During my time studying at AUB, I have had the opportunity to develop both my historical making and theatrical making skills. I particularly enjoy making costumes with intricate surface detail and decorative elements.

My first costume is a historical recreation of a 1925 evening dress by Pilgrim & Claridge, made from a silk chiffon with a silk crepe de chine slip beneath. Using the pattern from Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion 2 book, I constructed this dress and slip using both hand and machine sewing techniques and each individual petal has been mounted to the dress by hand. During this project, I was able to collect in-depth research from extant garments to support the historical accuracy in my recreation. This dress provided me with the opportunity to create intricate surface decoration with the petals covering the dress.

As well as making the 1925 dress, I also had the chance to work on an external project making a 1930s style evening dress for Hurn Court Opera’s production of La Traviata. I really valued the collaboration within this project among the makers, supervisors, designer and Hurn Court Opera which allowed me to expand my knowledge of costume for theatre even more. I was also able to implement my love of surface decoration and textiles by making over 50 handmade flowers in black, grey and white, each with beads and sequins in the centre. Sequins also decorate the neckline and sleeves of my dress.

Following my graduation from AUB, I hope to continue honing my skills making intricate and decorative garments to work in the bridal industry, creating bespoke gowns.