I just realized today that I hadn’t done an “Anatomy of a Costume” post since September! It’s definitely time to bring those back. Let’s start by talking about what I wore for my photo shoot with Kyle Cassidy earlier this month.
I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do for this. I knew I wanted to wear something other than a super bootie skirt, because I tend to hit those pretty hard. Since I knew the shoot would be outdoors, I eventually decided on a more tribal look, but then I had to narrow it down from there. After playing with various skirts, I finally settled on two that looked awesome together. Added benefits were the fact that one of the skirts had a matching top, and I hadn’t worn either skirt for photos before.
The base skirt and matching top are really special, made out of a heavier woven material and stamped with block-print pattern that is accented with lots of metallic gold. I fell in love with it at the Magical Fashions booth at Tribal Fest last year, and it was the only one, so I had to have it. I really want to perform in this set someday! Unfortunately, the halter top needed some darts added, and one of my hastily-sewn darts popped during the shoot. We scrounged up a safety pin, but you can see the awkwardness of the repair in some of the photos. I definitely need to sit down and do a better job of adjusting this top.
The over skirt is another 25 yarder from Magical Fashions, one of her popular Aishwarya skirts which is made out of a shimmering duo-chrome fabric with a wide sari ribbon border. I stepped out of my usual box when I ordered this one and chose a peachy orange one, as I thought it would make a nice contrast with the green skirts I already had.
Underneath, I’m wearing a pair of below-the-knee bloomers in brown, I think they’re from Mishu? I’ve had them forever.
To top it off, I’m wearing a brown tribal belt with teal accents that I purchased at the African Village show a couple of years ago. The African Village is part of the gem show and features vendors from Africa, selling gems and jewelry and art and more. It’s a great place to get a basket, or a djembe, or a giant beaded throne (someday!). I’m also wearing the cool hinged bracelet that I picked up from Silk Road Tribal at Tribal Fest, peacock fake gauge earrings and a beaded necklace that I made with a double-sided scarab bead by Margaret Zinser.
Because I was rushed on time, I kept the hair and makeup simple. I really like the more natural look I ended up with. Not as glamorous as I would normally be on stage, I think these photos show a softer side of me — well, except for the ones where I’ve got a sword and my face seems to say “I am going to murder you.”
My sword is a Kult of Athena Balady scimitar. I really like it, the size and weight is ideal for balancing and it looks very impressive. The other prop that I brought was a cute parasol that I picked up from Woman Shops World at the bead show. I’ve wanted one of these besequined parasols forever, and an outdoor photo shoot was the perfect excuse to buy one. I choose one in nice warm coppery and gold colors, because it really complimented this costume, and will also look great for many of my other costumes, especially steampunk looks.
I’m really happy with this costume. It was fun to go back to my tribal roots and layer on the big fluffy skirts!
Vendors:
Skirts and halter top – Magical Fashions.
Tribal Bracelet – Silk Road Tribal.
Earrings – Dewi Design.
Sword – Kult of Athena.
Parasol – Woman Shops World.
Photography – Kyle Cassidy.
