COSTUMES!!

missmann · Post by **missmann** » Mon May 31, 2004 10:04 am

Hi there,
Just wondering what sorts of costumes people are planning...
I myself have a few ideas, one of which is victorian boudoir, but I need advice on types of fabric that are favorable for the weather. Also, for a corest, I need something sturdy enough to hold the boning, but breathable so that my boob-skin doesn't turn into raisiny goodness- suggestions?

charity

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 11:04 am

Just wondering what sorts of costumes people are planning

shorts, sandals, linnen shirt, big floppy hat

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 11:48 am

stuart wrote:
Just wondering what sorts of costumes people are planning

cotton, mylar and aluminum-found-objects spacesuit with (hopefully!) functional air-conditioning unit....(ice compartment and battery-operated blower)

VerbenaMaya · Post by **VerbenaMaya** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 12:37 pm

I have for inspiration, a few halloween costume pattern books, catalogues, book o' historical clothing, pics from friends trip to anime cons, pile of comic books, pile of porn mags, the internet , suggestions from friends, etc. Trying to consider built in or designed for weather stuff, using alot of veils, stuff to protect hair, masks that can work as goggles, heat of day, cold nights, etc. and what materials I can find at the $1/yard table, thrift stores & the back of my closet.

One of my favorite costumes, worn to a goth club I used to hang out at in college, was a dead & bloody cow. Except people kept asking me if I was making a vegetarian statement, and I repeatedly had to explain I was just a dead cow. But anyways, I like to make stuff just for fun.

I think I would like to make something simple to go with being painted. I was thinking being patterned as a frog might be fun, esp in the desert.

I have one I dont know if i'll take or not, best described as Asian Catholic School Girl Bondage outfit, it needs some adjustments...

One idea I'm working on: Nun outfit, habit with hidden built in veil for dust time, dress with adjustable length skirt that can be shortened to mini, add shiny black corset...

well I also have this big bag of possum bones, a deer skull, some strips of leather, a bit of fur and alot of big beads... that's another one

and i have a thick old Norse winter-style cheap burlap, lined cloak that makes a good blankie for when its cold

pokiedot · Post by **pokiedot** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 12:59 pm

bloomers are great on the playa for sure. light cotton is the way to go. i've also heard that a light colored natural fabric covering will actually keeps you cooler than you would be if you were nekkid.

but as for me: shiny hot pants! mark my words, with this year's theme in place this will be *the* year for silver hot pants.

i also wanted to mention the big no-nos in costuming, just for good measure. of course there's the obvious no feathers and no boas but also avoid fabrics that shed, like some fake furs, sequins, tassles and even some shiny fabrics will crackle and flake in the heat. when shopping for fabric, ask for a swatch, then pull, bend and rip it to see if it can stand wear without shedding anything.

iand as for your quest for a breathable corset.. that's tricky one, but it's go me thinking. i'll message you if i can think of any ideas.

-josie

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 2:43 pm

this will be *the* year for silver hot pants

why can't it be every year? <pouts>

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 7:05 pm

Hmmm.... I was thinking of dressing like the Dude in the movie "The Big Lebowski" when I go in 2005. Or maybe I will just wear my p.j.s (and a bathrobe, when the temperature drops) and a pair of bedroom slippers. Or if I get really inspired, and have some time and money, I could come up with something to fit with whatever the theme is for 2005. Or just something that I feel is creative. Or...?

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 8:43 pm

P.J.s... I think I like that idea...

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 8:53 am

Been doing white cotten p j's in the noon day sun for a cuple years now. Going to do some expermenting with paper coveralls before hiting the playa ths year. Anyone know??

naga brain · Post by **naga brain** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 1:56 pm

I just made my version of a gladiator's armored skirt. I cut an under desk floor mat into strips and attached them to a fakeleather belt. I now have to get an el wire sys to backlight each translucent strip.

For the top, I am not sure what to do yet, but I think it will involve football pads, led's and pipe insulation.

I also have a kimono and haori with the wooden shoes... Not too comfy. But interesting.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 3:33 pm

Japanese wooden shoes, geta, I just gave mine up for the playa. Chunked up too much dust. I have a huge wedding kimono (several, but only one goes to the playa) but they're too bulky even for night wear. Mostly use it for over tent insulation. Really, the dust hasn't semed to bother it a bit. I just whack it clean.

