Asian Steampunk Costume Concept

Have you ever had a simple project take unprecedented proportions?
Back before the Yule season, as I was planning what I would wear for each party, I had intended to make myself a corset using leftover Chinese Brocade from my Arwen Dying Gown. I loved the corset I made for Halloween using pattern Simplicity 2966 and want to make many more. I had bought a black skirt on sale at Sears the fall before and its shape made me think of Flamenco dances somehow, so I wanted something red to wear with it and the corset seemed a perfect idea. But then, I would need a shirt. “How about using Threadbanger’s Steampunk shirt tutorial?” I told myself. I could go to some second hand store and find an old man’s shirt to cut up, right? Do you see where this is going?

One thing let to another and I imagined an entire Steampunk outfit from that one corset project. Of course, I never did make any of it in time for New Year (and still have not started working on it), but I did have the entire look planed down to the hairstyle by the time I went back to work. And now five months later, I have finally kicked myself into sketching it. Here it is:

Asian Steampunk Concept - Front

Asian Steampunk Concept - Back

Let me explain what you are seeing here. This outfit consists on the red Chinese brocade corset, trimmed with black satin ribbon and laced down the back; a white linen shirt with mandarin collar, the whole edged with black sating stitching and closed on angle with black frog closures; a bolero length black velvet vest with high neck in the back and sweetheart neckline, antique brass frog closure below the bust and Furisode sleeves; a floor length black jacquard skirt with train and a slit up the left thigh kept shut by leather closures and antique brass buckles; a red taffeta bustle and a highly embroidered gold trimmed panel at front (inspired by the bustle pictured below). A chain on the right wearer’s side will hold a skeleton key, gear and a Chinese coin. Since my legs will me showing, I thought I would wear fishnet tights with my Victorian inspired boots.

The inspiration for the bustle and front panel - Steamflower Bustle by Laohats

My hair would be done in a Gibson Braid-Tuck, an Edwardian hairdo of three braids pinned and tucked. I have used this hairstyle often and love it. I might add a couple of hair sticks to it (not drawn).

Gibson Braid-Tuck by That Costume Girl

Finally, a traditional Chinese hat will cover my head. I have wanted one for awhile now, especially after my friend C.B. visited two years ago and lent me one for a photo.

Gwenyver and C.B., Summer 2009

My (current) goal is to have it done for Montréal ComicCon, but I have to work on Princess Peach first.

So who is up for a shopping trip in china town? I need to find myself a hat and some dangles for decoration.

Lady Gaga "Judas" Music Video

Have I ever told you that I am a Lady Gaga fan? Oh, that often, heh? Well...

Lady Gaga's new video Judas requires mentioning because the costumes she wears in it are many, amazing, and come from various sources of inspiration. Here are my Top 5 favourites.

Number 5: The Wave Dress

Lady Gaga, "Judas" music video, 2011

In this case, it is hard to see the details, but I liked that it was long and metallic. I also always love water scenes. Hopefully one day, I will know more about it.

Number 4: The Killer Nails

Lady Gaga, "Judas" music video, 2011

I simply love burgundy and deep green together. I used to paint my nails in this fashion as a teen; maybe the fashion will finally kick in now! Plus I love all the bling on those claws (except maybe for the moss).

The shirt has a somewhat Victorian and romantic feel to it, from what we can see of it, i.e. the cuffs. And is it just me, or is that eye make up inspired by an Oudjat (slightly inverted)?

Number 3: The Doublet

Lady Gaga, "Judas" music video, 2011

Here we have a lovely embroidered doublet, straight out of The Tudors. I have a velvet doublet that I wear as a jacket; perhaps I will no longer be alone after this.

As for the hairstyle, I have read some comments comparing it to Snookie's , but my first thought was in fact Centauri males (in Babylon 5).

Number 2: Riding Look

Lady Gaga, "Judas" music video, 2011

Not only do i like red and purple together, but lets be honest: what girl does not love a Tiara? That bejeweled cold crown is gorgeous.

Really, I just thought Miss Gaga looked stunningly beautiful in this scene.

