Quote:
Originally Posted by micamica
Okay, I am obviously an amateur dancer. After reading a couple of recent threads in the swap meet forum I have realized I am also an amateur with an untrained eye for costumes. I just can not figure out exactly what makes a pro level costume, pro level? I thought it had to do with the amount of beading or sequins, but now I am wondering if it is actually about the "designer label". Any clues for the clueless here? Thanks !
Nikki
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I think a costume can be pro quality without being a designer label. I have seen some self-mades that I would consider pro quality.
I'd say part of it has to do with fabric choice - some choices give a more "professional" image than others. For example, fabrics that I would consider suitable for "student" or "hobbyist" rather than "pro" include tissue lame, nylon tricot, and glitter dot. Fabrics that I would consider suitable for "pro" costumes include double georgette, lycra swimsuit fabric, velvet, velveteen, and charmeuse (drapable satin).
Now, I sometimes do use the above fabrics. For example, I sometimes use tissue lame skirts as underskirts beneath a more elaborate top-level fabric, or tissue lame veils for doing double veil. I sometimes use glitter dot for "novelty" costumes such as red/green/gold for Christmas haflas.
Trims are another thing that defines how "professional" a costume looks. The beads-by-the-yard may glitter nicely, but when it comes to costume trim they're better for a student recital than for a professional gig. Sequins-by-the-yard are also more student/hobbyist-looking, as are a belt that looks simple except for the applique plopped in center front and back on the belt. I wouldn't hesitate a bit to suggest these elements if outfitting a student troupe that will be doing only amateur shows. But I wouldn't wear them for a professional gig.
Artistry plays a role. Some costumes are simply beautiful to look at, whereas other costumes are made from questionable color choices, or the designs worked into the bra/belt design are cringe-worthy. For example, I wouldn't want a target culminating in a nipple tassel on a bra cup.
Workmanship on the construction of the costume pieces matters too. If you examine hems of skirts, some are neatly finished, while others are ragged. Sometimes rows of sequins are sewn on crooked. Sometimes bras are not cleanly finished, especially in the back around the hook area.
The reason so many people equate designer names with quality is because certain designers have justifiably earned a reputation for consistently high quality. If you're thinking about buying a costume from swap meet on the basis of the photos alone, it's comforting to know if it was made by a designer who has a reputation for high quality. Photos can't always show you the workmanship details for fabric quality.