FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Durmstrang Uniform
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
My dear friend and camera operator, Embla Kristine, https://www.instagram.com/roeverdatteren
Outline the story …
There is no doubt the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling is one of the most well-known fantasy books, having captured many readers in its incredibly immersive universe, including me. I always loved to imagine how I would fit into the universe, and with the mention of a Nordic school for magic, I knew where I, a Scandinavian, would receive my education.
My inspiration stems from the 5th book and is based on the female Durmstrang student, who spots Harry with her schoolmates on their first day at Hogwarts. They are said to wear “blood-red garments”, and this is my suggestion to what hers might look like:
Since Durmstrang is attended by students from all over the Nordic countries(and more), I wanted the uniform to reflect the national dresses of the following countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, The Faroe Islands, Greenland, and the Sami People.
The first six mentioned are relatively similar in terms of cut and colours(with Norway, Sweden and Finland using the brightest colours, and Denmark leaning towards more muted tones. Iceland and the Faroe Islands often opt for black/dark green.), and are all in part to find on the main body of the dress, although the heaviest supplier of inspiration has been the Norwegian Telemarksbunad.
The embroidery on the chemise is inspired by Greenlandic pearl embroidery - the little rhombuses that appear on their intricate collars are echoed in my cross stitches - and the trim on the skirt is inspired by the amazing ruffles on Sami clothes.
Outline the construction…
The only thing in the images I didn’t make myself are the boots, socks, and apron.
The construction consisted of many techniques, and the dress was finished in stages:
Firstly, I made many mock-ups of the bodice, then tabled the dressmaking to move on to tablet weaving.
A prominent feature of the Telemarksbunad is the broad belt. I did change the length, since I wanted narrower ties that crossed in the back. I went in headfirst with sky-high ambitions, and with some help from my dad, made a loom and 92 tablets. Then I got to weaving. I’m very proud of how it turned out, despite being my first time weaving.
The brooch with concave drops was also handmade, although I took the easiest and cheapest way out and used glue instead of soldering.
I returned to sewing and constructed the final bodice - the hardest part was sewing and then attaching all the decorative bands. Many fingers were poked, many cursewords were said, many nights were spent awake trying to figure out the best solution.
With the bodice finished, I cartridge pleated the skirt and attached it, and finished the belt by adding the recently woven ties.
Concerning the headwear; time, skill and absolute adoration for “nissehuer”(Nisse-hat), forced me to settle on felting a “nissehue”. Nisser belong to Nordic folktales, and they have a dear place in my childish heart - to me, they’re the epitome of homeness and magic - a perfect fit for a magical boarding school.
This whole outfit has such a magical quality. I love the juxtaposition of colors, textures, and prints – and especially the wonderful red hat!
I love the bunad-meets-hogwarts idea, and the way you incorporated so many different cultures! The combination of all the techniques gives it such a richness to the overall look. And as someone who tried (and gave up on) tablet weaving this past year, I’m SO impressed at your weaving and you may have inspired me to give it another go!
Love all the details! And those colors are so joyful I love it♡
A truly fantastical, absolutely MAGICAL interpretation in fabric.
I absolutely love this, the combination of traditional dress and fantasy. I can definitely tell that you put in a lot of work and it has paid off. Great work!
Such a great interpretation of the characters in the book! Taking the leap into weaving was certainly worth it, as it turned out beautifully. Your balance of colours and textures is perfect!
I love this outfit! I’m such a big fan of the way you combined elements of different Scandinavian cultures together, the thought that went into making all the different elements is amazing, also your tablet weaving is beautiful, and I adore the hat! Well done!
Fantastic job!