Narrative Distressing
Assignment for class PROD 302 (Costume Design Techniques)
Assignment Brief: Acquire a cheap dress and make at least three alterations to it so that it becomes the costume of a character. Develop a backstory for this character including an instance where their costume becomes distressed. Reflect that story on the dress by actually distressing it so it fits the narrative.
The Dress I found gave me Scooby-Vibes with its striped pattern, and I paired it with a shirt that reminded me of a vaguely 1800s period aesthetic. I made my character an aspiring female detective in late 1800s London who’s Distressing Story includes discovering a dead body.
Dress found second hand, photos from Amazon
Shirt found second hand, ink stain unable to come out (so I made my character studious to make it seem natural)
Character backstory
Character/Style Mood Board, inspired by a woman wanting to add traditionally masculine influences into her wardrobe so as to be taken more seriously
Character sketch
Dress Construction WIP (creating a more defined neckline, adding back darts and pattern matching stripes to accommodate)
Finished Dress and list of alterations covered in class
Details
What a Distressing Story (things that need to be reflected on the dress now)
Distressing materials used were temporary (so garment could be washed and reused as clean afterwards)
Charcoal dust and sandpaper distressing
Blood added darker spots (not very obviously red due to thinness of material and dark colored pattern)