Fae Garb

[Tink]

I have been playing around with pretty simple hankerchief skirts and bodice combos for fae garb, but I'm not happy with the look, and would like to create a more whimsical and nature-inspired outfit.  I see ideas all over the place that I love, but have no idea how to re-create.  Anyone know of any tips or links that would help?  I'm just not happy with my garb right now, but would rather make it myself than buy it.

Also, any instructions on making head adornments other than yarn hair (i have too much of that) would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

[Butch]

I'm not much into the fae thing, but I kinda like the look of tights with holes ripped in them on fae.  I've noticed that not all wear them this way.

[Adriana Rose]

More details would be helpful if you can.

[sloth]

what kind of faery are you looking to embody? that might help us with inspiration for you and garb ideas.

[isabelladangelo]

You might want to look to Amy Brown or Cicely Mary Barker for inspiration.  Or are you thinking of going more Shakespearean?

[Tink]

Sorry, yes, I would imagine more details would be useful

I'm thinking the longer, more ethereal type look- lots of beading and detail, organza-type materials, ragged edges, maybe a short train

But I also like the idea of a more nature-based look- silk leaves, leaf-shaped or petal-shaped sections for the skirt or something, a decorated bodice

multiple layered skirts for either, thinking more "pretty" than "cute"

[Tink]

this is one image I found that I love!  I would want more up top, but the beading detail and the layers of skirts are great.  More green and brown shades, though.

[dragongirl]

OK...I just had a garbgazim!!!!!

[Rani Zemirah]

It looks to me like a modified prom or even wedding dress... with lots of tiny flower appliques on the top, likely hand sewn piece by piece... with various hand dyed skirt layers and gussets of tulle pieced in, and the train added as part of an underskirt, perhaps? 

It's lovely!  I'm afraid a train that long might be quite a hindrance at Faire, though... but one a bit shorter would still have drama, and possibly keep you from losing the top half of your gown suddenly, as well!  :0   


Those wings are just... dreamy! 

[Betty Munro]

You could make your skirt and bodice in 2 pieces so you get the support/coverage you want from the bodice.  Then just embellish, embellish, embellish the bodice. 
The skirt looks like lots and lots of layers.  It will be time consuming, but probably not really that difficult if you don't finish the hems.  If you are finishing the hems, I hope you have a serger! 
I am a HUGE fan of circle skirts.  If you make circle skirts from organza, you can lay it out on the floor after the base of the skirt it sewn and cut deep ragged hemlines.  If you had 4 layers like this, I don't know why it wouldn't look divine!  If it is still too sheer, consider dance pants or tights.  You can always add layers and embellishments for years as desired ... 

[isabelladangelo]

It's actually a distressed wedding gown.  The lady ripped it, burned it, dyed it, and then put it back together.  I forget the name of her company, but she sells "recycled" gowns like that for costuming purposes.   A lot of her stuff is very cool!

Honestly, I think a simple flower "crown" would work if you want to go more "natural".   Perhaps add some greens and browns to the skirt.  

What I would do, is rather than add anything to the dress itself, is add some items to the wings.  

http://www.tiarasboutique.com/images/autumn_wings_10-11-04_003.jpg

A bunch of leaves, some pretty dried flowers (the fake ones hardly ever look right), something like that on the wings themselves could also really help.  

[Rani Zemirah]

Have you seen the Faerie crowns that Chantal Mallett makes?  They're absolutely stunning!  In, you know, an incredibly expensive sort of way... but definitely inspirational!


Of course, something more organic would be lovely, also... though I would think a gown that dramatic would call for a fairly dramatic headdress, as well...

[insidiousraven]

One look that I've seen that I really like (and may attempt some day) is to take a bodice or corset and cover it in leaves or fake leaves.  You can do really interesting patterns with fall colored leaves.  Haven't really figured out what skirt would go with that... but I'm sure something would!

[Orphena]

I would start with a medieval style dress - but leave the sleeves off, and make it about ankle length. Cover the top with flowers or leaves, and then make a split skirt or reverse apron - it could be a different fabric, in fact you could do a few differnt ones to get diffent looks. The skirt could be long or sort, be madeof all kinds of different fabrics, have a train...your choice. By doing differnt pieces,you expand your options, which is always good, in my books.  For "sleeves" you can use all different kinds of ribbons, or strands of flowers, anything pretty.

[Tink]

I love these ideas!  Please keep them coming!