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DESIGNER URSULA

THE LITTLE MERMAID

CHARACTER DESIGN
COMPLETED

WIG

HOURS SPENT
PHOTOGRAPHER

DESIGNER DOLL COLLECTION

MARCH 2015

@VEGASWIGS

80 HOURS

ELYSIA GRIFFIN PHOTOS

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PRINT Ursula Portrait 8x12.jpg

COSTUME SUMMARY

I had this costume design on my to-do list for a few years before I finally began on it. I began by creating the pattern for the bodice by making a tape-cast of myself and then transferring it to paper. The bodice is this scaley black lame blend that has this perfect wet look and shimmer to it! I sewed in padded bra cups for a dramatic lift, added boning to the seams, and bound the edges in bias and black sequin trim. The back laces up with grommets, and the bust line has Swarovski hot fix crystals. Then I began the skirt by making my own hoop skirt out of black lining fabric and wire (this was before I knew about hoop boning) with an elastic waistband. The skirt is nearly 100 rows of gathered ruffles sewn onto a black lightweight bell skirt base. The ruffles are triangle shaped, narrow at the top and wider at the bottom, with a serged roll hem encasing fishing line for that signature curly look. I experimented with a few different ruffle techniques and I found that this was the one that achieved the look I was going for (and was the easiest!). The skirt is a blend of dupioni silk, organza, satin, sequins, and a great blue ruffled trim. There is a center back zipper and then hundreds of AB rhinestones were added. To finish the look I created the crown out of Kydex thermoplastic and added flat back iridescent "bubbles" and even more rhinestones. The earrings and shell necklace were painted metallic gold and also have rhinestones. I even added black sequins to my shoes, although they cant be seen. 

This is probably my favorite costume that I've ever created. It was not inherently difficult to make, just being a skirt and a bodice, but it is definitely the most fun to wear. The always get in character when I put this costume on and immediately feel like such a diva! I also created the matching Ariel gown for my very good friend Heather to wear with me to a convention. Her dress is a base of aqua satin with row upon row of gathered organza ruffles sewn on top. The dress is a boned bodice with hip-hugging pencil skirt with a dramatic fishtail skirt, hemmed in horsehair. Her costume also features rhinestone details, satin gloves, and a matching seashell hair accessory. 

WORK IN PROGRESS PHOTOS

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