FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
The Red Death as inspired by Tim Burton
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Kala Photography
Outline the story …
I started creating this garment as a Halloween costume at the end of July 2020. I wanted to make a dress that was inspired by The Red Death from Edgar Allan Poe's "Masque of the Red Death", but as the character might look in a Tim Burton movie set in the 1890s. I haven't been sewing historically very long, but I wanted to create something like a Victorian Walking suit with an additional evening bodice. I started with a Pinterest board for inspiration and then drew a sketch of the dress. I wanted the costume to be dark but whimsical at the same time. I think it is one of the most difficult projects I've ever taken on. I created the skirt, jacket, bodice, a drawstring bag and a mask. I didn't make the hat but I did decorate it.
Outline the construction…
I started with the bustle skirt, modifying the Black Snail Patterns Bustle Skirt Pattern. I split the pattern to add two layers of ruffles to the bottom. I then draped the evening bodice and drafted the jacket using a block pattern I drafted a few months prior. I made three mock-ups of the jacket and one of the evening bodice. At this point, we were deep into lockdown so I had to order all my fabrics and materials online (Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay). The biggest challenge though was the fact that I gained almost 20 pounds during the construction, so I ended up with a jacket that didn't fit properly anymore. I adjusted this by adding a side panel to give me some additional room. Then I lost some weight and now it's slightly too big. Even so, I learned how to make collars, cuffs and plackets; plus this was my first attempt at tailoring and adding boning to a jacket. I learned so much and though it's not perfect, it taught me patience. I took the time to take things a part when they weren't working and used Foundations Revealed articles for help.
The combination of the red, white and black is gorgeous!
Fabulous!
This is amazing! I love both the story and Tim Burton’s work, and this is a fabulous interpretation of both!
So awesome! I love the subject and way you handled all those stripes with the trim. I really admire the drama in the photos.
This rocks my world. Well done!
Oddly enough, I love it. Nicely done
This is gorgeous! Between the photos, the model, and the costume.. chef kiss!
I love the combination of fun and elegance then the edge of the creepy details. A really imaginative costume and great photos.
You brought the black and white dress to another level!! The addition of the red details just makes your design pop and I want one of these in my closet!!
The snowy photo is just stunning! Great work.
Wow – what a dress! Gorgeous.
the dress is stunning, but that Baron Samedi photograph brings it to a whole other level of badassery.
congratulations. this is great.
This dress speaks to me!! Especially with the jacket! Great Job! =)
Phenomenal outfit! You absolutely nailed the character and the Burton aesthetic
This is soooo nice! It’s so eye catching and very Tim Burton – loooove it!
This is so beautiful. A really interesting take on the Red Death.
What great fun! I love the great use of stripes.
This dress is amazing and so beautifully made! The colours go so well together!
Love the ruffles on the top of the dress and embroidery on the jacket. This certainly belongs in a Tim Burton movie! Hope it gets shared many Halloweens!
PERFECT! I Love it so much!!!!! Its EVERYTHING!!
Beautiful! Very Tim Burton. I love the black and white photo with the skull mask!