So now I have a favour to ask?

lizajuk · 08-19-2007, 03:38 PM

Have you ever made a replica "historical" costume for a performance?
Do you or have you owned a well known designer costume?
Have ever made your own that you are particularly proud of?

Why am I asking ? Because....at long last I have started on a project to try to get together a history of belly dance costuming...(spooky that question of yours, Desna

)
The wheels are in motion I have 2 short articles written for the magazine of am editor of (if I still have a job after the first issue

)
I hope to expand on these and carry on to complete a not definitive tome but hopefully well researched and illustrated one and that this may make some money for the "Just because" charity if they'll have it

. I also want to dedicate it to Madam Abla's memory.
Yes I know how hard it will be to get it published but I think there could be a demand for it, if I can get it pitched right and priced right.I've got the time and inspiration and have emailed dancers of some note to ask for their help and may call upon you for more info.....pretty please.....
Sooooooo
What do I beg from you ladies..well photos(really good ones) and a bit of background and your well loved and admired costumes of note

er no I won't do an UGBD chapter

Nat242 · 08-19-2007, 09:41 PM

There was a thread on here a few weeks ago - a dancer (I've forgotten her name, my bad) who had done a beautiful replica of Mata Hari costumes. Gorgeous photos too.

Sounds like a really interesting project, Lizajuk!

zorba · 08-20-2007, 12:48 AM

How about including an even shorter history of male Belly Dance costumes! Its always been an interesting juxtaposition...

Anuka · 08-20-2007, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nat242

There was a thread on here a few weeks ago - a dancer (I've forgotten her name, my bad) who had done a beautiful replica of Mata Hari costumes. Gorgeous photos too.

That was Sarah Skinner, and she documents her costuming projects on her website: http://www.shakemyday.com/sarah/costume_23.html

Nat242 · 08-20-2007, 01:45 AM

Thanks Anuka - I was hoping someone would remember!

mekyria · 08-20-2007, 02:47 AM

Hi Liz,
I made some attempts at recreating historical belly dance costuming, but I don't have decent pictures yet. What time period are you looking for?

Once you've finished your articles, I'm very interested. I've been organizing 'the history of bellydance through costuming' fashion shows the last two years and thought of creating a photogallery instead this year, because I'm too busy finishing my book.

lizajuk · 08-20-2007, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anuka

That was Sarah Skinner, and she documents her costuming projects on her website: http://www.shakemyday.com/sarah/costume_23.html

Oh wow thank you for that link. This is a lady to contact.

Come on now gals reveal yer Ablas..............

deelybopper · 08-20-2007, 06:44 AM

Oh, that sounds great! I would buy it!

I was also going to suggest Sarah Skinner's Mata Hari project, and it might also be worth contacting Dina Lydia (the Costume Goddess - www.costumegoddess.com), as I think I remember seeing a historical reconstruction costume in one of her books (I think...)

I also have a feeling that in Yasmina of Cairo's documentary (Journey of Desire???) there's some footage of Eman Zaki talking about the evolution of her designs? Could be misremembering, as I am writing this at work, and have no access to books or DVDs.

BTW - I have a friend who self-published a book via lulu (www.lulu.com). I don't think he made a great deal of money from it, but it might be worth investigating as a possibility? The thing that made it attractive for him was that each copy is printed as it is ordered, so you don't have to have a spare room full of unsold books hanging around.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know!

D
(PS - I know the next issue of the magazine is going to be great - please don't worry!)

Azeeza · 08-20-2007, 09:34 AM

A dancer on Tribe sold her Mata Hari inspired costume. She doesn't have directions on making the set, but she does have photos, which are gorgeous.

http://tribes.tribe.net/banjaran/thr...2-eca875a76997

Azeeza

lizajuk · 08-20-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deelybopper

Oh, that sounds great! I would buy it!

I was also going to suggest Sarah Skinner's Mata Hari project, and it might also be worth contacting Dina Lydia (the Costume Goddess - www.costumegoddess.com), as I think I remember seeing a historical reconstruction costume in one of her books (I think...)

I also have a feeling that in Yasmina of Cairo's documentary (Journey of Desire???) there's some footage of Eman Zaki talking about the evolution of her designs? Could be misremembering, as I am writing this at work, and have no access to books or DVDs.

BTW - I have a friend who self-published a book via lulu (www.lulu.com). I don't think he made a great deal of money from it, but it might be worth investigating as a possibility? The thing that made it attractive for him was that each copy is printed as it is ordered, so you don't have to have a spare room full of unsold books hanging around.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know!

D
(PS - I know the next issue of the magazine is going to be great - please don't worry!)

You know you and I think spookily alike. The Costume Goddess was on my list. I'd like to include chapters and those who have made and also the Journey of Desire is on my ticked list

and thank you for lulu...very interesting. I need to talk more in depth to the likes of Anne and Trace over Just because but as I am writing this stuff anyway for the mag, I though why not make a proper job and go for the book!

tahiradancer · 08-20-2007, 12:27 PM

You also might want to drop Princess Farhana a note. She has done a couple performance pieces and based the costuming on vintage picture postcards. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

lizajuk · 08-20-2007, 12:36 PM

Thanks for all your input.
Remember I am also interested in looking at the Golden Age of Cinema and what intrigues me is...just when did we start to get "designer costumes...?" (rushing off to rewatch Journey of Desire! and Cairo Bellydancers)
So Hekmats and Ablas or any other you know of??????

deelybopper · 08-21-2007, 05:14 AM

You know, it might be worth contacting Eman directly to see if she can give you any more input. I remember when I was at her atelier in February she had an armlet/sleeve thing - beautifully made, completely beaded (from the days before lycra). It had been worn by her mother when she was a dancer (not sure who made it). She also had another of her mother's costumes displayed in the hallway. So I think she definitely has a lot if insight into the history of costumes from an Egyptian perspective.
D

deelybopper · 08-21-2007, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizajuk

You know you and I think spookily alike. The Costume Goddess was on my list. I'd like to include chapters and those who have made and also the Journey of Desire is on my ticked list

and thank you for lulu...very interesting. I need to talk more in depth to the likes of Anne and Trace over Just because but as I am writing this stuff anyway for the mag, I though why not make a proper job and go for the book!

Great minds think alike that's why!

I think a book will be a great way to raise £s for Just Because!
D

08-21-2007, 12:01 PM

I often wonder what happened to all those amazing costumes from the old movies. Do people have them, are they in a dusty vault in Egypt somewhere. are they displayed lovingly?
If any of you have watched the saut wa saura vids and the hossam ramzy vids of the old dancers in the old movies, those costumes are to die for.