Where do bedlah go to die?

[antimony]

I know that designer costumes like Pharonics, Bella, etc hold their value really well. And costumes often get re-sold many times. But what happens to costumes that reach the end of their useful lives? The ones missing chunks of fringe, missing stones, wearing hummus stains, etc?

Do they end up just mouldering in the back of someone's closet, do they get cannibalized for parts?

I was considering buying a plain bedlah to add stones and appliqués and stuff to basically construct something cool and interesting. But then I realized I was going to end up spending $150-$200 on the base bedlah plus materials on top of that. So then I wondered, for that same $200, could I get a real fixer-upper of a used high-end bedlah? If I'm planning to replace or rework fringe and decoration anyway, and re-lining is no big deal, why not start with a nicer base?

I'm asking since I don't see much in the way of discounted down-on-their luck bedlah turning up on the swap meet, yet I know that costumes don't last forever.

[ozma]

Good luck. Dead bedlah at my house (only one so far) get stripped for parts.

Seriously stripped.

I'd post pictures but I think they would make people cry.

My dead bedlah is a former troupe costume, Legends, cost me about 500$ (at a time when that price tag, much less paying it, still blew my mind), the fabric self distructed as did the troupe. I will parts it until only the wires remain.

[sumayasaahir]

That'd be a good name for a Rak band: dead bedlah. lol.

[artemisia_danst]

i'd probaly give mine away as a project to students
i deconstructed one too once, and the beads are still in a jar

[NahimehJoon]

Originally Posted by antimony

The ones missing chunks of fringe, missing stones, wearing hummus stains, etc?

[Slave]

!!! that is an AWESOME band name! good call, Sumaya!

this is a good thread for me - my one and only working bedlah is oh oh oh so beyond the time to be put out of its misery. missing huge chunks of fringe and good deal of the color on the sequins is gone...very bad shape.
but it was the only costume i've had for every gig i've done. i pretty much never, ever get paid - the joys of being in a performance troupe, huh? - so i never wind up with money that can be spent on dance. i'm hoping to change that...

so, my sis in law claims to want to use the costume as a model for learning to make belly dance costumes. she enjoys beading. i find it rage-inducing.

[Melinda77]

Originally Posted by sumayasaahir

That'd be a good name for a Rak band: dead bedlah. lol.

Yeah! LOL

[kateryna]

Originally Posted by antimony

I know that designer costumes like Pharonics, Bella, etc hold their value really well. And costumes often get re-sold many times. But what happens to costumes that reach the end of their useful lives? The ones missing chunks of fringe, missing stones, wearing hummus stains, etc?

.

I think that regardless of the maker, any costume can reach the end. I have white Bella that was my working costume for the longest time. Although, most if the fringe strands are holding up, the lining is really scary to look at. I don't think I would ever be able to sell this one. Guess I'll be wearing the costume till it falls of my body.