FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Celia in the Ice Garden (The Night Circus)
(click images to to enlarge)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fn40TVBrEY
Other Credits
Photography by Mattice Aaland @matticeaaland_blacklabel
Outline the story …
This outfit is my interpretation of Celia from Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus in a magical, dreamlike circus tent called "The Ice Garden". I made everything in the photos except the white skirt and the blue tights, I even painted the flowers to look icey.
The Ice Garden is Celia's favorite tent and she visits it often. It was made by her opponent and lover, and she once said she feels surrounded by him while in his creations. I chose the shape of the outfit based on Victorian and Edwardian elements (which fit the novels timeline) as well as outfits that Celia is described as wearing, but with my own signature look.
Outline the construction…
I have very little experience sewing and no experience at all with these materials so this was a sometimes frustrating but very rewarding project for me to complete. This is my favorite book and the scope of the project just kept growing out of excitement so I found myself a little overwhelmed toward the end. I faced challenges with painting and gluing acrylic plexiglass and PVC vinyl (the materials that the corset and mask are made of) which don't like to stick to stuff. I had a vision of the corset without any seamlines which I thought might work into my lack of proper sewing skills BUT I found that gluing cleanly and with proper positioning is also extremely difficult and takes a lot of time, practice, and intention. In the themed photos there are some wrinkles which I fixed for the other images. Unfortunately I had to shoot the themed shots earlier than expected and the shoot was my first actual fitting. I made all the patterns from scratch as well but I do have experience in pattern drafting for hard leather goods & corsets. I normally rivet my corsets and they don't require bones so I adjusted my pattern slightly. I also added hip pieces that snap on and off. The dress is 5 layers of tulle (turquoise, blue, and white & silver ) This is my first successful dress and it has a matching full-face mask/hood. The lace accents are removable and attached to PVC.
Oh WOW! this is absolutely amazing!!
The colour palette, the shapes, the textures! :O
Thank you so much!
that mask is a-mazing. it looks shopped, almost– such a strange, unworldly effect. your whole ensemble is delightful and bizarre. maybe if Blade Runner ran off and joined the circus! i love it. good luck from icarus!
Thank you so much! I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the effect the mask had 😊
I love this garment. There is something so unique about it.
Thank you! They were definitely materials I’ve never used that way before which made it challenging but rewarding
I see “The Ice garden” in tulle texture and the combinations with the metal details in the corset is wonderful.
So beautiful, this is real talent creating an entire mood & feeling with so much emotion from a costume. She always creates the most astounding work.
Fascinating usage of materials. Impressive and inspiring!
Vote – !!!!!
Incredible attention to detail and Craftswomanship. Dainty and Pristine and fits the storyline very well.
Bravo !
The colors and patterns and the mask really create a sense of surreal beauty, which is perfect for a circus performer
I love the book and to create something that a fan would be happy with is a challenge indeed, but you did it. The techniques, the attention to detail, combination of materials and the finish are wonderful. It is beautiful, otherworldly and unexpected. If a film is ever made of the book I would expect to see this in it.
Holly Cow, that is wonderful ! There’s so much detail and texture, all supporting the theme !
This is amazing! I love the Night Circus, and especially the ice garden, and you have created your design from the inspiration beautifully!
This is absolutely stunning!! I don’t know the story at all, but I can see that with your creation you are passionate about it. Well done!!!
I love this book and was very excited to see people bring different looks to life. This is gorgeous and absolutely evokes the feeling of that tent– well done!
Man, this is super cool! <3 Brilliant use of materials and attention to detail, it's all quite sexy and fabulous! The mask is really cool as well. in both meanings 😀
Beautiful! I love your use of the different materials!
Little experience with sewing?! This is amazing!!!!!!