Thread: Am I the only one who can't afford or doesn't want a $500 costume?

Originally Posted by Lauren_

This is why we all regularly swap costumes round and round. Sell one, buy one, wait for it by the mailbox, lovingly adjust it to fit, gather matching accessories, plan a set that will show it off to perfection, wear it four or five times, then.... ennui sets it, it's time to sell it, buy one, wait for it by the mailbox..

Absolutely! The cycle of life for a costume addict!..g.:

I have spent $500 on a costume before. I can say for sure that my more expensive costumes last longer. And since I make them professionally I know what goes into them and feel justified in charging for them. But most of my costumes are between $200 - $400

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

Sorry I didn't reply earlier

I have had this happen three times. Twice via Audrena on E-bay. Every once in a while she cleans out her warehouse of anything which is shopworn or comes in below the mark. The dress was $75 and I have a great old style Pharonics Bedlah which I bought for a bout $85.

The other was a fun dress from Sheherazad's which I picked up at Rakkasah for around $80. Once again, shopworn.

When Johar was first cleaning out her warehouse by 'giving' her costume which weren't moving to her 'friend' on e-bay, many of the prices were very low. As in around $100 for BiN. Had I had the cash, I would have bought several.

The people who live near Dahlal, Lucy, etc. may have more info on this phenom. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

GEEZ! Why can't I find these deals?? :-)

What constitutes "expensive" is relative to everyone. You CAN, however, have a new costume that is high end in every way (fabric, cut, construction, embelishments, etc) that will last you without paying that kind of money. You've just got to know where to look
:: wink wink ::

Hi everyone, please excuse my newbieness while I butt in this fascinating thread. *g*

Getting into bellydance for me was an excuse to renew with my lifelong on-gain, off-again affair with costuming. I have started out with medieval and Ren-Faire stuff, then moved on to more variety when I got into LARPs (live action roleplay... yes, I'm an RPG geek *g*) Looking online for ideas, I came across (and drooled over) some of those eye popping designs that the ladies here are referring to above. And the dancers wearing them look like they're clad in faerie clouds sprinkled with diamond dust; it *is* breathtaking... Now, I may look good in one of those. I may even be able to afford one if I scrimped for a few months. But the bottom line is: it is not me. And at this point, after looking at several offerings online, I'm starting to think that the only way to go for me is to make my own things. I mean, I like some elements of tribal, I like some elements of cabaret, and so on... I like sparkles, but not rivers of it. I love leather, but I hate outfits dominated by it... You get the idea. I think that pretty much any outfit that I woud buy pre-made would feel (to me) at odds with one side or other of my personality, regardless of how it looks or how much it costs. (Yes, I am aware that I'm a little strange; but I'm okay, really. *g* ) Oh, and before anyone gets the wrong idea, I'm definitely not implying that I'm better than anyone, or even weirder than anyone. It is just how I feel about the topic at this point in time and if anything, I'm a bit scared of where this will take me. I mean, what if the costumes that I make end up being the kind of thing that people would laugh about at dance conventions? (Speaking from experience, it's not always cool to be weird.) I wonder if anybody else here has ever felt like that? Like there's no costume that really jumps out and grabs at them even though "OMG that's so pretty!".

Besides, I don't perform. For the purposes of practicing and prancing about in my living room, I have purchased a few pairs of yoga pants that I dress up with self-made belts. I think I have yet to make a belt that has cost more than 10$ total. 500$?? Forget it. Unless the stars aligned and I was somehow a world-reknowned dancer with designers willing to spend time getting to know me so they could make a costume for me much in the same way that Issam Houshan composes a drum solo for a dancer, then yes. Totally. And I would pay even more than that (on my hypothetic superstar bellydancer salary I can afford a lot of things... LOL). For now, I'll just keep making my little belts and tops and hope that I'm won't offend any style of BD because I'm borrowing elements from their style for no other reason than what I see in my head.

Thanks for letting me share,

Kem.

I can't justify a $500 costume right now in these economic times and with the minimal number of gigs that I do. I feel like those days are long gone for me. But I can and will haunt the swap boards until the right second-hand goodie comes along!
As long as the costume makes you look and feel good and you can sell it as such to your clients/viewers than you shouldn't feel bad about how much you spend on a costume.
But... I do agree that said clients/audience do make snap judgements about dancers based in part on how expensive a costume looks. If that matters to you, take that into consideration. If it doesn't, then don't worry about it...as many on this thread have attested, I've had audience members love on my old, simple and basic no-name costumes and totally ignore the haute couture of the next dancer! It's about how you dress the chicken :)

The costume merry go round is a must! If you dance a lot your audience will get tired of the same costumes. However all of the costumes from egypt are so cheap because of the 3rd world labor. It is important to keep that in mind. You really start to put that in perspective when/if you try hand beading a circle skirt hemline on your own. And as the dollar falls the prices for these lovelies will go up. It is amazing how many hours goes into beadwork. Since I make costumes all day everyday I have started to gauge the time in terms of stupid movies. So it takes me about 4 dumb 80's movies to do 1/2 a bra, 3 dumb movies to make the skirt etc... LOL

Originally Posted by kemintiri

I'm starting to think that the only way to go for me is to make my own things. I mean, I like some elements of tribal, I like some elements of cabaret, and so on... I like sparkles, but not rivers of it. I love leather, but I hate outfits dominated by it... You get the idea. I think that pretty much any outfit that I woud buy pre-made would feel (to me) at odds with one side or other of my personality, regardless of how it looks or how much it costs. I'm a bit scared of where this will take me. I mean, what if the costumes that I make end up being the kind of thing that people would laugh about at dance conventions? (Speaking from experience, it's not always cool to be weird.)

