Costume Design Challenge: Day Eight - Ten

I've joined the November Costume Design Challenge hosted by the famous & fabulous Lauren of Wearing History!  And you can too by clicking on link above or official banner on the sidebar...

Week One was completed in Part I & Part II, so it's onto Week Two!  Here are the challenges:

(Image via: Wearing History)

And, here are my designs, enjoy!

Challenge #8: The Factory Worker 

Please click for larger image.

Definition: Factory (noun) - A building or group of buildings where goods are manufactured or assembled chiefly by machine; Worker (noun) - One that works especially at manual or industrial labor or with a particular material, a "factory worker" often used in combination. 

Design:  Hard work and harder life.  Long hours and longer days.  Menial, repetitive tasks.  Poor conditions.  Little light and littler hope.  Maybe I've been watching too much Les Misérables (it is after all one of my favorite, if not my favorite musicals), but Fantine, a victim of unfair circumstance and tragic fate, came to mind when I saw the challenge.  Therefore, clad in blue for sorrow and brown for toil,  my early 19th century mill worker would be wearing a simple, tattered, calico dress, apron, and blue cap to protect her locks.

Movie inspiration: (not included in collage).  I am intrigued by the caps that these mill workers from the relatively recent drama, The Mill (2013), are wearing.  I'm not familiar with the drama, but I think the look is spot on!  The tatters, the dirt, the cold, the strife, but still, a glimmer of hope can be drawn from the scene:

Apprentices at Greg's mill, Channel 4's drama - The Mill.
(Image via: The Telegraph)

Les Misérables (2012): Great scene, great costumes:

Still of Anne Hathaway in Les Misérables (2012) by Laurie Sparham.
(Image via: IMDb - Les Misérables)

More Les Mis, I loved the variety of ages, shapes and sizes among the factory workers.  The blues, browns and bronzes are perfect:

Still of Anne Hathaway, Kate Fleetwood and Hannah Waddingham in Les Misérables (2012).
(Image via: IMDb - Les Misérables)

Soft stays, in the right colors, form the support for her outer garments and for her back throughout the long day ahead:

Corset bodice, c.1800-1825
National Trust Collections
(Image via: Pinterest)

A basic, all-covering apron protects a simple, yet slightly faded, calico dress from more dirt and grime:

Old Sturbridge Village work dress and apron.
(Image via: Pinterest)

A blue corded sunbonnet:  Or even better, a coif of the same color (like above) to cover her hair:

Corded sunbonnet.
(Image via: Sewing Academy)

Challenge #9: A Royal Wedding 

Please click for larger image.

Definition: Royal (adjective) - (1) Of or relating to a king, queen, or other sovereign, (2) Appropriate to or befitting royalty, magnificent, stately; Wedding (noun) - a marriage ceremony usually with its accompanying festivities, nuptials.

Design:  Quite the contrast from the previous day's challenge, for this fairy tale wedding, nothing less than the absolute best is required!  The bridal gown, with its open lace, cut glass and diamond encrusted back, and small train, is made from the purest of white fabrics.  The long, traditional veil, held in place by a royal crown, is every bit as splendid and ethereal as the dress - truly fit for a queen.

I find this detail from the back of a Rami Salamoun bridal gown very inspiring.  It has the texture and ethereal quality that I am seeking - just look at how the lace and gemstones(?) appear to be magically suspended.  If only I could find a picture of the full gown...

Detail from a gown designed by Rami Salamoun.
(Image via: Pinterest)

THE dress!?!  I absolutely love the shape of the skirt and train.  The cut of the sleeves and back are also very complimenting.  I think we have a winner! 

Off the shoulder, lace wedding dress, $328, sold.
(Image via: Etsy, Pinterest)

This veil, with its scalloped edges and delicate white work, is absolutely perfection: 

Antique veil from "A Delicate Tuscan Inspired Outdoor Wedding."
(Image via: Oncewed)

Another example of the classic veil I am aiming for, from none other than Grace Kelly's famous wedding gown:

Grace Kelly wedding dress veil, detail shot.
(Image via: Pinterest)

Dare I say this is one of the most beautiful, modern wedding dresses that I have ever seen?  I can definitely image the overlay as the back extension of the bridal veil:  Talk about ethereal!

Spring 2014 "Aurora" designed by Miosa Couture.
(Image via: Wedding Wire)

Challenge #10: The Chorus Girl

Please click for larger image.

