Construction Details:

Completed May 2007

8 months of hard work and labor, all individually hand beaded! I would estimate about 100,000 beads and sequins on this total. The costume consists of many pieces, some directly attached to others to make it easier to put on. There is a main bodysuit and atop that, a corset that laces up the sides. The four long drapes are about 9 feet long each and are made out of white voile fabric with green 'stripe' appliques as seen in the Amano art - I individually beaded the golden sequins around each and every one of them. It is sewn directly to the back of the corset and cannot be detached. The back of the corset has a rigid top from putting boning into it, so it can handle the weight of the drapes. The belt laces on the side and features a bag which is halfway sewn onto it, the other half snaps after I tie it onto my waist. The leggings and arm pieces are made out of stretch lycra and were custom patterned to fit me. I did a lot of handbeading detail on these pieces, but kept them bare for the most part, too. The sheer green fabric 'sleeves' are attached directly to the armbands and also directly to the back of the corset, too, so I need to put those on together. The wig was re-styled after purchase - it used to be very overwhelming, but I tamed it down a bit and styled it more appropriately and in a more flattering look for my face.


Beaded details include the entire corset, belt, skirt, and bodysuit - embellished stars on the armbands, handbeaded sequins for border of the green stripes on the drapes, beaded details for the leggings, beaded headpice, beaded tiara, beaded earrings, beaded star pieces for the shoulder straps, embellished and heavily modified footwear, etc. I purchased the materials for the beading at Cartwright's Sequins and did a lot of random searching for the glass, bugle, and other assorted beads that were used for the dangly bits and tiara. Most of the costume was handwork, constructing the actual garments wasn't very difficult for me. It was just a very time-consuming project.

Personal Thoughts:

This costume is pretty easy to move in and a lot more comfortable than it appears. However, it takes a lot of time to get into, and I can be pretty nervous about the drapes being treaded on, so I don't get as much wear out of it as I'd like.

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