Fashion Capital - GCSE costume design

GCSE costume design

I chose GCSE costume design because I love to design and make clothes, I not only have a passion for drama but I have a passion for the materials costume designers use as they are fantastically made and sewn together.

My task was to prepare and present a costume which I have made or assembled for a play. The costume had to be supported by designs for at least one other costume to be used in the presentation. While the costume and designs must contribute to an actual group performance, the work produced must be my own individual work. My group were producing a scripted piece from Arabian Nights.

But before I could dive into making my costume, I had to research some ideas about clothes during Arabian times first. After I researched I then had to draw sketches for my own individual design for three different characters. I chose Marjanah, a very clever, beautiful, ruthless servant, because I found that the type of material I would be using for her costume and the colours and style of costume would be really fun to make.

Now was the time to buy, buy, buy! I was ready for my newest challenge, deciding upon the materials and accessories. I chose the colour theme as black for Marjanah; with gold accessories because I felt that these colours were bold and sexy, perfect for the character's personality. After choosing my patterns and accessories, which came to a grand total of £60, I was ready to start my three month period of hard work.

Firstly, I cut out the all the appropriate sizes of patterns onto the material, then I began on the trousers, sewing them together and simply following what the pattern pack told me to do. It is actually a lot harder than it sounds or looks! Two weeks later, and the trousers were ready to be fit onto my actress, once the easier part of the costume had been made, it was time for the top and veil to be cut and fitted in the space of just two and a bit months!

The top was by far the hardest process of the costume making as I wasn't going to follow the same pattern. My design was to make and design an almost triangular shaped bodice that will be attached by ribbon or material at either side. After fitting the costume so far onto my actress, it fit perfectly and the only issue was to make the bodice back a bit tighter for her to fit in properly.

Very soon after, the veil was ready to be made; it was the best material that I had been using as it was glistening and see-through gold, the only problem with that material was that it frayed quite a bit and I had to double the end over a couple of times to stop it from doing so. The veil fitted perfectly after being made and the actress was extremely happy and honoured to be wearing something that looked so professional.

With only a few mistakes throughout the whole process, I was ready to talk through the filmed presentation, although I was nervous, I seemed to keep myself together and it all turned out great in the end.

Even though I was only to do costume design for one term, and had got an A* for this one module, it was worth the effort and I was congratulated by my other class mates, family and friends for my achievements. If any one is considering taking costume design as a GCSE or even just for one term, I strongly advise them to, it is not only great fun but will give you a wonderful experience as well.

Bethany Hart