The Night Circus Cosplay
As a costume designer I get asked all the time if I make all my own clothes. And the truth is, I hardly ever do. I have spent a lifetime admiring the Victorian era and decided I was going to finally make something for myself using all the skills I had acquired over the course of my career.
I am a huge fan of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and also Gail Carriger's The Parasol Protectorate Series which was the inspirational push to create this. So this gown is an amalgam of my love and admiration for the novels. As a costume designer, I feel that if Victorian "Steampunk" was a reality and ladies were running around in gowns fighting evil, the aesthetic would be more in the 1883-1889 period. During this time the skirts, hems and accessories of the dresses were not quite as long and elaborate but if a lady desired, there could be lots of hidden weapons in that bustle. But I digress.
This is constructed from 100% cotton in various printed patterns. I chose the cream and black motif since everything in "Night Circus" is in black and white. In The Night Circus story, a network of devoted fans styling themselves "rêveurs" ("dreamers") develops around the circus; they identify each other by adding a splash of red to thier clothing that otherwise matches the characteristic black and white of the circus tents. I put a small "pop" of red in with the lips and the small red feather in the hat band since I am a self-styled "rêveur". I also have an overwhelming personal penchant for stripes and pleats.
The gown is worn over period-correct undergarments- corset, petticoat and bustle. Construction and sewing techniques are a mix between historical and theatrical. My trim choices are not necessarily historically accurate but that wasn't really the point of this exercise.
I want to thank Amanda Tipton Photography for her artistry and assistance with all the planning.
All photography by AmandaTipton.com