Definition: Chorus (noun) - A group of singers or dancers, often supporting the featured players; Chorus girl (noun) - A female singer or dancer of the chorus of a musical comedy, revue, vaudeville show, etc.

Design:  Bright, flashy and fabulous!  Drawing my inspiration from the 1890s can can dancers of the Moulin Rouge, my chorus girl would be ready to dance the night away in a mass of scarlet ruffles and glittering gold embellishments, catching the light at every kick and turn.  Not to mention, adorned with abundant plumage and wicked heels to match.

Vintage inspiration:

Vintage Can-Can dancers
(Image via: Deviant Art - MementoMori-stock)

Just look at that wild headpiece!  

Vintage Photograph
(Image via: Flickr)

More plumes and quite the can-can costume: 

Nini Legs-in-the-Air, a Parisian Can-Can dancer.
(Image via: Pinterest)

Pulling some inspiration from the ballet world, this costume from Don Quixote, especially the ruffly skirt, is perfect: 

Olga Semenova in Don Quixote, by Nikolay Krusser.
(Image via: Tumblr)

I really like the flashy embellishments on this tutu:  It's all about texture!  Bring on the lace!  The paste stones!  The gold & hints of black! 

Kitri's Wedding Tutu, Don Quixote Act III, designed by Yuki F.
(Image via: Pinterest)

And, finally, how about a pair of these vivid and unforgettable boots?

Barrette boots, meant to be worn while dancing the tango.
(Image via: Bata Shoe Museum, Pinterest)

Please visit my November Costume Design Challenge Pinterest Board for all of my inspiration images, as well as where you will find the links to the original image sources.  Thanks for reading!

Costume Design Challenge: Day Four - Seven

I've joined the November Costume Design Challenge hosted by the famous & fabulous Lauren of Wearing History!  And you can too by clicking on link above or official banner on the sidebar...

Part I was posted last week, so here's part II featuring challenges four through seven.  Let the designs begin!


Challenge #4: On the Farm

Please click for larger image.

Definition:  Farm (noun) - A tract of land, usually with a house, barn, silo, etc., on which crops and often livestock are raised for livelihood.

Design:  Immediately I thought a hard-working, pioneering woman on the edge of the frontier in the 1870s.  Through blood, sweat and tears, she farms and soldiers on for a better life.  Her calloused hands are soft enough, however, to love, caress and dearly embrace her children.  An all-covering apron with deep pockets is a must over her sturdy work dress, perhaps made from a madder-dyed, small print calico.  Faded sun spots, patches and dirt are her badges of labor and toil.  A practical slat bonnet with a long curtain that passes her shoulders and a small ruffle for a pretty, feminine touch shields her face from the beating sun.

The perfect painting inspiration:

The Sick Chicken by Winslow Homer, c.1874
(Image via: National Gallery of Art, Pinterest)

Practical slat-bonnet with pretty, ruffly details:

Sunbonnet, c.1850
(Image via: MET, C.I.53.72.24)

Dress and apron inspiration:  Though the dress' style is outdated for the 1870s, I really like the color scheme!

Dress with apron, madder-dyed, c.1840
(Image via: Museum-Digital)

I also prefer the full apron style, as opposed to the half apron above:

Pinafore Apron
(Image via: BurdaStyle)

Challenge #5: At the Ascot Races

Please click for larger image.

Definition:  Ascot (noun) - (1) A tie or scarf with broad ends looped to lie flat one upon the other and sometimes held with a pin; (2) A town in South East Berkshire, South England, noted for its horse-race meetings; especially Royal Ascot, a fashionable, four-day, horse-racing event held in June.  Members of the royal family attend some of the races, and many people go there for social reasons rather than sport. 

Design:  Such a prestigious event as the Royal Ascot deserves a fashion forward, sporty and stripey, early-1910s ensemble!  Not to mention, as tradition dictates, for the third day, called Ladies' Day, a matching striped, beribboned and feathered hat of enormous proportions is a must.  

Inspiration from past races:  Stripes sure were in style!

Fashions worn at the Auteuil Races, 1911.
(Image via: Source)

(Image via: Pinterest)

When I came across this fashion plate, I immediately knew the look I was going for...the large hat, chic dress, parasol:

1910 Fashion Plate
(Image via: Source)

THE dress inspiration:  Black and white stripes for the win!

Dress, c.1908-1915, worn by Rosamund Anstruther,
Mrs. Edward Windsor Hussey (1877-1958)
(Image via: National Trust Collections)

Like the black drapery to break up the stripes...

