FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
The Owl King
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Photographer for the outside shots is Hazel Marder
Outline the story …
From the shadows where the girl was staring came a tall figure with the body of a man and the head of an owl. Large round eyes stared down at the girl. “Hello,” said the girl. “Hello,” said the Owl King.
-The Starless Sea Page. 154
I’ve been fascinated by the Owl King, throughout the book there are a few different stories about him, but it is not until the end of the book when a main character encounters him in the flesh.
A man stands in the snow in front of Dorian. Taller than him, thinner but with broader shoulders. Atop the broad shoulders is the head of an owl, staring down at him with large, round eyes. The owl head tilts, considering him. The large round eyes blink.
-The Starless Sea Page. 379
The book doesn’t detail their appearance besides that they have the head of an owl and are a king, so I was excited to have creative freedom in that aspect. The design I came up with wasn’t directly inspired by anything, I simply knew that I wanted to make a cape, incorporate feathers, use the skirt pattern I had yet to cut out, and that herringbone print reminded me of feathers. Finding the material for cape lining was especially lucky, because of its book page appearance it fit with the books narrative of hidden and lost stories very well. The mask and crown tie the whole look together.
Outline the construction…
For the Skirt, I used the Black Snail pattern #0414 and a black mid-weight wool purchased second-hand. This skirt came together beautifully, and features the nicest pockets I’ve ever sewn into anything, and a million years of hem-stitching.
The Vest was made using the Black Snail pattern #0220. The amount of fabric I had, a brown-black herringbone wool also second-hand, was just shy for either option. Changing the neckline to a wider v-neck shaved off about an inch in the shoulders, making it just fit the fabric. The welt pocket was another challenge, having never attempted one before. A couple tests, and a bit more hand sewing and it was a functional watchpocket! Finished with hand-sewn buttonholes!
The cape was made with American duchess 1910’s cape pattern. A couple of adjustments with the help of this blog post by Avant Garbe and the wraps fit perfectly. The feathers were made by creating stencils that were used to cut out the fashion fabric. A woven fusible interfacing was used to add body and to help prevent fraying, then edged in gold using a zigzag stitch. Attached to the Outer layer by hand, and then the outer and inner layers were felled together.
The accessories were a crown, made from a headband covered in zip ties and straws and spray painted gold, and a mask, made from layers of craft foam, plasti dipped and painted with acrylics. Goggle lenses were used for the eyes and ribbons to keep it in place.
I absolutely love your owl king. The feathers covering the cape are so imaginative. I know what it must have been like cutting them all out and finishing the edges because of the 50 ruffles down the back of my dress! The vest is adorable and a perfect fit on you. As someone obsessed by buttons (sad as that may sound!) I love the finishing touch of the owl buttons.
These are such kind words! Thank you so much! <3
Great owl King. Lots of interesting ideas, and the vest is lovely
I am glad that these ideas came together in a pleasing way <3
That owl cape is amazing.
Thank you!!
Wow! I admire how much thought you put into the project. Great concept. I especially love the skirt. I feel some hint of steam punk. 😊 👏
Good eye! I have a background in steampunk, and will surely incorporate parts of this into future costumes! <3
y a s this cape is beautiful. I love it ! congrats !!
You are so kind! Thank you!
Your cape is fantastic! Love the details on both the cape and the vest
I’m so glad you enjoy them!
Beautifully done! I adore the owl buttons, and the feathers! I love the Starless Sea so much (I did Mirabel for my entry), so seeing your Owl King is delightful!
This means a lot, thank you! It’s so exciting to see others also creating looks based from this story! Your Mirabel is stunning!
This is so cool, I love the owl buttons!!
Thank you <3
The vest is timeless. Love the herringbone fabric and those owl buttons are so special!
This fabric was simply destined to become a vest, the timing of it coming into my possession simply meant it was to be an owly vest!
I love your feather cape, the shape is so, so effective! Also loving the little detail of the owl-shaped buttons on the waistcoat! Very nice touch! (And this isn’t relevant, but I like your finger tattoos in the video)
Thank you so much! I’m very proud of how this cape turned out, I’m so glad you enjoy it too! Yay, tattoo appreciation!
This is so cool!
I love Owls! this costume is a delight!