A regular kimono and haori would look fab, but be far too hot and fussy. Now if you have a happi coat, or a well worn yukata, that's the ticket. I wear my yukata a lot. Actually wore mine out and am now working through my dad's old one. Larry has a regular extra long yukata, and the men's yukata shorts set. Both are a more than a little worn out, I'll have to start checking sources for replacements. I have patterns, hah! Japanese summer resort or festival gear, as opposed to formal japanese clothing, is perfect on the playa.

And I use my fans too, not the folding ones, but the cheap festival round stick ones, the Japanese names escape me now... oh, and those great little towels they hand out at Bon Odori, useful as a towel or headband.

Damn I miss Japan.

Anti M

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 3:49 pm

my happy coat is never used. Good idea for the playa. Thx.

Dusza Beben · Post by **Dusza Beben** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 5:25 pm

I'm sure it won't be original, but I was thinking that some striped cotton PJ's and a bath towel would make a great Arthur Dent costume for the playa and very "on theme" as well.

I have several SCI FI costumes in the Bounty Hunter / Special Ops vein that would make a the Chupacabra Policia wimper and I do a mean pirate costume though I'm not sure how many of these creations will make it to the playa.

UP WITH KILTS!

DB

pokiedot · Post by **pokiedot** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 9:34 pm

stuart wrote:
this will be *the* year for silver hot pants
why can't it be every year? <pouts>

i'm working on it, stuart. one tushie at a time, i'm changing playa fashion...

VerbenaMaya · Post by **VerbenaMaya** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 7:01 am

i have a pair of silver hot pants, too small for me, but i will bring and gift to the mission...

naga brain · Post by **naga brain** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 9:17 am

Now if you have a happi coat, or a well worn yukata, that's the ticket. I wear my yukata a lot.

Yeah that is what I have, I just forget what the word is sometimes. It's a really light summer yukata and has a really complex porcelin blue pattern on it. It's really cool.

B

kairyth · Post by **kairyth** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:17 pm

A wearable 'vault of heaven'-- a cage crinoline (aka. hoop skirt) wired with EL wire, miniature X-mas lights, and fiber optics (if I can ever find the info I need to make that happen!) I'm envisioning something like a wearable planetarium.

To answer missman's query about a breathable corset-- I spend a lot of time doing Rennaisance faire and Victorian events, and such a thing is possible! Choose natural fiber fabrics (cotton, rayon, linen), at least for the lining if not the whole thing. Don't sacrifice stability for 'light'ness-- when your stays start poking out, you'll be pissed that you spent so much time making the darn thing! Don't forget about your own built in air conditioning-- sweat! Wear something that'll absorb it nicely, and you shouldn't get raisin-age. It also helps to wear a layer between the corset and your skin-- the proper Victorian lady had a long chemise, but you can get away with a tube or tank top if you want to show off more skin.

You also want to be sure you are used to wearing the corset before you hit the playa. Corsets are only comfortable if you are used to them. I applaud your chutzpah in wanting to wear one, though. Good luck!

I found www.waisted.com to be an INCREDIBLY helpful resource in corset-making and -wearing.

Katherine

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:54 pm

I wore a prairie-girl like outfit last year. Long full skirt made of unbleached muslin -- it's a shade structure for your lower half, and comes with air conditioning (when you walk). Tens of thousands of women crossed the Great Plains in these skirts. They WORK!
Also I wear a large square of unbleached muslin on my person at all times. It is a dust mask, covering for shoulders when it gets beating-down hot, and it can be worn over the head/around neck for dirt-storm hair/head protection. This is THOUSANDS of years old technology, and it works amazingly well. Finally, a butt-pack for all the necessaries.

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:56 pm

And those prairie bonnets you see in old westerns? They weren't pulled out of some fashion designers ass. They *evolved* by necessity. These bonnets are the absolute bomb out there. Like wearing your own porch over your face.

madmatt · Post by **madmatt** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 3:46 pm

I was searching for some cool plushy teddy bear backpacks on the net. I want to take out the bladder of my camelback and put it in there. Sure, its one of the greatest inventions for burners ever, and has a utilitarian beauty all its own, but my camelback just doesn't match any of my playawear (which is mostly fur).

And I found these!!

They sell them online only, and all these weird stores, and ebay and other junk auction sites. There's other models too. I couldn't find a site for the manufacturer.

madmatt · Post by **madmatt** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 3:48 pm

Oops, he he. Forgot to say how to find them. Type "illusionz backpack" into ebay, google, etc.

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:24 pm

pokiedot wrote:
stuart wrote:
this will be *the* year for silver hot pants
why can't it be every year? <pouts>
i'm working on it, stuart. one tushie at a time, i'm changing playa fashion...

