Costumier creates history during lockdown

When the theatres turned out their lights last year, costumiers and set designers were suddenly struck down by Covid – both methaphorically and literally -  and had to find other ways to channel their creative talent.

 

For costumier and fashion designer Amédine Bello it was an opportunity to produce a very technically challenging piece for the internationally-recognised World of Wearable Art Awards competition. Having turned to Pongees to purchase taffeta and chiffon for her entry in the Elizabethan Era category of these 30 year old Awards, Amédine is hoping that her design will be selected for the final, which will be staged in Auckland, New Zealand in the autumn at an event that usually attracts around 60,000 visitors.

 

Working mainly at the Royal Opera House for the past four years, Amédine was familiar with historical designs and the golden age of history is one with which she is fascinated.

 

It is not surprising that Amédine is focused on attention to detail given that before becoming a designer she was a mime artist. She developed her sewing skills through formal design courses as well as working with luxury designers, learning “on the job” as well as taking master classes in specialist sewing techniques. She has worked for theatres, TV and film companies and  also runs her own bespoke fashion business.

 

Making the Elizabethan dress has certainly been challenging. “Who would have thought how long these (sleeves) would take?!" she said in a social media post  discussing the production process of her dress.

 

The finished design includes underpinning: a wheel farthingale, a corset, as well as overlayers: bodice and hand pleated sleeves, underskirt and an overskirt that has been backed with organza and a top plate in the duck blue taffeta, which Amédine describes as an “incredibly beautiful fabric”. The  body of the dress incorporates fine hand sewing by Amedine, while the ruff was executed by her friend and colleague Victoria Hitchens.

 

“It was fascinating to see Amédine build her dress through her social media posts and we are delighted we had just the fabric she was looking for. We have been working with costumiers and event designers for decades and we hope to see Pongees fabrics centre stage once again very shortly,” says Nick Moore, Pongees managing director.

 

“Given the variety of fabrics required for costumes and theatre, film and commercial sets, we hope that the addition of a feeler with our shade cards will make it easier for designers to make the perfect choice for their productions.”

 

Caption: Amédine Bello’s Elizabethan dress in Pongees taffeta and organza which includes fine and intricate hand sewing.

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