Quote:
Originally Posted by *Shira*
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).
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.
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.
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I think it helps to explain that part of what makes the above mentioned finishes and fabrics more "student/hobbiest" is that they require a certain distance to look good. From a distance glitter dot, tissue lame, undecorated expanses of moderately nice fabrics, crooked seams all look fine. But one reason that a pro costume must have a good balance of small and large detail, more refined fabrics, and better craftsmanship is so that it can look good at a wider variety of distances and situations. A pro costume (needs to) good at a distance on stage, closer near your table, or in studio photographs and video shoots...same goes for pro-costumes needing to do well in a variety of lighting.