Thread: A lot of those Turkish heart costumes showing up in the swap lately

What are they usually used for? Obviously something Turkish, but they've always seemed too folkloric for me (though I would enjoy watching other dancers in them). I like the Turkish style bedlahs with the scalloping on the top edges of the bra and belt, and I would wear that but the heart sets have always been too folkloric for me personally.

I have the black w/gold skirt (one of the deluxe models with the big ruffle around the bottom) and matching underbust vest (again a deluxe model, with sleeves that have long drippy drapes). I wear them with an old black velvet w/red/gold Topkapi bedlah set, one that has coin fringe on the bra. It all looks great together.

I also have some matching components in Purple w/copper embroidery that I'm working on morphing into a AmCabby vintage look bedlah set. Used the "bra" to cover the cups of an actual bra, to be worn under the Turkish vest. The matching hip scarf I'm mounting on a felt base to make it into a belt, which will have bead fringe (I cut the original crotchet & coin stuff off the edge). Then all these parts to be embellished with sequin appliques (some of which have fringe danglies) and sew- on jewels. Also making matching headpiece and wrist thingeys.

Rosette

Also great for more casual, daytime events. And for some reason, audiences tend to feel dancers are a bit more covered up when wearing the vest. It's a stage illusion thing imo, but it makes people happy who need it.

My troupe wears them for Turkish shows in a variety of colors, with matching gold bedlah. Gives a nice uniform look without breaking the bank.

In my experience, the Turkish vests are more covered. And not only the audience feels this way, so do dancers who are concerned with modesty.

I have a couple of the skirts and as Rosette said, I think the embroidery gives a vintage feel. And as Sabrina points out, if you have a troupe which wants to build their wardrobes, this is a good way to go.

Personally, i still like the look.

{{{HUGS}}}

How do the skirts move and flow with your movement? I'm actually now pondering on wearing just a skirt with my gold bedlah but not using the vest. Do any of have videos on Youtube?

I have two of the embroidered skirts that I bought years ago. They're very sheer so I made underskirts to go with them. The ones I have are chiffon so they flow like chiffon!

Originally Posted by Darbla

How do the skirts move and flow with your movement? I'm actually now pondering on wearing just a skirt with my gold bedlah but not using the vest. Do any of have videos on Youtube?

They move beautifully, but the less expensive versions have no underskirt so yes, you will need your own, or pants.

ETA: So I wore it tonight with our troupe costume. This is how they move with a 25 yard underskirt. PS: Bellydance police please don't arrest me. I know that was an Egyptian opening in a Turkish costume, but its a pan-region show with no time for costume changes tonight!
http://youtu.be/uAqRWzMOGUg

Originally Posted by Darbla

What are they usually used for? Obviously something Turkish, but they've always seemed too folkloric for me (though I would enjoy watching other dancers in them). I like the Turkish style bedlahs with the scalloping on the top edges of the bra and belt, and I would wear that but the heart sets have always been too folkloric for me personally.

Great movement, if you put a heavyweight skirt underneath! We've used them a lot, they seem to be quite versatile!

Al-Ahsan4.jpgUntitled-13.jpg10yr show pics Ron web gallery 116.jpg

mayaraschad, I really like the veil with your set in the middle pic! Where did you get this set?

You all are about to talk me into getting one of these. Thanks for the video and pics!

Originally Posted by Darbla

mayaraschad, I really like the veil with your set in the middle pic! Where did you get this set?

You all are about to talk me into getting one of these. Thanks for the video and pics!

We3 on ebay sells whole sets and separate pieces in different colors. Here's their website: We3BellyDance! Elegance Beyond a Word
And here's a link to their full sets: We3BellyDance! Elegance Beyond a Word
and their ebay page: we3bellydance items - Get great deals on items on eBay Stores!

Originally Posted by Lesedi

We3 on ebay sells whole sets and separate pieces in different colors. Here's their website: We3BellyDance! Elegance Beyond a Word
And here's a link to their full sets: We3BellyDance! Elegance Beyond a Word
and their ebay page: we3bellydance items - Get great deals on items on eBay Stores!

Several times throughout the year, we3 lists these on Ebay for 1/2 price for the full sets; it works out to less than $80 plus shipping and you can order your individual sizing.

Originally Posted by Darbla

mayaraschad, I really like the veil with your set in the middle pic! Where did you get this set?

You all are about to talk me into getting one of these. Thanks for the video and pics!

I get them from the manufacturer, http:/modemystique.com But they are a wholesale place in India. (Minimum amounts etc.)
Their stock has some different ones too. It comes as a complete 3 piece set,skirt,Vest,and veil. for around $60.00.

I've seen those at Mode Mystique, and they often have these sets (or something similar) for buy one get one free. I didn't know if the ones from We3 were a different quality or anything to justify the cost difference.

Originally Posted by Darbla

I've seen those at Mode Mystique, and they often have these sets (or something similar) for buy one get one free. I didn't know if the ones from We3 were a different quality or anything to justify the cost difference.

I'm pretty sure they are the same ones. Quite a lot of other costume sites buy at wholesale price from Mode Mystique, and then sell the pieces separately.

"I get them from the manufacturer, http:/modemystique.com But they are a wholesale place in India. (Minimum amounts etc.)
Their stock has some different ones too. It comes as a complete 3 piece set,skirt,Vest,and veil. for around $60.00. "

"I've seen those at Mode Mystique, and they often have these sets (or something similar) for buy one get one free. I didn't know if the ones from We3 were a different quality or anything to justify the cost difference. "

Hello Ladies,
I am Isabel from We3. We designed and copyrighted the Turkish Gypsy design along with other designs that Mode Mystique has been knocking off for years. I am tired of their continued infringement and claims to ownership of my designs. I contacted Rosey last year and sent her the link to the US copyright website where my designs are listed under my name. She took down Kajal's postings since she was selling my designs illegally at Bhuz.com.

I contacted US customs who is now monitoring the illegal entry of our costumes into the US. So, unless they smuggle them in which would be the case if you are not paying customs, they will be confiscated upon entry into the US.

We strongly urge you not to support illegal activity because it is not only wrong but it also places you at risk.

Our costumes do cost more, although not much more, than Mode Mystique's knock offs. We work with an attorney who watches over the production of our costumes to make sure Indian labor laws, such as equal pay for equal work, decent working conditions, and absolutely no child labor, are respected. We also pay a premium so our costumes are made by professional and experienced tailors who are paid well above average wages. We work exclusively with one company in India who works exclusively with us.
We also pay customs so you can be sure that no US laws are being broken.

If you have any questions, please email us at we3bellydance@aol.com.
We will be happy to answer your concerns.

Isabel, I did not see your warning above before I placed an order with them. When you said "illegal activity" you nailed it, because taking someone's money and not sending the product is criminal. I've been trying for 8 months to get two of these sets I ordered from them, and now they won't respond to my emails.

I think Kajal actually stated in another thread that you guys were getting these Turkish heart sets from her!