FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Snow White
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Photographer: Chloe Roloson
Outline the story …
The Evil Queen may have let jealousy seep like ink through her heart, but there was never any doubt who was the fairest in the land. For Snow White’s beauty did not lie in her ruby red lips or her ebony hair. True beauty is but a reflection of one’s soul.
For this fairy tale adaptation, based on Snow White by The Brothers Grimm, I wanted to imagine Snow White just on the other side of her happy ending. No longer a girl hiding in the woods, she is now poised, confident, and a queen in her own right. The dress is inspired by historical fashion while still keeping my own sense of fantasy and whimsy.
I wanted the dress itself to offer small reminders of her story and the obstacles Snow White had overcome. The gold beads on the navy bodice are reminiscent of a starry night, no doubt one of her few comforts while hiding from the evil queen in the woods. The corset and sleeves (designed to look like a plump apple) are reminiscent of what she has survived.
I chose Snow White because I wanted to portray a character of conventional beauty in an unconventional way. As someone with a limb difference, there aren’t many characters in literature like me to choose from, but that doesn’t mean we can’t put our own spin on our favorite characters! Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes — and a royal gown is enough to make anyone feel like a queen!
Outline the construction…
This garment is worn and made entirely by me. I entered the Experienced category because I am still learning and playing with new techniques. This dress is the first time I have attempted cartridge pleating and beadwork for embellishment. I always try to push my skills to their limit with every project, testing what I am able to accomplish with only one hand (and occasionally my feet! 😉).
The corseted bodice is made of triple velvet, embroidered lace, crushed satin, and over 1000 hand-sewn gold beads. It has an interior layer of canvas, steel boning and satin lining. I also created the pearl chain links by hand.
The collar is made with embroidered lace over satin. It has internal boning and is attached to a satin undershirt for support. The photo of the back of the collar shows the detail and pattern matching at the seams. Although two seams are nearly invisible, there are actually three vertical seams pictured, at the lowest point of each curve.
The skirt is made with diamond pintuck taffeta embellished with over 900 hand-sewn pearl beads. The photograph of the skirt shows the knife pleats and pearls in detail. The left portion of the skirt is pulled open to show the pattern matching at the seam.
The train is made with triple velvet and lace. On the back, I gathered the material using cartridge pleating.
I drafted the skirt, collar and sleeve patterns myself, and heavily modified a pattern for the corseted bodice (Simplicity 8411).
This is breathtaking. Snow White come to life!!! Amazing job!
¡¡this is so beautiful!! well done <3
Amazing reinterpretation of the snow white costume. Enough nod to the iconic design, historical elements and interpretation to make a costume entirely individual whilst still recognizable. I am in awe.
The level of detail is incredible
This is beautiful! all the details are gorgeous. Stunning work
The choice of the fabrics and the details are stunning. The pleating is neatly done and the work with the velvet is amazing, you make look easy to work with it even if it can be tricky. You did a really good job and the character can be understood even without looking at the title! Good luck with the competition!
I love the triumphant Snow White. Beautifully done!
“No longer a girl hiding in the woods, she is now poised, confident, and a queen in her own right.”
Wow, you ARE Snow White! Absolutely beautiful.
This is absolutly beautiful! It showes strength and confidence. I am completely taken by it!
This is just beautiful. Mandy is such an artist!
One of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen! The details are amazing. You totally hit this out of the ball park! 10 out of 10! Just stunning! Great job!!!!
Your work is so amazingly beautiful! And the heart you put into everything you do is obvious!
Absolutely stunning! From your detailed work to your presentation! You really brought this character to life! Well done!!!
This is so detailed! I love the different colors and textures you’ve used!
Wonderful attention to detail and the different textures and fabrics.
Fantastic work! Immediately recognisable while also completely unique, beautiful details on so many levels. Wow
Breathtaking! So detailed. I could look at it for hours and still find new details, I think. I love how you kept the spirit of what we know but then completely refined it to a sumptuous perfection. You are so talented! I’ve done hand-beading, and it’s so labor-intensive. I cannot imagine how much time this took. Simply lovely.
Absolutely amazing!
This is the Snow White dress to dream for. Amazing work!
Absolutely amazing!! She did an outstanding job
Gorgeous work, with so many intricate details!
This is incredibly beautiful! All that beading and those velvet sleeves… <3 Beautiful work and it looks so good on you! Very well done!
Gorgeous representation! I love the rich colours and the detailing is excellent! Beautiful, beautiful design choices all ’round!
Your stunning entry truly is a fairytale. Brilliant work!
SO gorgeous! I adore your version of Snow White, it is just so ornate and beautifully executed! You embodied her perfectly!
Absolutely gorgeous! The details are amazing!
Wow.