AIDA

A design project which resulted in 10 costume designs for a range of characters and 1 physical costume, designed for Aida's high priest, Ramfis. The designs are timeless, and although there are a hints of ancient Egypt, the overall aesthetic is steering clear of the stereotypical. 

The design for Ramfis was awarded "Runner up"  in the 2022 Costume Society's Patterns for Performance competition. 

The silhouette of the gown is inspired by an early 17th century men’s gown from one of Janet Arnold’s pattern books. Even though Verdi's Aida is originally set in Ancient Egypt, I was interested to see as to whether I could make a historical pattern like that my own, and try to make it fit in a different era. The final designs are timeless, and although there are a hints of ancient Egypt, the overall aesthetic is steering clear of the stereotypical.

Scroll down to see my the designs, process and final costumes.

RAMFIS

High priest Ramfis is a pivotal chess piece in the fate of Aida and her forbidden lover, so I wanted him to actually look like that, and for his costume to be opulent and restricting in movement. For the silhouette I took inspiration from priests all over the world, mixed with contemporary and artistic references. For the gown I used a 17th century men's gown pattern from one of Janet Arnold's books, as part of the Costume Society's Patterns for Performance competition.

The final outcome of the physical costume consists of over 20 meters of fabric, of which about 90% is hand-printed by me, and a small piece machine embroidered. There are 6 separate prints, for which I made 8 silk screens, spent 5 days printing, and 3 days dyeing.

RESEARCH AND REFERENCES