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1880'S RECEPTION GOWN

"Christine Daae" from The Phantom of the Opera

 

PURPOSE:

Photo Shoot in the University of Waterloo Humanities Theatre

 

MATERIALS USED:

Lace-edged Curtains, Sourced Petticoat and Shoes, Handmade Corset and Bustle

 

The initial design for Christine's dress before the repurposed fabric was found. The intent was for a delicate, pale, ethereal palette.

These two curtain panels, edged with pale green lace, provided the fashion fabric for the entire dress. The lace was detached before cutting, and reattached as a decoration for the sleeves and skirt.

The finished dress, as modeled by Jackie M. An authentic period pattern from Truly Victorian was used for the bodice, which fit over an 1880's corset. The bustled skirt was drafted by hand and draped over a tournure bustle cage.

Work in progress. The model wore a corset to all fittings to ensure a proper fit. The skirt was draped by hand over a tournure, and the fabric was bustled using hidden tapes.

An image showing the full effect of the tournure and bustled skirt, with a slight train.

The companion costume to Christine's dress was a tailcoat for Raoul, the hero of the original novel.

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