Fantasy Ball Gown

This project was inspired by the dress from the 2015 Disney Cinderella film. While much of the construction was the same of this Cinderella dress (the volume obtained from many petticoats with multicolored flounces, and the separate bodice), this project took a fantastical turn when I decided to make it a winter queen ball gown. 

I started with a bolt of thrifted sheer fabric, likely organza, and a small amount of iridescent organza for the cape and bodice. In addition I also purchased more iridescent fabric for the layer underneath the main skirt. Then I draped a pattern for the bodice and constructed it along with many layers of petticoats, the overskirt, the sleeves, and the cape. After everything was constructed, I dyed the garment blue.

Finally, the cape, sleeves, and skirts were hand embellished with thousands of silver rhinestones, and the silver appliques were attached to the bodice. 

Fantasy Evening Gown

My favorite book character, Bryce Quinlan, is known for three things: her red hair, her sexy looks, and the eight-pointed star on her chest. This project's goal was to emulate all three. I started with a pleated black satin, draping it to achieve the desired look. Then, I worked on the waist corset, covering it in beaded eight-pointed stars using tambour embroidery. Finally, and most importantly, in the book, the Bryce's star lights up, so I implemented LED technology into the outfit to make it truly sparkle.

Fantasy Renaissance Gown

Born from a love of Renaissance fairs, this project reimagined the early Italian Renaissance through a fantasy lens. While elements like the separate sleeves and high bust line draw directly from historical silhouettes, the volume of the hoop skirt and the bright blue corset beneath lean fully into fantasy. The ensemble included multiple layers: a white linen undergown, a corset and matching underskirt, and a self-drafted overgown made entirely from thrifted materials. My favorite feature is the bodice and sleeves, repurposed from a 1980s jacket—a creative choice that added character and sustainability to the design. This gown drew attention from fellow costumers, including historically focused makers, and ultimately inspired me to begin my journey in the Society for Creative Anachronism and in historical clothing more broadly.