World Adventure Ceremonial Gown
This elaborate piece borrows design elements from the ceremonial dress of various cultures throughout the world, both ancient and modern. The paper feathers are repurposed centerpiece flowers from some long ago hospital event. Paper deteriorates from time and neglect but the artist loved the patterns and colors, which is a prime aspect of celebratory garments. Paper is also extremely heavy so an internal structure helps to hold the weight of this piece.
The beaded neck uses the original glass pieces from the paper flowers. The embroidered bodice was salvaged from denim shirt, the shoulder pads are pillow casings and a belt (unseen) is from a child’s backpack.
The full body has snaps up the back so it slides on like a hospital gown. The arms are cut at the elbow to allow for human arms to come through but the weight would be so great that secondary supports are attached to the shoulders which are reinforced with padding.
The body slides on first and is snapped up and tied at the neck. Next the first belt is locked and then a second decorative belt is wrapped around the body and secured. The beaded neck is laid over the shoulders and then the denim top is laid over this and tied at the sides and again over the arms for added support. The arms of the wearer do not move. The actual arms are built around a circular shape at the base to maintain the shape or the weigh would cause it to collapse upon itself. The base fabric is a heavy duty bed sheet. Each feather is one full piece of 12” x 12” scrapbook paper, folded over multiple times (just as it came off the flower, but reversed), stapled in place and then glued to the fabric. The overall weight of the piece exceeds 40 pounds! A mask and head piece are included for runway presentation. Total number of paper feathers is over 500 at least, the artist lost count after awhile….
The beaded neck uses the original glass pieces from the paper flowers. The embroidered bodice was salvaged from denim shirt, the shoulder pads are pillow casings and a belt (unseen) is from a child’s backpack.
The full body has snaps up the back so it slides on like a hospital gown. The arms are cut at the elbow to allow for human arms to come through but the weight would be so great that secondary supports are attached to the shoulders which are reinforced with padding.
The body slides on first and is snapped up and tied at the neck. Next the first belt is locked and then a second decorative belt is wrapped around the body and secured. The beaded neck is laid over the shoulders and then the denim top is laid over this and tied at the sides and again over the arms for added support. The arms of the wearer do not move. The actual arms are built around a circular shape at the base to maintain the shape or the weigh would cause it to collapse upon itself. The base fabric is a heavy duty bed sheet. Each feather is one full piece of 12” x 12” scrapbook paper, folded over multiple times (just as it came off the flower, but reversed), stapled in place and then glued to the fabric. The overall weight of the piece exceeds 40 pounds! A mask and head piece are included for runway presentation. Total number of paper feathers is over 500 at least, the artist lost count after awhile….