FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Frog Prince-ss
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
https://www.instagram.com/lordamalthean as photographer
Outline the story …
After I started costume making a while back it was time to have a look into a new kind of sewing in 2016. Before I had made a few ones out of (poly)taffeta and I wanted something heavier looking. So I looked through my old fairy tale book (a source I always can get inspiration out of). I grew up with a lot of these tales of the Brothers Grimm and especially for the Frog Prince there are quite dark versions recorded and I always liked these most.
Since the golden ball is crucial in the tale, this was set as first color. The broken promises and the long hard adventures following the revealing of the prince in some narrations let me choose black as a second. To ease the look I wanted to add something for the character of the princess, something "royal" and at least a little bit of lighter color.
Why exactly I chose a renaissance-inspired look, I can't remember but I was quite fascinated by this stern and solemn impression many of the portraits of 16th century have.
Overall I wanted to go for a quite dramatic look, more on the way to evil queen than naïve princess. (After all the prince gets transformed after he was betrayed and thrown against a wall...)
Finally I got the opportunity for a photoshoot matching my inspiration in 2018 (photographer Lord Raven Amalthean, location: Edinburgh).
Outline the construction…
Since I worked only on different kind of patterns and fabrics before I had to learn a lot during this work. With some mathematics I constructed the sleeves based on geometrical figures and draped the skirts (calculated the circumferences and depth of pleats a.s.o.). For the bodice of this costume as well as the French hood I used the Simplicity pattern 2589. The under constructions (corset and hoop skirt) were bought.
Like written in the Outline of Story I decided the colors first. I wanted a really metallic golden and found this strong patterned lurex fabric, in contrast I looked for a heavy, partly light absorbent material and sought out this cotton velvet. Both materials were new for me. I underestimated them, and had to get used to their fuzzy edges and pattern / stroke but had a lot of fun combining them. For the accessories and decoration I decided to add some more metallic ornaments and some light colored pearls and even used them as buttons on the sleeves. Since I couldn't find a snood matching my expectations I started to learn crocheting and used a tablecloth pattern.
Sadly till the beginning of my apprenticeship as a tailor in late 2018 I haven't appreciated sewing by hand. So in this costume I closed most seams by machine, I would choose differently today. Of course the pearls and metal ornaments were applicated by hand. Anyway I still like this outfit a lot and it is really comfortable to wear.
Everything about this outfit is beautiful, but I am absolutely in LOVE with the sleeves! They’re simply gorgeous!!
Thank you! I really put some thought in the construction of the sleeves so I am glad they look good to others 🙂 <3
This is beautiful work! Love the attention to detail!
I’m happy my love for this shines through 🙂 thank you 🙂
Trust me! It does! Everything from fabric choice to the fine details of the hoops on the cuff and the pearl-buttons! Stunning!
I absolutely love this ! So well done and I love your fabric choices. Great photos too.
Thank you so much! The fabrics can be a real struggle but I still love them 😀
Oh my goodness. This is divine!
That’s so kind of you! <3
Your outfit is beautiful and so are your photos. Very well done!
This means a lot to me! <3
You have certainly captured the 16th century portrait look. I like the Grimms fairytales too and the colours chosen reflect your story well. Technically it looks well crafted. It’s beautiful
You made my day! Thank you so much!
The photos were taken in Edinburough, perfect place for a lot of dramatic shootings 😀
Both you and your photographer did a marvellous job! I love how you made the golden ball with your puffy sleeves- genius !
Oh my goodness!!!! Fantastic work on this!!! It is literally so beautiful I don’t even know what to say. The details are just incredible!
This looks wonderful! The colours fit well together and the sleeves are amazing! And the headpiece ist stunning!
::faint:: (Quick, someone fan me!) WOW, this is stunning! I love everything about this! Especially that blue! Thank you!
I can’t believe how beautiful it is! Great job! It is incredible!
This is exquisite!! The color, the details, those sleeves!! All of it creates such a enchanting garment!!
Beautiful dress and wonderful photos!