Abstract

This past fall, Carthage Theatre put on a production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.  For that production I worked with the Student Costume Designer Molly Mason to create the final outfit for one of the pivotal characters, Queen Gertrude. Molly’s design concept blended the Elizabethan and the Modern periods of fashion to create a very stylized and ultimately new period to set the play in. My role was to bring to life this extravagant costume. The skirt was completely draped and the bodice created from an altered flat pattern. The fabric chosen was very modern in color and texture, to highlight the modern time period.  The skirt had a metallic lace over-lay and turquoise damask, both being draped over an Elizabethan undergarment, which included a bum roll. The skirt was given a modern twist with a hem line cut into a high – low style and accentuated with a train. The bodice was constructed out of turquoise chiffon that had rosettes stitched all over the fabric along with a cream quilted satin used to create the sleeves. The entire look was pulled together and finished with a detached collar. The whole process of draping and manipulating a pattern into the shape and image that the designer envisioned was a significant learning experience for me. The final design was unique in that it encompassed the Elizabethan and Modern feel of the production and enhanced the visual presence of the character of Queen Gertrude while on stage.  Creating costumes that are translated from the designer’s dreams is what I plan to do for the rest of my life, so projects like this allow me to learn more and to hone my skills. This project truly embodied the field of costuming for me, which is something I have had a passion for since I was a child.