Description

Welcome, my darling, to this little cave of mine. A bit dark, a bit gloomy, I know, but these times we have to make things do, don’t we? Oh, when I was young, at the palace, the parties we had… but let’s get to the point: you’re here for a piece of my magic, right? So what is it, you wanna be thinner, you wanna be prettier, you wanna be richer, braver, younger, stronger, what? Oh. Right. It’s a boy. Of course it is. Not one time a girl comes here to get something that doesn’t involve a man. Anyway, let’s get to the point: I can do it. I can make you the most striking girl in the room. I remember I had a nice little thing I used to wear when I was still welcome at court, let me have a look inside this tridacna I didn’t open for…well, let’s say a long time.

 

The dress

I created the base from a coutil structure, as a proper corset, which I lined in synthetic black crocodile and iguana skin, painted with gold accents, because a girl needs to shine. The corset laces at the back.

Then I made the gloves from a purple base layer, and overlayed them with ruched black tulle, because if there’s some way to get extra drama, we do go for it, don’t we?

Eight sections make the skirt. Eight. Ever hears of an hexapus? No? Then they’re eight of course. Base in nylon crin fabric, edged with horsehair braid, boned. I overlayed it with magenta tulle to create a gradient. Then on top there’s a hand cut and hand painted  beaded and sequined black lace. I did do the painting and the cutting, thanks to the winds of the sea I didn’t do the beading and sequining. Anyway, the texture achieved is meant to remember that of tentacles.

 

Measurements

Fits up to 105cm bust, 82cm of corseted waist, 167cm height. Can be worn with slightly smaller measurements. Gloves are made for a size 7.

 

“Do we have a deal?”

Touch ups: there may be a couple of stitches to add between the fingers of the gloves. The corset would benefit from back boning replacement, and maybe one or two new grommets. The bottom edge of it is not properly finished with bias tape, as it was supposed to be used for a burlesque-style act I never ended up doing, though the boning channels are closed.

The skirt top is tied with tape, you will need to pin the top of each tentacle to the corset, or to add snaps of your choice. This was done so the skirt length could be adjusted to other wearers (how lucky you are this was made not just for me,right?).

Flotsam and Jetsam need a bit of help in keeping their shape, and they were made very quickly. A very happy last minute add.

I am not remaking this wig. If you’re up to it, I can add it for the cost of supplies (35 euros) as it is.

Yes, yes, yes. It is not ready to wear (not properly, but I’ve worn it like this a couple of times) if you want it to be perfect. But if you do the math and count the insane amount of fabric this thing needed and taxes, I’m not getting a euro for the many hours of work this costume has taken.

*please contact me BEFORE placing the order, at grimildemalatesta@com : this item needs a large box. I will need to ask you an extra for the shipping cost.

 

The sale is final.

 

Black and white photos by Marco Bracchi taken during Il Volta