For the past several years I have followed @PortsmouthCostumiers on Instagram
Based at the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, the Costumiers spend most of their time creating wonderful designs for the theatre shows, pantomimes and more.
Naval Uniforms are freshly bedecked and such flamboyant artists as Adam Ant rely on their couture and divine designs to really stand out and look awesome on the stage.
Stunning Designs
I have long lusted over a few of their dresses and yet I always that having a bespoke dress made would be well out of my league.
Then I received the most wonderful and unexpected invitation to a marvellous wedding in the Summer.
In Chicago!
Just Divine
Well such an occasion requires something rather wonderful, especially when the theme is 1950’s Hollywood Glamour.
Immediately I thought of the Portsmouth Costumiers and made contact via the Instagram messaging system.
I had the most wonderful response from one of the creators, Naomi. During our discussions it was decided that I would go and visit the theatre to discuss my needs, have measurements taken and look at fabrics and embellishments.
Simply Sublime
What an Adventure!
Arriving at the Theatre at 1200 on Wednesday 06th April, I was met by the wonderful Naomi who took my upstairs to the Costumiers area.
We started off by having a jolly good chat about the event, the wedding theme and what kind of ideas I had. Whilst I wanted something completely unique, I had looked online at various garments, designers and fabrics. But I still didn’t know quite what I wanted.
What a Variety!
Bearing in mind that Chicago will be quite hot at the end of July, the outfit needed to be suitable for the climate whilst still looking like a Hollywood Classic.
I started talking about how I would really like the dress to be adaptable. By this I meant that I wanted to have more than one look to it.
Corsets for Fittings
For example, my Audrey dress has a removable drape so you can wear it over one shoulder or without and I have used the drape as a tucked turban with it. I love the whole idea of multi-function wear, but said I had no idea if that was even feasible, yet was of real interest to me.
Naomi was SO keen on that idea and stated that the ideas I had were more than possible so that was pretty much carte blanche to us both.
What a Stunner!
Getting a fresh sheet of paper, Naomi started sketching ideas with her bic. With a few strokes she had created my silhouette and then started draping me with ideas.
Straight skirt, tulip shapes, sarongs, tiki dresses were all discussed and sections added, then taken away and others thrown into the mix.
Eventually Naomi hit the design on the head and I almost wanted to cry. Adding extra touches she hit all the right spots and we talked about some additional pieces to make more of a wardrobe, rather than just one dress.
Top Contender
Naomi had shown me a few swatches of material and then some fully made outfits which made my heart sing.
That was even harder for me. All the colours and all the patterns.
I wanted them all.
Little Bolero
Of course, there is nothing to say that I can’t go back for more creations. After all, they have my measurements down and it would take no trouble at all to pop in for fittings. The idea of getting even better fitted dresses than I can currently get hold of, fills me with ecstasy.
In the end I have plumped for the stunning Fuchsia print, with the darker reverse of the weave being used for the collar and cuffs of the bolero to give it an extra special touch.
The Eventual Winner!
All I need to do now is show you the design that I have chosen…..
Surprise!
But I need there to be some mystique about the design so you will all have a surprise come July.
Till then,
SPSG xxx