Ensemble, c.1912–15
(Image via: MET, 2009.300.245a–c)

Hat inspiration:  Just needs a larger brim...and maybe some feathers!

Straw hat with striped silk bow from Ladies Home Journal, March 1912
(Image via: Fashion a Hundred Years Ago)

Challenge #6: The Opera Singer 

Please click for larger image.

Definition: Opera (noun) - An extended dramatic composition, in which all parts are sung to instrumental accompaniment, that usually includes arias, choruses, and recitatives, and that sometimes includes ballet; Singer (noun) - A person who sings, especially a trained or professional vocalist.

Design:  We're leaving the comfort zone of mid-18th to mid-20th century fashion for the 1550s.  Clothed in iridescent blue and silver brocade, encrusted with precious gems and abundant pearls woven throughout both her dress and hair, the opera singer's costume is as rich and heavenly as her voice.  

THE inspiration portrait: I was having trouble settling on a look until I came across this lavish and queenly portrait of Isabella di Cosimo Medici!   

Portrait of Isabella di Cosimo Medici by Alessandro Allori, c.1555-1558
Kunshistorisches Museum, Vienna
(Image via: http://starlightmasquerade.com/PortraitGallery/Florentine/Florentine5.htm)

A similar dress:  Though I do like the sleeve treatment better here...

Portrait of a Woman with a Dog by Veronese, c.1560-1570
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid
(Image via: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza)

Brilliant brocade inspiration: 

Gold Embroidered Royal Blue Chenille Brocade
(Image via: Time After Time Designs)

The opulence I imagined:  Talk about abundant peals and precious gems!

Agnetha, dress constructed with 12 Rubies, 114 Garnets, 8 Sapphires,
10 Moonstones, 1158 fresh water Pearls, 698 Swarovski crystals & 53 Amethysts.
(Image via: Enchanted Doll)

Hair and jewelry, featuring more strands of freshwater pearls: 

Detail from Las infantas Isabel Clara Eugenia by Catalina Micaela, c.1575
(Image via: Tumblr)

Challenge #7: Revolution

Please click for larger image.

Definition: Revolution (noun) - (1) A sudden, radical, or complete change in something; (2) An overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.

Design:  Who's there?  French Revolution!  (Gold star if recognize the reference...)  Not only were the 1790s marked by revolutionary change in the socio-economic and political spheres, fashion underwent a dramatic, columnar shift in silhouette.  It's off with the panniers and fully-boned stays, and on with the soft, natural lines of the chemise a la reine and empire waist.  Throw on a bright red, Spencer jacket with a jaunty, little peplum, and a tricolore cockade to show your allegiance.  Vive la France!

Step one - the dress: This plain, white cotton, chemise dress is the perfect Neo-classical start:

Chemise a la reine, c. 1797 - 1805
(Image via: V&A Collection)

Step two - the jacket:

KCI Pink taffeta drawstring jacket, c. 1790
(Image via: Source)

I absolutely love the shape of this spencer from the neckline, to the sleeves, and down to the flounce!

Late 18th century jacket.
(Image via: MET, 2010.151)

Step three - accessorize:  What's better than one tricolor cockade?  Two tricolor cockades, mounted on a pair of mules!

Heeled lady's mules of yellow figured silk and cream-colored leather,
ornamented with silk self-fringe tricolor cockade, c. 1792.
(Image via: Pinterest)

Please visit my November Costume Design Challenge Pinterest Board for all of my inspiration images, as well as where you will find the links to the original image sources.  Thanks for reading!

Costume Design Challenge: Day One - Three

I've joined the November Costume Design Challenge hosted by the famous & fabulous Lauren of Wearing History!  And you can too by clicking on link above or picture below:

(Image via: Wearing History)

For each day in the month of November, there is a provided a "challenge scene" or "character" for participants then to costume design away.  Whether the entry be a sketch or photo collage, or even both, the object is creativity.  Inspiration can be pulled from any time period - past, present or future, fantasy or reality, historical or not - "no limits," Lauren writes!  While the challenge is really set up for Instagram (which I am not on, yet) - Wearing History's Instagram Feed - she also extends the invitation to Facebook, blogs (which I have chosen), et al.  So, I hope that you will decide to join in too, because it's simple and fun to play!