Number 1: The Egyptian Bride

Lady GaGa, "Judas" music video, 2011

This is my favourite look of all, and we only see it for a few seconds at the end of the video. The wig looks like something Egyptian, the dress is a mixture of Lolita and 80's wedding dress and the shoes seem to be 50's saddle oxford. It almost feels like I have seen this look before in a manga, but can't exactly put my finger on which one. In any case, someone had better market that wig because I want it. In fact, I think I may have found my Halloween costume.

If you haven't seen the video yet, here is you chance:

The Princess Peach Project: Research

It is official: we (my daughter and I) are going to Otakuthon this year. I have paid for our registration, so unless one of us is too sick to go, WE ARE GOING.

Which means I have to start working on our costumes, and as we all know, research is the best part of planning. I had already decided back in February (see Otakuthon 2011 Costume Project: Princess Peach and Toadette, posted on February 5, 2011) that we would go as Princess Peach Toadstool and Toadette.

Toadette from Super Mario

Toadette should be fairly easy to make: a summer dress, a vest, some white shorts and slip cover for my daughter’s bicycle helmet should do the trick. Since Otakuthon is the week-end of August 12 to 14, and toddlers tend to grow really fast, I will wait until July to start making her costume.

Princess Peach on the other hand poses a challenge. First, there are many designs to choose from.

Princess Peach as she appears on Super Mario Bros 3

Princess Peach in her appearance for New Super Mario Bros Wii

Princess Peach in her appearance for Super Smash Bros

I am leaning towards the second one. Simple, but slightly more detailed than the first one, and I really like the resemblance of the skirt to Disney’s Cinderella’s.

Disney’s Cinderella

The real challenge is to make it right. It looks simple, but looks can be deceiving. I have looked all over for pictures of Princess Peach cosplay that I liked, but in general, the fabric is too shiny, the proportions are wrong, or the fit just isn't right. I was beginning to believe that this was the costume that never looked good. It was suggested to me that I should see this as a challenge, to make a good looking one, but honestly, I was getting really afraid, thinking “What am I getting myself into?”.

But then I found two.

The first one is made according to design number one.

Jenni Källberg, aka Pixelninja, as Princess Peach

It fits well, the skirt has the right volume, and I really like the way the darker bottom colour in the sketch was interpreted as an underskirt. It makes the whole look like a real dress for a real person, not just a pink costume.

The second one is made to be like the more detailed concept art.

Princess Peach by Enayla

Again, beautiful fit and proportions. I have not seen the panniers look so good on any other cosplay of this character. The sleeves are also perfect puff sleeves, and the collar is just the right height. I will look at this picture often when making my own as a reference for these details.

I am now feeling a little better about the project. I now believe that a good looking Princess Peach costume, in the version I want to make, can, in fact, be achieved.

But since I am not as slim as the girls in the above picture, maybe I’ll invest in a good pair of Spanx. It can always be useful!

Mondrian Kimono Project

span style="font-family:verdana;">I have had a crazy Kimono idea. It all started with an innocent discussion on the Immortal Geisha forum about fabrics we would love to use to make Yukata. One person there suggested printing a Monet painting on a silk Kimono, and suddenly it hit me: A Mondrian Kimono.

For those of you who do not know Piet Mondrian (1872-1944), he was an artist who became famous for his abstract paintings of grids with blocks of bold colours, generally primary colours (red, yellow and blue).

Composition with with Red, Blue and Yellow, P. Mondrian, 1930, oil of canvas

Of course, fashion aficionados will remember that Yves Saint-Laurent made a very famous shift dress inspired by Mondrian’s paintings.

Yves Saint Laurent, "Mondrian" Day dress, Autumn 1965 (Wool jersey in color blocks of white, red, blue, black, and yellow)

Since Kimono are so geometric (square) in construction, you can see how Mondrian’s art would fit the shape perfectly.

Once inspiration struck me, I began playing with shapes and colour to come up with this concept for my Kimono:

Mondrian Kimono Concept by Gwenyver

I tried to keep everything balanced, while placing the colour blocks in places where a Kimono would usually get more detailed decoration. I may re-work the design before actually making it, but for now, it gives you a good idea of my concept. Of course, I would wear it with a Ro Obi, but I am unsure what colour it should be. So many possibilities!

Now, should I make it by painting the cloth, like Mondrian, or should I use blocks of fabrics, somewhat like a quilt, the way Yves Saint-Laurent did?

Shoes with a shrug

Remember the dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art last week?

