For my final project as an MA Historical Costume student at Arts University Bournemouth, I chose to design and construct a historical reimagining of Mollymauk Tealeaf, one of my favourite characters from Critical Role. This is a live-play web series in which a group of professional voice actors collaboratively tell stories through the tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. Renowned for its rich world-building and compelling character development, the series has inspired a passionate international community and has expanded into comics, novels, animation and other media.

My project reimagines Mollymauk as though he were performing on the streets of sixteenth-century Venice during the celebrations of Carnevale. The design combines extensive historical research with creative interpretation, drawing upon primary sources such as The First Book of Fashion by Matthäus and Veit Konrad Schwarz, alongside studies of commedia dell'arte, renaissance tailoring, and venetian masquerade traditions.

The completed costume comprises a tailored doublet, decorated hose and an intricately embellished coat featuring hand embroidery, reverse appliqué, screen printing, fabric dyeing and beadwork. Sustainability was an important consideration throughout the construction process, particularly in the creation of the doublet, which was assembled using donated fabric remnants from the university's costume stores. Repurposing these materials not only reduced textile waste but also complemented the vibrant patchwork aesthetic of the garment, demonstrating how sustainable making can enhance both the creative process and the finished design. Every design decision was informed by historical evidence and the narrative symbolism of the original character, resulting in a costume that balances historical authenticity with imaginative storytelling.

As the culmination of my MA Historical Costume studies, this project showcases my skills in historical research, pattern drafting, tailoring, textile decoration and costume construction. Coming from a performance background, I approach costume design and making from a performer-focused and story-based perspective, considering how each element can support character development and enhance embodiment on stage or screen. I particularly enjoy creating subtle details that may go unnoticed by an audience but can make a significant difference in helping a performer fully inhabit their role. Ultimately, this project reflects my passion for both history and fantasy, exploring how historical costume can bring imagined worlds to life through thoughtful research, skilled craftsmanship, sustainability and storytelling.

I hope to build a lifelong career as a costume maker. I am eager to continue developing my technical skills, collaborating with talented designers, makers and performers, and learning from the wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry. Above all, I aspire to create costumes that enrich storytelling, support performers in bringing their characters to life, and inspire audiences through thoughtful craftsmanship, creativity and attention to detail. Combining my passion for history, fantasy and performance, I hope to contribute to productions that leave a lasting impression on both performers and audiences alike.