Here were the first week's challenges:

I am joining in a little late, so there probably will be several days of catch up...and blogging, as usual, probably also will be behind...While I really should be sharpening the pencils, and my drawing skills, for the sake of time and fun, I will be creating photo collages for all of my challenge entries.  Ideas and costume designs, themselves, may come quickly; but, the paper part does not always.  So, without further ado, the designs...  

Challenge #1: The Femme Fatale 

Please click for larger image.

Definition:  Femme Fatale (noun) - an attractive and seductive woman, especially one who will ultimately bring disaster to a man who becomes involved with her.

Design:  Immediately I thought of glamour of Old Hollywood, and the slinky bias-cut, shimmery, silken evening dresses of the 1930s.  In a poison or bright emerald green, silk satin or  fabric, the gown would have a dangerously low-cut back with generous drapery.  

I love the top half of this dress, coupled with the dramatic pose:

Augusta Bernard, photographed by George Hoyningen-Huene, 1933
(Image via: Pinterest, Holden Luntz Gallery)

Add the swoop of the bottom half & train of this gown:

Silver Satin Evening Gown, 1930s
(Image via: Augusta Auctions, Lot 214)

And a pair of killer, glitzy, but not gaudy, heels:

Green silk with gold leather trim, labelled Oppenheim Collins, mid-1930s.
(Image via: Pinterest)

Challenge #2:  The Gothic Thriller 

Please click for larger image.

Definition:  Gothic (adjective) - Of or relating to a style of fiction that emphasizes the grotesque, mysterious, and desolate; Thriller (noun) -  one that thrills; especially a work of fiction or drama designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, adventure, or suspense.

Design:  I had a hard time deciding between the fashions of the early Victorian period (think the 1840s, the Brontë Sisters, Edgar Allan Poe) and those of the late Victorian period, which, in the end, won out.  Dressed in an all black, bustle gown with a sleek line, perhaps with a glimmer of gold on her boots and a narrow trickle of blood red trim in the front, an ominous figure can be seen.  You can hear the slight rustle of her heavy train as she glides past, shrouded in mystery, but her face is kept from your view by a large parasol.

This dress, period:  It's exactly what I had in mind to the sleek, fitted form, cascading train, and even the parasol!  I would change the front though...

Mourning ensemble, c.1870-72
(Image via: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute)

Look at these gilded boots!  I am inspired by the careful curves and complimenting scallops:

Side-button boots, c.1870-79.
(Image via: FIDM Musem & Galleries)

If you did happen to catch a glimpse of my mystery lady's front, you would be greeted by a tall, top hat, every bit as elegant as her dress, trimmed with a large pair of wings, black of course.  Her face, however, would be still be hidden with a long, full mourning veil.

Ladies' Victorian Silk Top Hat, c. 1880s.
(Image via: Etsy - Nehelenia)

  

Challenge #3:  She Travels by Train

Please click for larger image.

Definition: Travels (verb) -  to go from one place to another, as on a trip or journey; Train (noun) - a series of connected railroad cars pulled or pushed by one or more locomotives.

Design:  Vintage suitcase.  1940s suit.  Mother with child in hand.  Those were the first thoughts that came to me when I read the prompt.  I can just see that mother now, suitcase in one hand and child in the other, trying to keep everyone and everything together as they make their way through the busy train station.  Mom wears a matching, grayish-brown, suit jacket with the coordinating skirt, and a smartly perched hat.  The four-year-old daughter, dressed in a red, scalloped coat dress with shiny, patent leather, Mary Janes and tall, white socks, steps in sync with the soft click of her mother's modest pumps.  Each one carries a travel suitcase, tan with several bands of brown lines, and the little one adds a skip to her step, eagerly anticipating her first train ride.

How precious is this?  A little one with a suitcase just about as big as she is tall:

Railway platform at Bristol, England,
photographed by George W. Hales, 1936.
(Image via: Tumblr)

Lady on the right in red:  My idea of the ideal shape and style for the 40s suit.

Sewing pattern: Misses two piece suit dress, size 14, 1940s.
(Image via: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/404409241518356925/)

Little girl in the red coat on the bottom right:  What an adorable coat dress!  The scallops and peter pan collar add the perfect touch, not to mention the precious matching hat and shoes.

Sewing pattern: Advance 5928, toddler size four, 1940s.
(Image via:  Etsy - AdeleBeeAnnPatterns)

Please visit my November Costume Design Challenge Pinterest Board for all of my inspiration images, as well as where you will find the links to the original image sources.  Thanks for reading!