Jennifer Lopez attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

I have found the shoe version of it:

Wild Rose Yvone-12 Ruffle Mary Jane Pump at UrbanOG.com

Oh! How I wish they still had my size...

...and that the doctor had not just forbidden me the wearing of high heels for the rest of my everyday life (something about a tendinitis that hasn't healed in over 5 years on my left ankle and multiple sprains - 4 or 5 in the last 15 years, I've lost count - on my right).

2011 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet

Yesterday was the official opening of the The spring 2011 Costume Institute exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (May 4, 2011, to July 31, 2011). On Monday night, the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala was held for designers, models and stars alike. Thankfully for people like me and you, many stars choose to interpret the "Costume Institute Gala" as a theme for their attire of the evening. Shall we take a peek at their clothes?

(Note: The following pictures were borrowed from Socialite Life for costume study purposes.)

First, I would like to note that many a gentleman showed up in interesting fashion, enough to make it to this post.

Andre Leon Talley attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I have rarely seen Andre Leon Talley in something subtle, and that is not about to change as he wears a court coat made just for him on this red carpet.

Designer Karl Lagerfeld and actress Blake Lively attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Karl Lagerfeld is never boring in his choice of clothes and that night was no exception. On his arm, the beautiful Blake Lively wears a modern interpretation of a Pallas. Whatever those fashion critiques have said, I love it.

Designer Christian Louboutin and Ashley Olsen attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Red has long been Christian Louboutin's signature colour, so it should come as no surprise that his velvet jacket matches the carpet. As for Ashley Olsen, black and white (creme) will always be a classic. I do love the wide puffy sleeves; they remind me of a chemise under stays.

Designer Marc Jacobs & Robert Duffy attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

You have to admire men who are sure enough of their masculinity to wear a kilt in public. Bravo!

European Vogue editor-at-large Hamish Bowles and artist Daphne Guinness attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Keeping to the tartan theme, this gentleman choose to skip the kilt, but still wear its colours. Very daring. He is accompanied by a distant relative of Big Bird's. (Sometimes, too much really is just that. But I still admire her originality.)

Actress Freida Pinto attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Not only were some of the boys interestingly dresses, some of the girls were inspired by men's fashion. Here, a Freida Pinto chooses to add a simple black tie to contrast her white satin dress.

Singer Janelle Monae attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

While Janelle Monae goes Dandy, Top hat and all.

Model Iman attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Iman looks straight out of Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). 70's Baby, yeah!

Actress Brooklyn Decker attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Don't say it, don't say it... Red Carpet Barbie. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Wait, didn't I see this outfit on one of the "babes" in Star Trek: The Original Series?

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Sarah Jessica Parker's dress is beautiful, no questions there. But is it just me, of did someone get inspiration from The Mummy (1999) for the beading design? (Look up Anck Su Namun's body make up).

Actress Leighton Meester attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

A little black dress should always be perfect for such an occasion, but why does this one look like it is made from horizontal blinds? I Guess this is the modern version of Carol Burnett's "I saw it in a window and I just couldn't resist".

Actress Mary-Kate Olsen attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I love Mary-Kate's 70's Boho dress, and the colour combination of dress and accessories. But maybe this was a bit too dressed down for a red carpet.

Nicole Richie attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

I just loved the sleeves on this one. Simple, elegant, with a little Sci Fi je-ne-sais-quoi.

Actress Dakota Fanning attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

All this dress needs is a pair of wings and you have the perfect Meadow Fairy costume!

Athlete Serena Williams attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I think someone watched the Royal Wedding too many times last week-end! (One word: Hats)

Actress Demi Moore attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I think someone else watched the Royal Wedding too many times. (One word: Feather Duster hair fascinators.)

Singer Fergie attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Really people, enough with the Royal Wedding already! (Kidding, I love that dress).

Actress Christina Ricci attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I read someone calling this dress "The Spider Queen". It is either that, or a penciled doodle dress. In either case, as original as it is, I find it to be very unflattering for Christina Ricci. It make her skin tone look grey.

Unless this is NOT Christina Ricci, and this is in fact Wednesday Addams, all grown up. That would explain it.

Madonna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Madonna has always looked amazing in 1930's and 40's fashion. Remember Evita (1996)?

