Historical Costumes

Costumes and accessory that I've made during my studies at Edinburgh College between 2021 and 2023.

Sack-back gown

This 18th century sack-back gown is based on my tutor's (Liz McCafferty) design, and I've got creative freedom over the delivery of the embellishments. The construction of this garment is based on the work of Janet Arnold, Nora Waughn and Jean Hunnisett.
The pannier and corsetry was also made by me, and the bodice can allow models of different size to wear the costume. The stunning top fabric is 8 meters of pure silk that is embellished with 3mm pailettes, freehand machine embroidery, hand embroidery, and over 13400 individually picked beads.
The wig is made of stripes of upcycled foam, and handmade foam roses, the tiara is removable by the use of strong magnets. The shoes are classic bootcovers, and the necklace was also created by myself.
The making of this gown took me a little over 260 hours (41 of these were only to make the stomacher) and it's worn by my lovely model, and aspiring costume maker, Melissa Goudswaard.

Habit à la française

This costume was designed and made by me and the proccess was led by my tutor, Liz McCafferty. The waistcoat was made by using a Nora Waughn's, the coat and breeches by using Jean Hunnisett's patterns.
I achieved the dark fuchsia pink color by mixing synthetic fabric dyes. The embellishments are a combination of lace trimming, lace applique and hand embroidery and all four pockets are functional.
I used scraps of fosshape and fabric to create the wig, and the bees are there to represent the connection between these two imaginary characters, as the lady's costume comes with floral decorations.
This was my first tailored and complete costume for a male model, to my fantastic hidden performance artist talent, David Burns. The making of this attire took me approximately 90 hours.

Bonnet replica

This soft hat is based on an item in the MET museum's collection (Accession Number:C.I.48.45.2). I created the pattern with draping and pinning the mockup fabric on a headstand. I made the personalised brooch out of resin, by using a self-made mold. My lovely model is Megan Fourie who is also an emerging costume designer.