Hello everybody

De-lurking to announce the success of my Van Helsing group entry at
the ComicCon 2005 masquerade. We took the Judge's Choice award.

I assembled a group of 7 characters: Van Helsing, Dracula, Carl, Anna
(red gown), Verona, Aleera, and Marishka. We were fortunate enough to
have very seasoned performers in our group, although the majority
were novice costumers. I drafted the patterns for most of the
costumes and did the principal construction on Dracula, Marishka,
Anna, and Van Helsing. We collectively workshopped the detailing of
the costumes over a 5 month period, with most everyone contributing
work on more than one costume.

Aleera and Verona's gowns were made of lightweight Habotai which we
custom gradient dyed and then Fortuny pleated. The correct embrodered
and brocaded fabric for Marishka's bodice and wings could not be
located so we hand painted silk organza. All three brides had
extensive hand-beading, much of it done beautifully by our most
inexperienced costumers.

Dracula's coat and vest was ornamented with frogs which we custom-
made. Not being able to research the details of his trousers and vest
we used pattern and construction details correct for historical
garments.

Anna's gown was made of persimmon red dupioni, and used correct late
Victorian construction techniques. My only misgiving is that we
didn't take the time to make period undergarments.

I was fortunate enough to have worked on the Sideshow Collectibles
Van Helsing 12 inch figure and handled the actual garments from
Universal. I just drafted up my miniature patterns to human scale. It
took 4 hides to make the duster.

I will post photos here as I get them.

Kent