Part of unit 7 was to choose either a tutu design, or catsuit design that you would want to realise, and then figure out how you would bring it to life. Normally, you would also create it in this unit, but due to COVID,we were a little restricted in what we could do at home.
I chose this catsuit by Bob Mackie, as I think you can really interpret the piece in many different ways. The original for Cher went down quite a Native American inspired route, which while is visually stunning, in 2020/2021 we (meaning white arists) are more aware of cultral appropriation. So my challenge to myself was: How can I update the costume, while making sure it still lookies like it was inspired by Bob Mackie.
Below is a slideshow of all my progress, I also comment on what I’m doing, what inspired me, and evaluating as I go. Overall though, I’m really happy with where I got to, and I can not wait to bring this costume to life fully! I feel it is very much a mix of me, as well as staying true to the original sketch.
The only thing left is to work out how to make the mohawk stick to the head – I want it to be as seamless as possible (I think cher’s one looks a little like shes wearing a helmet) but I just don’t have enough tools available to me to try at the moment.
Quillightful 
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