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Claire Cooper

Claire Cooper

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Claire Cooper
BA (Hons) Costume

Claire Cooper

Queen Medusa at the Masquerade

For my Final Major Project, I designed and created a bespoke caged wig inspired by the fusion of Regency royalty and Greek mythology. Drawing significant influence from the elaborate hairstyling and wig design featured in Netflix's Bridgerton, Queen Medusa at the Masquerade combines historical elegance with fantastical storytelling. The piece explores hair as a sculptural medium rather than simply a styling material, transforming it into an expressive art form.

Intricate braiding techniques mimic the texture and movement of snake scales, referencing Medusa's iconic serpentine hair while maintaining the refined silhouettes associated with the Regency era. The result is a powerful yet seductive character, embodying both beauty and danger.

Hidden within the structure of the wig is a handcrafted sculptural face, symbolising one of Medusa's petrified victims. This concealed element reinforces her mythical power and invites viewers to discover unexpected details within the design.

Accompanying the wig is a traditional masquerade mask constructed entirely from hair. Braided techniques replace conventional embroidery and embellishment, demonstrating the versatility of hair as a decorative and structural material. Together, these pieces celebrate craftsmanship, mythology, and historical fashion while challenging perceptions of hair as a medium for sculptural and conceptual design.

To compliment all of this, I observed and created traditional Regency makeup to compliment the look, using airbrush techniques for a smooth look.

Plans after degree

My plans after my degree lie within continuing with wig making, bespoke hair design and film and TV.

Collaborator

Role

Swe Garcia Vargas, Cara Newbold

Costume Designers

Liv Williams

Model

Shannelle Jacklin

Photographer