Friday, December 4, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
2010- ALREADY?
Well, the inevitable has happened. Just when I thought I could focus and finish up one project, a slew if 2010 projects have reared up their enticing, intriguing little heads to distract me and make my heart race and beat erratically.
Up first, a steam punk fashion Show in collaboration with Joseph Carroll Photography for spring, for an unnamed charity (we are taking submissions, so please submit your fav's). My staff is super excited by this one, as it comes close on the heals of the Dickens festival Steampunk push they have in Feb 2010. Lots of ideas, will schedule a time line after this week.
Project Deux- Alice in Wonderland- While this project has been rumbling around the workroom for the last 6 months, the final semi- confirmation has come through. Previously a possible ballet, it now may be reincarnated by an entirely different production company as a musical.
Project Trois-The Lion King This is a HUGE build for us, and will take place over the next 2 years, with
act1 scene1 avaible in June 2010. Lots of fun, and creativity, based on the broadway musical. We will produce approxamately 2 costumes a month for the next 2 years, until the show is completed
Up first, a steam punk fashion Show in collaboration with Joseph Carroll Photography for spring, for an unnamed charity (we are taking submissions, so please submit your fav's). My staff is super excited by this one, as it comes close on the heals of the Dickens festival Steampunk push they have in Feb 2010. Lots of ideas, will schedule a time line after this week.
Project Deux- Alice in Wonderland- While this project has been rumbling around the workroom for the last 6 months, the final semi- confirmation has come through. Previously a possible ballet, it now may be reincarnated by an entirely different production company as a musical.
Project Trois-The Lion King This is a HUGE build for us, and will take place over the next 2 years, with
act1 scene1 avaible in June 2010. Lots of fun, and creativity, based on the broadway musical. We will produce approxamately 2 costumes a month for the next 2 years, until the show is completed
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Secret Diary of a Ntcracker Ballet Costumer
Today we made the great trek up the big hill to a new trade show. To attend trade events is one of the BIG factors that separates our work from the dreaded"mommy mill" costumes. My assistants were trade show virgins and had never been to an event like this. While I have attended MANY, MANY, MANY international textile events in the past this was a new venue. We arrived and it was slightly drizzling outside, and when we parked the car ($12 later), I was immeadiatley disheartened to see attendees exciting the Hall. It was only 10:30, and the event had been opened for only and hour and a half, and yet, people were leaving the hall. This was an immeadiate bad omen for me.
After searching for 20 minutes for the entrance to the hall, I entered a rather small venue with under 100 vendors. Many were from overseas, and had higher end, couture type fabrics ( $200 per yard wholesale). Of my existing vendors, and after being in the trade for decades the list is quite comprhensive, I found only a hand full of my regular suppliers were exhibitors. Many times i have used couture fabrics for Company peices, but on our list for today were midrange products, and they were scarcely represented at the show. Actually, there was not much at the show at all, other than sublim contrators (had amazing conversations with them and their products were great).
The show was billed as full spectrum, indicating that it would feature service/prodcuts for the full spectrum of manufacturing., cutting, sewing, design, etc., I was dissapointed to find, no CAD, no machines, or contractors. I wondered if this is the new show, where are all of my vendors? I think I liked the old show better. I did find some great peices to order, but overall left, feeling sad. I realize that the economy is down and ususally there are normally no new product debuts duriing slow periods. R&D is done when the $$ i flowing, and the show represented that quite well.
The good news- We were able to source for Icicle costumes, a rebuild for this season, and the rat tutus. And I did order the patent leather lycra I needed for a project. But will i attend again? Idk... but this was a local show, and a better choice for me than Vegas. I dread the shows in Vegas, I really just don't get the hype about the town, it seems really over rated to me..
My Assistants had fun, we all learned alot about sublim services, and were happy with our orders. the goods will arrive next week, and we will start the rebuild on at least 2 costume groups.
After searching for 20 minutes for the entrance to the hall, I entered a rather small venue with under 100 vendors. Many were from overseas, and had higher end, couture type fabrics ( $200 per yard wholesale). Of my existing vendors, and after being in the trade for decades the list is quite comprhensive, I found only a hand full of my regular suppliers were exhibitors. Many times i have used couture fabrics for Company peices, but on our list for today were midrange products, and they were scarcely represented at the show. Actually, there was not much at the show at all, other than sublim contrators (had amazing conversations with them and their products were great).
The show was billed as full spectrum, indicating that it would feature service/prodcuts for the full spectrum of manufacturing., cutting, sewing, design, etc., I was dissapointed to find, no CAD, no machines, or contractors. I wondered if this is the new show, where are all of my vendors? I think I liked the old show better. I did find some great peices to order, but overall left, feeling sad. I realize that the economy is down and ususally there are normally no new product debuts duriing slow periods. R&D is done when the $$ i flowing, and the show represented that quite well.