Besides, I don't perform. For the purposes of practicing and prancing about in my living room, I have purchased a few pairs of yoga pants that I dress up with self-made belts. For now, I'll just keep making my little belts and tops and hope that I'm won't offend any style of BD because I'm borrowing elements from their style for no other reason than what I see in my head.

Hi Kem! I really like the path you're on - I wish more dancers were in the mind set of embracing their personal sense of style rather than simply mimicking the trend-setters in a particular style! When I'm in the audience of a show, I really like seeing a dancer come out on stage who is NOT a clone of some famous dancer. And it's even better if she has her own personal sense of dance style to go with the individual costuming style.

Hee hee, if you're looking for unique pants to wear for classes or hanging out at dance events, check out Geisha Moth, Phoenix Rising Artists, BaliDog, Sharifwear, and Marika's Shiva Shakti line!

I've got a cool deerskin bra/belt set that I hired someone to custom-make for me. So far, I haven't performed in it, but every time I wear the belt to a workshop I have to be careful to NOT let too much drool fall on it from people admiring it! ..g.:

Although I have a collection of expensive goodies, I still admire creative self-made designs. I have a design in my head for a self-made belt that I need to find time to sit down and actually make! I've even bought the materials.

Hi Shira,

Your deerskin bra and belt sound absolutely gorgeous and totally drool-worthy. I see you performing on a Native drum piece, between two fires... Fatimahontas! (And lots of turquoise jewelry! *g*)

Thanks so much for your comments, although I don't know at this point if it is indeed style or just way too much imagination, LOL. Couple that with boxes and boxes of bits of fabrics and assorted odds and ends collected over the years and you get the idea... For example, I'm working on a belt and top ensemble in green shades. The inspiration for it came from a pale green Chinese silk brocade bag that I got at Value Village for 0.99$. I already had bits of leather, forest green velvet, gold trim and green beads. All I did was take apart all the pieces of brocade and put it back together in a belt-like thingy with brass grommets and green laces, medieval wench style. (Celtic Geisha! *g*) I still have to finish the top and lace-up sleeves thingies though. (And when I finally do put the whole thing on, I plan to shimmy to "Last of the Wilds" by Nightwish. Might turn out to be a complete trainwreck... *G* Will let you know.)

Thanks for the websites, I will definitely check those out. (Lycra pants are one thing that I have not ventured in yet. Maybe that's my next challenge!)

Wouldn't it be cool if there was a place where ppl could gather to make BD costumes and talk beads and bedlah over tea and crumpets? *sigh* Does such a place even exist?

However all of the costumes from egypt are so cheap because of the 3rd world labor. It is important to keep that in mind. You really start to put that in perspective when/if you try hand beading a circle skirt hemline on your own. And as the dollar falls the prices for these lovelies will go up.

I've got to say I don't think $1000 is cheap, third world labour or no, and it seems the ones that cost the most $US are the ones with the least handwork in them. If you want to see "third world prices" check out Chinese costumes. You can buy a sequinned bedleh for US$2.50 (no, I didn't make a mistake with the decimal point). Of course it's hideous and you need to order 200 at that price, but it puts things into perspective a bit.

"Sewing and tea with Sarah Skinner" Shakemyday New York City Events

She makes most of her costumes: Sarah Skinners costumes | Shakemyday

Originally Posted by kemintiri

Wouldn't it be cool if there was a place where ppl could gather to make BD costumes and talk beads and bedlah over tea and crumpets? *sigh* Does such a place even exist?

You can easily, easily set up such a situation with fellow belly dancers! One of the students from my school used to do it all the time - she had a sort of open home on a Sunday afternoon and her friends would come round with beads and biscuits and just natter and stitch.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

Wouldn't it be cool if there was a place where ppl could gather to make BD costumes and talk beads and bedlah over tea and crumpets? *sigh* Does such a place even exist?

..g.: Back when I started up a new troupe in California, we had several sewing parties to get people's troupe costumes made. Those who knew how to sew helped those who did not lay out the pattern pieces on the fabric, then the non-sewing people did the cutting out while the sewing people sewed.

We had a lot of fun with working on our first big goal, that of getting our costumes pulled together! It helped us come together as a group.

Wow, I had no idea... (Of course it is in NY so I can't get there, but it's like having a total synchronicity moment *g*.) Thanks so much Kiyaana.

