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The Queen of Hearts
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Outline the story …
The story that inspired my costume is Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and the character it is based on is the Queen of hearts. I decided to do this character because, well, who doesn’t love a good villain. This look is inspired by a lot of Alexander McQueen’s Couture wear especially his 2015 collections which used alot of fabric manipulation in the shape of roses which I felt was very on brand for the Queen of Hearts. I’ve also incorporated the iconic playing cards and heart symbol throughout the costume.
While typically the Queen of Hearts is pictured as being Tudor in design, I wanted to add a soft-fantasy modern twist. The bodice of my design is based on a Victorian corset that I have adapted and re-patterned to fit my vision, and I also added a false closure on the front which accentuated the sweetheart bust into an actual heart. I wanted to keep the skirt as ethereal as I could buy using full circle skirts to make them look light and flowy. And the sleeves are Bishop sleeves with a long cuff, perfect for pointing and yelling “Off with your head!”. Also there is a large internal pocket, because modern fashion design is criminal.
Outline the construction…
The fabrics that I have used are-
For the skirts: red organza and black tulle, embellished with gold foiled hearts, tarlatan, and gold PVC playing cards.
For the sleeves: Red organza with red velvet hearts, and a red and gold brocade fabric, and small red heart buttons.
For the bodice: red and gold brocade fabric, white coutil for the internal corset, black brocade for the lining, red velvet for the roses, black velvet for roses, and external red ribbon lacing, metal boning and the standard busk and eyelets.
Even though this is the second time I’ve ever made and finished a corset, I decided that I wanted a challenge and set about using a Victorian corset pattern and then adapting it to the shape that I desired. Which included editing the bust line to make it more heart shaped, as well as extending the back into a peplum and shortening the front into a V shape. I decided that to decorate the back of the bodice/corset. I wanted to manipulate fabric into roses, which I learnt from a YouTube tutorial and I then spent three days fiddling to try and get them right. As for the skirts I kept them simple, made from 8 layers of organza and tulle they are circle skirts I’ve embellished with handmade playing cards and gold hearts. Honestly I have the biggest challenge I overcame was getting cramp in my hand from cutting out all these hearts.
I agree – who doesn’t love a good villain. I chose one too! I can totally see Alexander McQueen’s style in your work, which is quite something to pull off. Your colour combinations and the heart and roses motifs are so clever. And I love the shapes – your hourglass figure with nipped in waist and the billowy sleeves. Fabulous!
You took risks by working with very different fabrics. The result is great!
A great interpretation of your story’s character. I absolutely agree with your reasoning on sleeve shape. They’re perfect! The whole ensemble is very effective.
The cut complements the body very nicely. It looks great! =)
Love your fabric choices, and the drama of the bishop sleeves compliments the Queen so well!
I love your interpretation of the well-known character, and those velvet roses are just gorgeous !
Amazing!
That looks great!
The corset looks absolutely amazing! great work.
So cool! Lots of great details in there! <3
This is an amazing Queen of Hearts! I really like your sleeves!
I love your interpretation of the Queen of Hearts, and those floating sleeves with the cuffs matching the front of the corset with the sweetheart neckline is divine! You really have an eye for shapes, colours and design, and a really mix good fabric choices! Well done!
This is stunning! I love the textures and patterns that you incorporated into this design!