The good news- We were able to source for Icicle costumes, a rebuild for this season, and the rat tutus. And I did order the patent leather lycra I needed for a project. But will i attend again? Idk... but this was a local show, and a better choice for me than Vegas. I dread the shows in Vegas, I really just don't get the hype about the town, it seems really over rated to me..
My Assistants had fun, we all learned alot about sublim services, and were happy with our orders. the goods will arrive next week, and we will start the rebuild on at least 2 costume groups.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Nutcracker 2009 week 1
Well, Its that time again...
Nutcracker cast lists are posted across the US and craziness has set in at ballet company costume workshops around the world. Actually, this year we are in really good shape. We have already fit half the cast in their pieces thanks to my amazing staff who are on the ball as usual.
There will be some new builds this year, a new set of rat tutus, and an old group of baby mice has resurfaced from an old build from about ten years ago. And they look in really good shape considering their age and the amount of use/abuse they have sustained in the past decade. Its hard to believe that the people who worn them when they were first built have graduated high school and are now in COLLEGE!!!! Again, i can not stress that building costumes to full theatrical/ ballet company standards is so worth it!! The life line is incredible.
This years build will include new Candy's, which i have no idea on design yet. It took me about eight hours of research just to come up with the designs for a new Harlequin boy doll, so designs for 3 sets for Candy's is a bit intimidating. Silly to feel over whelmed by a group of costumes for 6 year olds, but there are so many AWFUL designs out there (and i use the term very loosely!! lol)
There is a group of candy canes, and then 2 other types of candy. I have no idea what kind yet, but i can promise all you , they will not be some hideiuos lycra flourescent CRAP!!!!!
Tuesday i head to LA fo a trade show, and hope to pickup some new vendors. I am looking for some INSPIRATION here, so don't let me down LA CONVENTION CENTER
But on too the most exciting news of ALLL!!!!! Madoka Ueno is producing her debut DVD and i am making the cover outfit!! so exciting to work with J-pop celebs and creat for such amazing artists!! i will post images when available and link up to sound bits for you too. Can't wait for the pv to shoot!!!
Nutcracker cast lists are posted across the US and craziness has set in at ballet company costume workshops around the world. Actually, this year we are in really good shape. We have already fit half the cast in their pieces thanks to my amazing staff who are on the ball as usual.
There will be some new builds this year, a new set of rat tutus, and an old group of baby mice has resurfaced from an old build from about ten years ago. And they look in really good shape considering their age and the amount of use/abuse they have sustained in the past decade. Its hard to believe that the people who worn them when they were first built have graduated high school and are now in COLLEGE!!!! Again, i can not stress that building costumes to full theatrical/ ballet company standards is so worth it!! The life line is incredible.
This years build will include new Candy's, which i have no idea on design yet. It took me about eight hours of research just to come up with the designs for a new Harlequin boy doll, so designs for 3 sets for Candy's is a bit intimidating. Silly to feel over whelmed by a group of costumes for 6 year olds, but there are so many AWFUL designs out there (and i use the term very loosely!! lol)
There is a group of candy canes, and then 2 other types of candy. I have no idea what kind yet, but i can promise all you , they will not be some hideiuos lycra flourescent CRAP!!!!!
Tuesday i head to LA fo a trade show, and hope to pickup some new vendors. I am looking for some INSPIRATION here, so don't let me down LA CONVENTION CENTER
But on too the most exciting news of ALLL!!!!! Madoka Ueno is producing her debut DVD and i am making the cover outfit!! so exciting to work with J-pop celebs and creat for such amazing artists!! i will post images when available and link up to sound bits for you too. Can't wait for the pv to shoot!!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sugarplum Psychosis!!
Nutcracker 2009
Just the word can bring instant visions of Sugarplum Fairies dancing in my mind and yes, I can hear the music already. Immediately we embark on the annual journey of a ballet companies wardrobe adventure! While i love this time of year, i do know other costumers who absolutely dread it(one friend told me she hears the music and feels sick to her stomach!). This year we have already been contacted by a ballet company to handle their Nutcracker wardrobe, so I thought that perhaps all of you would enjoy a ride on the Nutcracker 2009 roller coaster. We will delve into the deep and dark recesses of costuming an entire production, with over 200 costumes, needing to be inventoried, photographed, built, repaired, rehabbed, fitted, issued, returned, cleaned and re inventoried. Get those Excel spread sheets READY!!! Yahoo, i cant wait....
