Princess Second Fitting

This fitting was one I was more concerned about as I was worried the fabric wouldn't move or fit how I intended as well as the colours coming together. However, looking at it on Rachel the colour's really suit her and the pink and dusky grey/blue work really well together. Although in the original design the Princess is drawn bare foot with the pallets in the set a shoe will be better to protect her feet. A pink satin ballet shoe will be used as it will tie in with colour scheme yet is also slipper like which is in continuity with the fact that she has been in slumber until the Soldier arrives. These will wear down naturally if she wears them in rehearsals.

Full front view shows that the colours look beautiful and the lining of the skirt is thick enough to prevent seeing any underwear but also acts like the top fabric. The silhouette is like the design but the peplum looks like it needs some evening out.

Close up of the bodice beneath. This has been taken in slightly for a closer fit  so it stays in place whilst she is dancing. The belt fits perfectly on the waist and I like the size, shape and piped edge. The gathers at the shoulders will need to be hidden with clips with hopefully some diamante's for a lustrous, rich look.

Close up back view. The peplum needs evening out again here  but it drapes nicely. This will be helped when the silver trimming is added to give it some weight. As the gathers at the shoulder keep falling off a string of either diamante's or the silver trimming will be added across the back from shoulder to shoulder to stop this happening. The cowl back falls very elegantly.

Full view of back - on moving around Rachel found the dress very comfortable. The hem will be finished by overlocking once taken up to the correct height, the colour of the skirt fabric will have to match perfectly to make the hem invisible to the audience. 

The trimmings against the colour scheme. In the design loops of ribbon are falling from under the arm as the velvet isn't double sided this could look  wrong however, I love the richness and texture the velvet adds to the garment. Hopefully making these loops smaller will keep the velvet right side up yet still  enhance he movement. The silver trimming will be used along the neckline and peplum edge of the blue/grey chiffon.

The embroidery design Beth has done for the belt which is stunning. It is a design  from 1900 which sets the garment in its era even further. It adds to the femininity of the gown and also has a hint of regality about it. The colours of the stitches work with the existing colours and lift it slightly with the light blue. Rebecca suggested adding tiny beads along the trimming and the embroidery design to catch the light and add to a look of expense and its vintage quality. I think this will really make the costume.

The cape fabric pinned into place with a curved hem this will look really beautiful . The shot gold chiffon gives a sumptuous look and definitely adds to her role as Princess.  It will look gorgeous as it catches the light and billows as she dances.

Demonstrating the elegant ripples of the silk. The deeper colour  also brings another dimension to the costume as the colour scheme is very restricted, the gold breaks out from this and makes it look less flat.

 Reflection: I think the dress looks unbelievably beautiful and epitomises the Princess in its elegance, fragility and femininity. Rachel found it easy to move in and supportive which is excellent as she must be able to dance freely. As the Director said it was his favourite costume which I am very happy about as there could have been potential problems with it's movement and comfort. Once the finishing touches of trimmings and glitz are added it will have the regal feel it is lacking slightly at the moment. As with the Narrator for this garment it will be essential to get the finishings right. The shoulder clips, diamantes and beads will need to look of the era but also fit for a Princess. Rachel is going to borrow the skirt toile to practice the choreography in which steer the dancing to suit the costume from the outset and ensure they work seamlessly together. 


To Buy/Hire:

• 3 reels of quality cotton to overlock skirt hem (exact colour match)
• Diamante string for back
• Shoulder clips (2 identical )
• Tiny old sequins
• Satin Ballet pumps