Dickens Fair is just around the corner, and while I thought I'd bow out of any official presence in character, this year, it looks like I will be after all. At least part-time.
My mind was made up as soon as it was known to me that the character I had suggested presenting, was OK'd.
Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Also affectionately known as Sisi.
I'm ecstatic, yet a bit intimidated.
I have a good chunk of *more* sewing to do, but I can breathe a little easier knowing that Ander's will be doing the lion's share of his own costuming/sewing this year. I just want to finish a tailcoat I had started for him last year.
So, I am Sisi.
Being Bavarian/Austrian myself, I have a lot of source material and was practically raised on stories and images of Sisi. I may need to brush up on details of her travels and those she regularly 'hung out' with, but I have a pretty good head-start.
Hair: I'll need to go a bit darker than my current shade, but her dark blond is very close to my natural color.
I'm considering a temporary color, so I don't kill my tresses with a high lift developer trying to remove it after the the holidays.
I'll be investing in hair pieces too, to get that bountiful braided look she was so famous for. hopefully I can use human hair for the majority of it, since I can't stand the overly shininess of synthetic hair.
The outfit(s?):
Oh lordy. Where do I begin?
I already have an idea of what I want to make, but it has to be seasonally appropriate too. No Worth star gown for me (not that I'd want to tackle that project right now. I have, actually and it's been on the back burner).
Skirt, blouse and Swiss waist?
Or an ocean of midnight velveteen?
Do I make one or both given the time I have?
Additionally; it can get stuffy and downright warm at Dickens. Do I want to be wearing 15 pounds of velvet?
Incorporating the two outfits and making it 'convertible' to the blouse underneath the velvet ensemble, might be a good option when the temperature rises.
Images that are currently inspiring me:
The velveteen options:
Excuse the colorized photo below, but this is the skirt blouse combo in question. The level of actual detail on the blouse in this image is lost, but it gives a general idea:
I'd go for the middle one. Finding the fur for the top one would be a pain, unless you go for a fake one. And the decoration on the bottom skirt and waist would be difficult to replicate without much midnight oil and tearing of hair.
ReplyDeleteI have already found the fur for this, via a vintage mink coat. I would never even think of creating an historical garment that called for fur, unless I could use the real thing. To appease folks that may have 'feelings' against this, I only use vintage fur, and upcycle as much as possible. Even if I don't use this ensemble for Dickens, I still want to take a stab at it. The option you suggest would be a great idea too.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful idea to be Sisi for a while. I was just about to watch all the movies:)
ReplyDeleteHi! You've been nominated with the Versatile Blog award... :) http://rococoatelier.blogspot.fi/2012/10/the-versatile-blog-award-and-short.html
ReplyDeleteThanks Sanna!
DeleteI will try to get this posted this afternoon, or tonight xoxo!