I really doubt anyone would want to see ME in silver hot pants!!!
(Least of all ME!!!)

missmann · Post by **missmann** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:50 am

silver hot pants... *sigh*

kairyth: thanks for the input on the corset... I've actually made and worn a couple before, but I just wasn't totally sure home lightweight I could go before it got too flimsy...
I found a website that has an online pattern generator for Elizabethan style corsets- makes a custom pattern according to your measurements. Its a fairly simple project, has good instructions and is pretty easy to modify.
http://costume.dm.net/corsets/index.html
The corset pattern link has the pattern generator (who'd have thought), andthe instructions are logically in "sewing it together"... theres also some other good information to check out.
later,
charity

Tuatha · Post by **Tuatha** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:37 pm

I had several ideas for costumes one almost one for every other day :)
Though how many of them I manage to organize in time is a whole different matter,

I was thinking a Chinese Kung fu Suit nice and light and cool and I also have a Japanese Hakama Both I thought would look cool and add a very Zen feel to things, not to mention be perfect for a spot of fire dancing in

I also wanted to do a Very Mad Max Styled Costume, but im thinking now that they are going to be a dime a dozen at Burning man so I might go for something a little more Unique

My friend and I were also talking about doing "Goth Loin Cloths" Though what they involve im not 100% sure yet, but there was mention of Pink umbrella

And my Final and Favorite idea for a costume was perfect for this years theme it involves getting a friend to paint me head to toe in green scales and a loin cloth then wander around with a bag of apples to tempt the Ladies with :)

naga brain · Post by **naga brain** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:06 pm

I last year came upon this awesome silver/metallic overcoat that when buttoned up, looks like something straight outta the Matrix. Now my dilemna with this thing errupted when I got to the playa and wore it one night and then when I got back that night, well, my forearms were a little tingly. I come to find out that the damn thing is an old school fire jacket and its made outta ASBESTOS!

So I have been thinking about this thing lately and what to do with it. I think a liner might work. What's everyone think? I probably should get rid of it somehow, eh?

DancingTofu · Post by **DancingTofu** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:07 am

Re: corsets...

An ice pack in the corset. Nice and cool.... for a while. And hey, I'm not complaining about a little extra, uh... padding.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:41 am

naga brain wrote: I think a liner might work. What's everyone think? I probably should get rid of it somehow, eh?

We metalcasting and welding types LOVE those coats, and covet them. Check your neighborhood surplus store for a liner, specifying one with sleeves, or if you're feeling spendy take it to a tailor.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:11 pm

Hate to be a kill joy here, but I think you really should know what you are doing if you're going to wear one. Remember that you're at 4000 feet above sea level and the air is probably thinner than at home. Plus factor in the heat. I've seen those old houses with fainting couches on the landings--women in corsets had to have a nice place to fall on with even that simple exertion.

My guess is that if you faint and Emergency Services is called--the corset will be cut off your body. That's right, the garment you spent dozens, or maybe hundreds, of hours making will become a rag in ten seconds--breathing emergencies are treated seriously, and a medic's instinct is to go for skin anyway. So don't lace yourself too tight, have a quick escape designed into the thing--and make sure your friends know where it is and how it works. I'm not going to recommend ammonia inhalents, but if you get dizzy take care of yourself.

As far as I know, nobody's ever been cut out of a corset during the event, so I may be alarmist. But you don't wanna be the first, do ya?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:13 pm

robotland wrote:
naga brain wrote: I think a liner might work. What's everyone think? I probably should get rid of it somehow, eh?
We metalcasting and welding types LOVE those coats, and covet them.

Us glass workers dream of the days when asbetoes gloves were available.

jennygreentooth · Post by **jennygreentooth** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 3:33 am

hot pants and bloomers are the best!!!!

besides sewing your own stuff,
great costume ideas can also be found in stripper wear online catalogues. i've found some really great stuff- that doesnt really look like its for dancing. the plus on this stuff is its stretchy- made to fit most sizes, and its very well made since its made for exhausting conditions.

some good sites to check are~

www.pinupgirlclothing.com
www.wickedtemptations.com
www.mydivascloset.com

there's a lot more than those... just play around and you'll find some fun ideas or great costumes already made

COSTUMES!!

COSTUMES!!

Idears

Costumes

Oh, can't forget the hat

Costumes

Another Idear

Re: Another Idear

A few thoughts about corsets

Re: Another Idear

hot pants n bloomers