Let me preface this by filling you in on the fact that I have built many Nutcrackers previously. Some have been for tiny companies, piece by piece year by year. Other times it has been for LARGE Companies, filling in or expanding their existing wardrobes. And a hundred billion times we have built Sugarplum Tutus for Soloists around the world. This is the first time I have been brought in to update and existing wardrobe completely. We will be building some pieces but have not yet determined exactly what they will be. Thank goodness they have some very gifted people on their staff who have already started to lay the ground work. When my staff gets there most of the grunt work should be able to be handled by their volunteers, and hopefully we will be able to get started on the designing/building ASAP, with the volunteers pitching in.
Just the word can bring instant visions of Sugarplum Fairies dancing in my mind and yes, I can hear the music already. Immediately we embark on the annual journey of a ballet companies wardrobe adventure! While i love this time of year, i do know other costumers who absolutely dread it(one friend told me she hears the music and feels sick to her stomach!). This year we have already been contacted by a ballet company to handle their Nutcracker wardrobe, so I thought that perhaps all of you would enjoy a ride on the Nutcracker 2009 roller coaster. We will delve into the deep and dark recesses of costuming an entire production, with over 200 costumes, needing to be inventoried, photographed, built, repaired, rehabbed, fitted, issued, returned, cleaned and re inventoried. Get those Excel spread sheets READY!!! Yahoo, i cant wait....
Let me preface this by filling you in on the fact that I have built many Nutcrackers previously. Some have been for tiny companies, piece by piece year by year. Other times it has been for LARGE Companies, filling in or expanding their existing wardrobes. And a hundred billion times we have built Sugarplum Tutus for Soloists around the world. This is the first time I have been brought in to update and existing wardrobe completely. We will be building some pieces but have not yet determined exactly what they will be. Thank goodness they have some very gifted people on their staff who have already started to lay the ground work. When my staff gets there most of the grunt work should be able to be handled by their volunteers, and hopefully we will be able to get started on the designing/building ASAP, with the volunteers pitching in.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Comedy of Errors- Part Trois
Well, I think its all done. Tech night on Monday, the first dress rehersal at the winery.
I arrived early enough to get the cast into their costumes. I indulged the cast one on one at this time, and hold audience with each of them privately, so they can go over the intricacies of thier costume peices, changes etc. But listen up thespians, you will only get me ONCE..I AM NOT A DRESSER!!
And, lo and behold, the costumes look....good!! They are a group, and aid in the farcical setting. The actors are extremely happy, and are inspired by the designs. From the moment the textiles adorn their limbs, strains of "I dream of Jeanie" and "Alladin" are heard wafting through the vineyards. Success!!
The Disney Turkish designs work well in this night setting, and the Director tells me that my costumes are magical, making the actors are somehow much funnier than they were at the previous night rehersal. (Thank goodness we broke out the unicorn thread to use on this order!)
There were a few changes to the costume plot, a few repairs, a few add ons (like more hats and sashes), but no major disasters. And several of the cast pulled me side to say how much they loved their costumes and appreciated our work.
There are hats, hats, hats, and more hats! Who would have guessed that Disney Turkish would be so hat heavy. Even after everything was completed, the director asked for more hats!! Turbans, and veils, and somberos, oh my!!. My goodness, we have a plethora of millenery represented in this show. A conicopia of crowns, fez, and mob caps. Gee, hats must be really funny, or magical....
So, on to footwear! We have made history in this show with our use of Shoes. And not just any shoes, Custom made shoes! Gold curly toed Genie shoes, patchwork Jester boots, embroidered, beaded, sequined, and it doesnt stop there. If you aren't shod in a custom pair of xv mona roses, you are wearing Converse in one of a kalidoscope of colors (wow, can I find any more adjectives to use?)
I sat through a complete run through, and it was a good funny show. The actors spewed forth their difficult dialogues with ease, the story was easy to follow, and their foibles comical. I look back on the production with not a single "what if" or "if there was more $$ then we could have-". I had decided early in the show to build everything full out (translation: out of their budget), and at the level which I need to design/build to be satified artistically, and have no regrets.
I am of course indebted to my wonderful, amazing staff who support me to no end . The steady stream of food, and coffee, and kind words. They always come through to the Nth degree, cheering me on. They are the real stars. The schedulers, and finshers, trim people, who always inspire and enable me to go on.
thanks wendy robi sara cathleen and trish, you make us look so good!!!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Comedy of Errors- Part Duex
We had fitting today for about half the cast, it went VERY well. Everyone is enthusiastic, even those whose costumes are not quite ready for a fitting, or only had a half fitting. It was nice to see so many happy faces, and have such positive feed back. To have ones work appreciated makes the hard work tolerable to say the least.
Ageon, was amazing, all the female rolls looked great. Sorry to the Antipholouses/Dromios. I just did not have time to get your pieces prepared. And after all, your only leads, right? LOL, as if your costumes are the most important!! Actually i am just a bit behind, and will have big stuff for you this week, in addition to the minor paltry props, i have offered to produce, (money bags, waves, jewellery).
