Photo courtesy of Anthony Aicardi
I was contacted by costume designer Rachel Sypniewski in April 2011 about constructing for Vitalist Theatre's production of Calderón de la Barca's Life is Dream.
The costume crew and I went swatching for fabric within her color palette, and she decided which pieces she wanted constructed from which fabric and then delegated the pieces to each of us. I was given the character Estrella.
This outfit consists of three pieces: a bodice, skirt, and detachable bustle train. It was all draped on a size six PGM dress form.
The costume crew and I went swatching for fabric within her color palette, and she decided which pieces she wanted constructed from which fabric and then delegated the pieces to each of us. I was given the character Estrella.
This outfit consists of three pieces: a bodice, skirt, and detachable bustle train. It was all draped on a size six PGM dress form.
Detachable Bustle Train
I saw images of the Truly Victorian pattern "1880s Butterfly Detachable Train" online, and researched it a bit before draping it on my dress form.
I saw images of the Truly Victorian pattern "1880s Butterfly Detachable Train" online, and researched it a bit before draping it on my dress form.
Bodice Front and Back
Victorian-styled, but not period accurate, silk taffeta bodice with pleats at the bust and elbows. Leather detailing at bust, elbows, and down the center front.
Closes center front with hidden hooks and eyes. Leather and metal closures attach with snaps.
Back tails and front lapels have silver button details.
Victorian-styled, but not period accurate, silk taffeta bodice with pleats at the bust and elbows. Leather detailing at bust, elbows, and down the center front.
Closes center front with hidden hooks and eyes. Leather and metal closures attach with snaps.
Back tails and front lapels have silver button details.
Reference image used for bodice back inspiration.
Gown Front, Side, and Back
Silk taffeta skirt has center front pleats, side front black panels with button and chain details.
Detachable butterfly bustle train fastens at waist with waistband and skirt hooks.
Silk taffeta skirt has center front pleats, side front black panels with button and chain details.
Detachable butterfly bustle train fastens at waist with waistband and skirt hooks.
Photo courtesy of Anthony Aicardi
Photo courtesy of Anthony Aicardi
