Thread: Costuming advice? Need better fringe, more shaking!

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out how to make this costume combination zing. I love the feather bra and black pants, but when I watched this video, I can't really see my shimmies reflected in the sparkly black/silver hip scarf I'm wearing. It's more visible in person, but I want more. I like how fringe can accentuate a shimmy/vibration or subtle layer.

What kind of hip scarf/accent would you suggest? Would some sort of skirt or bustle be a good layer? Do you have other advice?

Would love some costume help. You can see the costume in this recent video I posted:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1FaTEqYcas]YouTube - Ariel - "Hanuman" and drum solo with Gamal Shafik[/ame]

Thanks!

That's really cute! Are you looking to keep the sleek design look or add a layer at the hips?

If you wanted to add fringe, either some red/black short beaded fringe or some metal chain loop fringe would look great with it. One of the older abla fringe belts would be great, but I don't know where to get those anymore.

If adding a little bulk is ok, you may want to try a little skirt. I have one I love from House of VanSickle in greens, but they may do a custom one in a lycra or more decorative fabric if it is something you like. (Off to get the etsy link to the one I have so you can see what I mean) - edited: here it is The Swoop Skirt by houseofvansickle on Etsy

Can you get more feathers or some fabric in the same colour? I'd do a black tie belt with a couple layers of red and black fringe with the feathers along the top edge. You could use chainette fringe to keep the more casual/funky look consistent. Then put the silver belt over that.

@Mahsati ---ooh, those skirts are super cute! I'm trying to find a red fringe belt that blends well, the chain loops are a good idea too. Thanks!

@catwomyn ---hmmm...more feathers. I'm definitely in favor of that if I can't find the right color. I'm a little bit sewing ignorant, so what is chainette fringe? Thanks!

If you are handy with a pliers, you could make a (jewelry) chain belt with red (or red and black) bead dangles, or even beads and coins. They sell chain with a black finish and you could use that to make fringe or tassels if you didn't want a metal tone, and that would give you both movement and noise.

I keep thinking you need to mirror that red dangly swag on the other hip...

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

If you are handy with a pliers, you could make a (jewelry) chain belt with red (or red and black) bead dangles, or even beads and coins. They sell chain with a black finish and you could use that to make fringe or tassels if you didn't want a metal tone, and that would give you both movement and noise.

They also sell a faceted black chain that shows some silver. I think this would be a nice touch- maybe loop fringe of it sewn to a base? It would still have a "dark" look, but the glint of silver would show the movement nicely.
Hmm..I can't find a link to that one. I bought it by the yard at either Joann's or Michaels one time.
Other thoughts:
Subculture Beads 5/pk-Wrapped Chain - Black*: beads*: jewelry & beading*: crafts*: Shop | Joann.com
chain beads, just cos they're chunky and different.

Beyond Beautiful Metal Chain-16'' Large Round Links-1PK/Gun Metal*: beads*: jewelry & beading*: crafts*: Shop | Joann.com
Hammered metal link chain. Simply drapes of this would move and reflect well but still fit with the mood of the costume. You could add a little to your top or arm bands- to make it look more "complete" if you wanted.

Oh, dang, I got so wrapped up in watching your clip (nice!) I forgot to pay much attention to the costuming... But I think some dangling red feather tassels would be cute and tie the top & bottom together more. Also with the silver belt, I think a silver medallion or something would be nice on the top, but I'm matchy like that.

Thanks, I like the idea of getting some jewelry chain --I have worked with some basic jewelry making before with pliers. And maybe something matching silver on top too. Hmm.

Thanks all!

Oh, and thanks Khalima, I'm glad you liked the clip!

I vote for more red or gold or silver, but only b/c the black definitely hides the moves. More black wouldn't reveal the moves as well as a contrasting color.

Loved your performance, BTW. I love sass.

I think it would be cute to add little red poofs (oh, they have to have a real name!) at the hips or, like someone else mentioned, mirroring the sash on the other side as well. Also, a shorter sash would actually show movement more than the long one, judging by its movement.

Ok...so some sort of red fringey feathery poofy belt thing, mirror the sash, maybe some silver chain. Cool!

First, I love your dancing! And about costuming, it looks like your black scarf is see-through, right? Does it have moving parts just on the edge, or on the body of the scarf as well? Can you add a metallic or light-colored scarf underneath it? Then it's motion will be visible. I have a black crochet hip scarf covered in black fringe that I can't wear over anything dark, or it shows no movement whatsoever. If I wear it over a contrasting color or especially over a metallic fabric, it looks really cool because when the fringe lifts you see the motion of the fringe as well as flashes of the color underneath. A burnt orange or metallic gold would look good with the sienna accents you already have. And I really liked the asymmetrical placement of the accent scarf on your hip!

I do have a metallic gold hip scarf, and a very shiny red one. That's a good idea to layer, I bet it would make things show up on the black/silver hip scarf.