I really like the idea of getting some ppl together for a "stitch n *****" (although at my place it would be more like beer and chips than tea and crumpets).

Now I guess I just have to find like minded ppl in my area...

Thanks for the idea ladies!

Kem.

I'm loving what you guys are talking about. I like very fusion dance as well as traditional and I've just been thinking about making a black suede lace belt with silver and cream pony beads and cream/rust feathers. I even choreod a piece to a Native American song called "Drum Battle."

As far as costume prices go, my state isn't the best place for dancers to make money so cheap and sparkly/jingly is good for me. My splurge was a $150 Isis Exchange and I'm fine with that. I do wish I had more money for workshops, though. I don't really have regular gigs so I'd rather perfect my dancing and have one nice ($150) costume.

This is such an interesting thread. But honestly, I have never spent more than $500 on a costume. It's not that I wouldn't, but with my frame and height (I'm petite and boobie), it's pretty hard to find a design that would flatter my figure and cover up what needs to be hidden (a scar on my tummy)! Hehe So, I would usually design my own costume so I can customize it according to my taste. I do splurge on materials, but it still turns out cheaper than couture costumes.

Anyway, there's nothing wrong with buying high-end costumes. Most especially when you could afford to get one. But then, if your home made costume is well-made, well-designed and presentable, it will not look inferior to a bella or a pharaonix.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I agree with this! It's like a used car: once you drive it off the showroom floor, it immediately depreciates by about a third.

Why? Because yeah, it's USED... and because I'm not buying it from a vendor now. I can't return it if it doesn't fit, or get you to alter it for me, or exchange it. Why would I buy your used costume when, for $50 more, I could choose from a selection of hundreds at Dahlal, or even custom order my size?

I'm late to this thread but I have to agree with this. I understand if someone is trying to recoup some of their money, but used is used. If it's only a difference of $50 then I might as well get a brand new one.

Originally Posted by etoile

I'm late to this thread but I have to agree with this. I understand if someone is trying to recoup some of their money, but used is used. If it's only a difference of $50 then I might as well get a brand new one.

I don't know how other costume vendors and designers work (like Eman or Dahlal), but sometimes buying a costume isn't as simple as the price it's listed for, and is actually worth a bit more than its price tag. Don't forget about hidden fees associated with buying a new costume straight from the designer, like shipping and wire fees. I just got a new Bella, and I asked her to keep it around $800. When I got the bill, it was about $90 to ship and a $42 wire transfer fee to pay her. So all in all, the costume total was $932 (yikes). If I'm selling a Bella that I've only worn a few times and is in perfect or near-perfect condition, I'm probably going to ask not much less than $800. So for you to buy this costume brand new, it would cost you $932, but for you to buy it used from me it would cost you $750. You still save a heck of a lot of money used than if you were to buy it new, and I've already lost almost $200 on selling it used, not just the $50 you're seeing.

Originally Posted by SummerSahar

I don't know how other costume vendors and designers work (like Eman or Dahlal), but sometimes buying a costume isn't as simple as the price it's listed for, and is actually worth a bit more than its price tag. Don't forget about hidden fees associated with buying a new costume straight from the designer, like shipping and wire fees. I just got a new Bella, and I asked her to keep it around $800. When I got the bill, it was about $90 to ship and a $42 wire transfer fee to pay her. So all in all, the costume total was $932 (yikes). If I'm selling a Bella that I've only worn a few times and is in perfect or near-perfect condition, I'm probably going to ask not much less than $800. So for you to buy this costume brand new, it would cost you $932, but for you to buy it used from me it would cost you $750. You still save a heck of a lot of money used than if you were to buy it new, and I've already lost almost $200 on selling it used, not just the $50 you're seeing.

I guess if I was in the US that would probably work out. However, since I am not, I still need to pay international shipping fees and the cost of transferring the money, custom charges, exchange rate etc... so at the end of the day, the savings might not be that great.

Most dancers I know swap and shop, look for sales, buy odds and ends. If you are not afraid of ebay, you can get some pretty big deals too.

Originally Posted by etoile

I guess if I was in the US that would probably work out. However, since I am not, I still need to pay international shipping fees and the cost of transferring the money, custom charges, exchange rate etc... so at the end of the day, the savings might not be that great.

Very true for international buyers, Etoile. I wasn't considering that :-)

When I made the statement being discussed above, I was thinking of comparisons to prices at Dahlal, or Bellydancestore, or Audrena, which already include the overseas shipping and exchange costs.

Theoretically a costume ordered directly from the designer is going to cost slightly less to begin with -- when Pharonics was doing individual orders, they were mostly under $500, vs. $650-825 from US vendors. Sims were running $650 ordered direct, $825 at Dahlal.

Bella is a whole 'nother ballgame, of course, because there is no longer a retail outlet for them in the US as far as I can tell.

Anyway, if you ordered direct I think it's perfectly OK to include the costs of shipping and wire transfer in the total.