I did have the honor to sit in for a bit of rehearsal as well. It is one of our great pleasures to have cast in the building rehearsing, and be able to pop over and drop in on rehearsals to check it out!! it is so inspirational for us to see the progress and LAUGH!! The show looks amazing , and the cast is amazing and everything is just AMAZING!! Unfortunately we tend to feel a bit isolated from the production, working all day in the ateleir, and not interacting with the rest of the staff/cast, and attending a read thru brings us back into the loop. I wish you all were here with me everyday to keep the fire going inside.
Tonight is the close of Much Ado, but i am just to exhausted to go, so sorry Kit and Cast. I know you all have worked so hard, but because of costuming Comedy of Errors, i am tired. Not just tired, burned. Not just the actual building, but also the conceptual work can be draining. We seriously need to expand our staff at the workshop to prevent burnout. Which compounded with the back to school rush at home, and it is starting to take its toll. I really could use a few days off, but don' see much of a break until the 14th.
Coming this week- more pants(new harem) for George, who is on his way to choreograph in Japan for the J-pop scene (please take me with, they REALLY need some good costumes!)
Ageon, was amazing, all the female rolls looked great. Sorry to the Antipholouses/Dromios. I just did not have time to get your pieces prepared. And after all, your only leads, right? LOL, as if your costumes are the most important!! Actually i am just a bit behind, and will have big stuff for you this week, in addition to the minor paltry props, i have offered to produce, (money bags, waves, jewellery).
I did have the honor to sit in for a bit of rehearsal as well. It is one of our great pleasures to have cast in the building rehearsing, and be able to pop over and drop in on rehearsals to check it out!! it is so inspirational for us to see the progress and LAUGH!! The show looks amazing , and the cast is amazing and everything is just AMAZING!! Unfortunately we tend to feel a bit isolated from the production, working all day in the ateleir, and not interacting with the rest of the staff/cast, and attending a read thru brings us back into the loop. I wish you all were here with me everyday to keep the fire going inside.
Tonight is the close of Much Ado, but i am just to exhausted to go, so sorry Kit and Cast. I know you all have worked so hard, but because of costuming Comedy of Errors, i am tired. Not just tired, burned. Not just the actual building, but also the conceptual work can be draining. We seriously need to expand our staff at the workshop to prevent burnout. Which compounded with the back to school rush at home, and it is starting to take its toll. I really could use a few days off, but don' see much of a break until the 14th.
Coming this week- more pants(new harem) for George, who is on his way to choreograph in Japan for the J-pop scene (please take me with, they REALLY need some good costumes!)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
xvmonarose.com
our new web is up!
Featuring Tutus, Character skirts, Bodices, and ballet costumes. Still working out a few glitches(but who isn't?) But its still worth checking out www.xvmonarose.com.We will be adding more costume rentals, and additional images of shows and costumes.
Up next- costumes from Petrushka- the Moor and the Charlatan to complete the group ef lead characters. These costumes have actually turned out to be oneof the best groups we have built. Ironicaly even thoght they are so ballet character specifc, they have been highly rentable for other productions . Based upon original sketches by Leon Baskt, and built to professional ballet company standards, these costumes will be used in "A Comedy of Errors" for Shakespeare in the Vines for the Goaler and Merchant. Images will be added on the website ASAP.
The Moor's costume consists ofa long jacket of Green velvet, metallic tafetta, lame, a wide sash of giraffe print, and long gold satin harem pants.
The Charlatan has a coat of Yellow, hand painted with a dragon,and dark straight legged pants. and of course the most amazing turban you have ever seen!! Check back for images!!
Featuring Tutus, Character skirts, Bodices, and ballet costumes. Still working out a few glitches(but who isn't?) But its still worth checking out www.xvmonarose.com.We will be adding more costume rentals, and additional images of shows and costumes.
Up next- costumes from Petrushka- the Moor and the Charlatan to complete the group ef lead characters. These costumes have actually turned out to be oneof the best groups we have built. Ironicaly even thoght they are so ballet character specifc, they have been highly rentable for other productions . Based upon original sketches by Leon Baskt, and built to professional ballet company standards, these costumes will be used in "A Comedy of Errors" for Shakespeare in the Vines for the Goaler and Merchant. Images will be added on the website ASAP.
The Moor's costume consists ofa long jacket of Green velvet, metallic tafetta, lame, a wide sash of giraffe print, and long gold satin harem pants.
The Charlatan has a coat of Yellow, hand painted with a dragon,and dark straight legged pants. and of course the most amazing turban you have ever seen!! Check back for images!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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