrug and harness on an adjustable mannequin. Flat patterned pleated puff sleeves. Supported the shape with tulle. Strap across chest is patchworked leather and snaps to the shrug on one side. Harness laces up the back.
Brown twill skirt pattern pieces ready to be cut
Tapered Skirt with Removable Front Panel
Natalie wanted the skirt to be able to be both short and long, so we devised a skirt with a front panel that could be snapped on and off at the sides.
Natalie wanted the skirt to be able to be both short and long, so we devised a skirt with a front panel that could be snapped on and off at the sides.
Teastained skirt pieces
Photo courtesy of Amh VFX Photography
Photos courtesy of Carlos Santiago and Ashley Peterson
