Thread: Thoughts on nude-colored costumes and costumes with coins?

Alright ladies, I'm toying with the idea of branching out from my usual brightly colored cabaret style costumes into either a nude color (which I'm afraid will completely wash me out or look just naked and blah on stage) or going the bella-coin route... which audiences seem to love but tend to look kind of gypsy-like to me... thoughts?

Ooh, I want my next order to be nude with lots of silver! I think it might look great with some bright embellishments, otherwise an all nude costume would look pretty washed out.

I have 3 coin costumes and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them all. I don't think they look particularly "gypsy-esque" as much as classic American Belly Dancer. And the ones by Bella are amazing.

As for naked costumes, do a search on it. We have had several threads about show us your naked costume! I am actually contemplating 2 at the moment.
{{{{HUGS}}}

I love nude-coloured costumes but it really depends on your skin tone....for example: if I were ever to wear one I'd look like a washed out rag because I'm really, really pale. You'd have to try the costume on to really tell how the colour would reflect on your skin.

I've owned a nude Bella with coins! One of my favorite costumes ever. I think the trick to nude colored costumes is finding a shade that compliments your skin tone.

A few more ideas on nude costumes...

First, how do you define "nude"? Are we talking Britney Spears' "Toxic" catsuit, or Samia Gamal's "Ali Baba" costume remade with a peach overlay instead of a turquoise one? Is the idea to project the illusion of nudity or partial nudity, or to make a traditional costume from skin-colored fabric because you like that look (or found a good deal on some material in that color)?

What conditions will you be performing under? Skin-tone fabrics will give a different effect under theatrical lighting from a fairly short distance than in a dimly lit restaurant from the back of the room. What kind of embellishments are you planning on? A contrasting color will show up more than silver, gold, or plain rhinestones, but this also depends on your coloring (e.g., silver is a high contrast against dark skin, but gold almost disappears on a caramel complexion). The texture or finish of the material may also be a factor. Iridescent Lycra or tan stretch velvet doesn't look like normal, human skin, and will read differently to an audience than a matte fabric.

What kind of audience will you be wearing this costume in front of? If you are in a conservative area where the GP is not madly in love with the idea of belly dancers to begin with, they're liable to dislike costumes that look like you're very close to or permanently faking the effect of flashing them. (e.g., Jillina's peek-a-boob costume). Younger, progressive audiences and other dancers are likely to be more accepting of an envelope-pushing costume than older, traditional ones.

In terms of shades, if something makes you look washed out and wan, it's probably not a good idea to wear it, whether it's a flesh color or not. As a performer, you're supposed to draw their eyes to you in a lively, engaging way, not make them wonder if you're on the verge of fainting. Whether you choose something that blends into your skin or just happens to be a pleasant, natural shade of beige or brown that looks nice with your complexion is your choice.

have fun!

http://www.bhuz.com/showthread.php?3...naked-costumes...

{{{HUGS}}}

As far as coin costumes go, everyone loves my brass mirrors/coins/medallions costume. And this goes for audiences and other dancers. At a few old folks gigs where we had some beginner/intermediates with coin scarves as belts, audience members have told me that they love my costume (when I've been wearing a fringe belt) but it should have coins too! I guess I should try to wear something jingly the next time I perform for the gen public! lol

Sigh, you can't go wrong!

Wow -- thanks ladies for all the input. I have a medium complexion but anything like camel or beige makes me look ill (literally i've gotten questions from friends asking "are you alright?"). I was planning on having a versatile costume for haflas, restaurants, and stage lighting but I guess I'll have to pick one. I had originally thought of going for nude with garnet or emerald accents (to make them really pop) but after seeing that gorgeous pic, I kind of like the idea of playing with the metallics. That silver idea is great - it will look like you are covered in rhinestones! Overall glad to hear I'm not pondering any heinous ideas and that several people have nude costumes that they have come to love dancing in! Happy shimmies!

Also, Elissa - when you place your next order please let me know who you order from or how it turns out!

Marrsbar - do you happen to have any closer up photos of your nude coin bella? It looks gorgeous and I may have to place an order with Bella but want to get the metallic colors right... It looks like its all silver on the bra and belt but the trim on the princess sleeves looks goldish?