Thread: odd fusion costuming question

After seeing a performance by Zafira Dance Company at Tribal Revolution, I have once again picked up an interesting piece of music I've always wanted to perform to -- a modern take on Django Reinhardt's music. It's full of violin and guitar and it's great.

However... I really don't know how to costume for this. It's clearly bd/jazz dance fusion. The music hearkens back to the 1930s and the jazz cafes of Paris. Should I try to do something historical? Fantastic? While Django Reinhardt was indeed Belgian Rom, I don't want to go down the gypsy stereotype costume route.

Any thoughts on how to create 1930s fusion costume... or do you think I should go elsewhere entirely with it?

You could check out Art Deco and Erte's fashions, I found a coloring book on Amazon, of all things. Here's the cover image:[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Fashions-Coloring-Dover-Pictorial-Archives/dp/0486430413/ref=pd_sim_dbs_k_3]Amazon.com: Erte Fashions Coloring Book (Dover Pictorial Archives): Erte, Marty Noble: Books[/ame]

image of the cover:

I believe the official costuming style for that is "Cabaret" the movie meets Mad Max.

I'm working on an Art Deco costume which would be appropriate time period. I would think a lot of the "salome" costumes would work, kind of like what has been posted in the BadAss Vintage costumes thread. Those old black and white photos from the 20's-30's. You could go to thrift stores and get a lot of old jewelry pieces and fashion something fun, I would think.

Originally Posted by zumarrad

I believe the official costuming style for that is "Cabaret" the movie meets Mad Max.

That's when I turn to Fosse and pinstripes.

I tend to go for sleek, tailored, men's wear inspired but for a lady's curves, look for that sort of thing...or maybe even a sexy matador-ese.

I need to make a matador inspired costume now...

Originally Posted by dunyah

You could check out Art Deco and Erte's fashions, I found a coloring book on Amazon, of all things. Here's the cover image:Amazon.com: Erte Fashions Coloring Book (Dover Pictorial Archives): Erte, Marty Noble: Books

image of the cover:

I totally ADORE Erte, but my body shape is oh-so-not-Erte... and this music is very sassy. But some of the embellishments may give me inspirations! Thanks.

Originally Posted by zumarrad

I believe the official costuming style for that is "Cabaret" the movie meets Mad Max.

Okay, but I draw the line at Tina Turner's 80 lb chainmail dress! ,r:;

Originally Posted by ozma

That's when I turn to Fosse and pinstripes.

I tend to go for sleek, tailored, men's wear inspired but for a lady's curves, look for that sort of thing...or maybe even a sexy matador-ese.

I need to make a matador inspired costume now...

I'll want to see that when it's done!

Here are some vintage 1930s dancing girls... I dare you to look at their posture!!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BZf-PvZRIs]YouTube - Tiller Girls 1930[/ame]

Okay, thought some more, now looking for reactions on this idea:

On top, a short fitted vest -- menswear styling. Underneath it, a white shirt, but cut short, so it doesn't reach below the vest. Roll up the shirtsleeves; add a tie.

On bottom, jazz pants same color as vest with a subdued fringe belt over the top-- chainette fringe, not beaded, just enough to add some motion.

Any reactions? I know this is kind of out-there.

I like it.

okay, so what you have sounds good, but I couldn't help throwing out there- Mira Betz came up for a workshop/show a while ago & had a really cute outfit- of course I don't have a picture but will try to describe from an admittedly shaky memory:
cranberry/burgundy range- crop top halter with contrasting lapels (black?) matching skirt like what you would see on an old fashioned evening gown- not straight, not as drastic a contrast as a mermaid skirt, but starting slim & becoming fuller all the same- fairly minimal jewels, just a couple strands at the belly & hip & a long dangly necklace to match- pair that with a fedora & I think you'd have what you're looking for.

One of those, I know I could have made that but it sure didn't occur to *me* moments- really elegant & professional looking, despite being so minimalist. very classy.

Originally Posted by Lara L

okay, so what you have sounds good, but I couldn't help throwing out there- Mira Betz came up for a workshop/show a while ago & had a really cute outfit- of course I don't have a picture but will try to describe from an admittedly shaky memory:
cranberry/burgundy range- crop top halter with contrasting lapels (black?) matching skirt like what you would see on an old fashioned evening gown- not straight, not as drastic a contrast as a mermaid skirt, but starting slim & becoming fuller all the same- fairly minimal jewels, just a couple strands at the belly & hip & a long dangly necklace to match- pair that with a fedora & I think you'd have what you're looking for.

One of those, I know I could have made that but it sure didn't occur to *me* moments- really elegant & professional looking, despite being so minimalist. very classy.

Oooh, I like this too. Do you remember what kind of fabric the skirt was made out of? I'm curious.

Originally Posted by tigerb

Oooh, I like this too. Do you remember what kind of fabric the skirt was made out of? I'm curious.

It was satin-y, but the way it flowed, I wonder if it was a knit. I didn't get to see it up close. I had a 30's style gown at one point that was a woven satin that flowed like that, but most of what I find in the fabric store is so stiff & wrinkle prone.

Satin backed crepe, maybe, cut on the bias?

Originally Posted by tigerb

Okay, but I draw the line at Tina Turner's 80 lb chainmail dress! ,r:;

If I could rock that outfit when I'm her age I totally would though. ..l;,