Rihanna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Gorgeous lace, love the one arm and train, AND the red hair (truly wish I had the gut to dye my hair red - I've been thinking about it on and off since I was 13), but what really sold me on this look were the earrings:

Rihanna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

They look so Steampunk!

Jennifer Lopez attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Whatever those mean fashion commentators have said, I love the flower shrug J Lo is sporting.

Singer Beyonce attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

This is my number one dress of the evening. It is The Tudors meet Modern evening wear (Mermaid dress). Just look at the gold on black embroidery!

Singer Beyonce attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Oh, and the back! It is like a sleeveless doublet. Really, I can't get over how amazing that dress looks.

I am starting to think I need an excuse to wear evening/party dresses like that. Any suggestions?

Royal Wedding Fashion

So unless you live in a cave, you will have heard, there was a royal wedding today. Really! Prince William and his Fiancee Catherine "Kate" Middleton said I do in front of 1 billion spectators. I tried not to follow the masses, I really did. But I'm a girl, I love Fairy Tales and I LOVE weddings.

A Royal Wedding Group Portrait

With all the crazy fashion there, you know I was bound to make a comment. Someone's worst dress list is a costumer's inspiration.

So first, let me talk about the Queen of the day.

Katherine Middleton, Mother of the Bride - Queen Elizabeth II, Grandmother of the groom - Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Stepmother of the groom

No, I did not mean THE Queen, although one has to notice the lovely shade of butter yellow she choose, and admire her hat which is quite elegant (contrary to past habits).

To also comment on this picture, I love what the mother of the ride wore, but I hate the Duchess of Cornwall's hat.

But back to the day's Star: Catherine "Kate" Middleton.

Catherine "Kate" Middleton

No one can deny how lovely she looked in this Alexander McQueen creation. It's not really my style, what with the long sleeves and all that lace, but I can understand the need for sobriety and the difficulty in finding a dress that will please everyone.

My first thought as I watched her get out of the car was "This looks like Grace Kelly's wedding dress!"

Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, April 1956

Oh, and just a quick note in case my Sweetheart is reading, I love Kate's sapphire engagement ring. Just saying.

Diana / Kate's engagement ring

Everyone of course noticed the sister of the bride and her Maid of honour, Philippa "Pippa" Middleton, looking sexy in Alexander McQueen.

Philippa "Pippa" Middleton

One guest's dress also caught my eye: the one worn by Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco.

Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco

I have read critiques concerning this outfit because her dress had a train, but I love it all the same. It looks somewhat like a caftan, but it is extremely elegant.

What any British Royal event really is about, fashion wise anyways, it the hats.

The daughters of Earl Spencer

It seams to be a part of the dress code to have some crazy looking, gravity defying 'thing' on your head.

Princess Anne

I had a dress in these colours as a child... in the early 90's! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I am not loving this outfit.

Sophie Winkleman, Actress and wife of Lord Frederick Windsor

This hat I love. It is asymmetrical, yet sober. Can anyone explain to me how it stays in place?

Miriam Clegg, wife of deputy prime minister Nick Clegg

I am not quite sure about the turban hat, but I do love the humongous red flower fascinator!

Princess Mathilde and Prince Philippe of Belgium

TURQUOISE! (You knew we would eventually get there.)

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

Another gravity defying hat.

Chelsea Davy

Prince Harry's girlfriend wore a lovely suit, albeit perhaps too tight, and it is nice to see another type of headwear and the wedding.

Victoria Beckham a.k.a. Posh Spice

I realize my favourite Ex-Spice Girl is pregnant, but did she have to wear a tent? One the one side, I find it too similar to one of my night gowns, but on the other, I think it may be growing on me. Lovely draping effect, longer in the back, definitely perfect to hide the midriff. The colour and hat are truly nice, but again, pardon my ignorance, but I do wonder how this hat holds in place.

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Okay, she looks straight out of a Star Trek episode.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice

We have slowly culminated to the craziest of the hats: Princess Eugenie's, and especially Princess Beatrice's. Some people have said that Princess Beatrice's hat looked like an octopus. One thing is for sure, it has made the news. From what I read, both had very little say in their hats. Designer Philip Treacy just knows them enough to know what they like (which can be a scary though).

Ultimately, the crazier the look, the more I love it! And now I feel like wearing silly hats and fascinators too.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

I wish the newlyweds a happy long and truly happy life together.