Brockhurst costume for Sam

I was very happy when Sam LeVangie, a friend and frequent theater collaborator, was going to be playing in my new larp Brockhurst. When I cast her as one of the fancy ladies, I thought it might be nice to help her with a costume. I've been wanting to drive my hand at a 1910s look for a while now. Most of my current collection fits people close to my size, so Sam, though significantly taller than me, is a good candidate.

I had this purple prom dress, which I've only worn out once, while playing Folding the River if I remember correctly. I tried it on Sam as a possibility for her princess character in The Prince Comes of Age, but didn't quite work then. Still, I remembered it was a good shape and color for her, so I decided adapt it to a 1910s dress for her.

I bought a lacy blouse from the thrift store and cut it up. It had enormous flutter sleeves, which made it ideal. A high waist with mesh sleeves and bodice detailing is characteristic of the dresses of the period, so I think it works.

It's not quite finished. I haven't sewn the stomach piece on yet, and I want to finish the raw edges of that piece with this thin dark red ribbon I have. But I like the effect. It's a nice combination of colors-- purple, pink, red, beige --and it evokes the period even if it's not literally historical. I think it will look nice on her, and work well for the role.