About Me.
As a costume maker, I specialise in the recreation of historical attire. I mostly create classically-tailored garments; from pattern-drafting to cutting and construction, and am confident in alterations and costume maintenance. I also have a passion for stays and corset making.
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I am currently progressing through my master’s degree in Historical Costume, which has allowed me to further my knowledge of tailoring for non-standard bodies and less regular forms.
Having created costumes for a range of theatre productions, I am well-versed with tight deadlines and work well under pressure. I am very proactive and enjoy problem solving, being a quick learner and then liking to perfect any new techniques to the best of my ability.
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The collaboration amongst disciplines, alongside my part-time jobs, have given me very strong people skills and established a strict sense of professionalism.
Creative Experience
Theatre Production
2021 - Costume Interpreter for Angel Exit’s interactive production at The Spring in Havant – full costume for the lead character, Mary Godmother.
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2020 - Costume Interpreter for AUB’s production of Hard Times in the Studio Theatre – Three-piece mid-Victorian Lounge Suit.
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2019 - Costume Interpreter for AUB’s production of Treasure Island at the Lighthouse Theatre – 1780’s boned jacket and skirt with full undergarments.
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2018 - Costume maintenance and alterations for the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of An Inspector Calls.
Costume for Photoshoots
2019 - Costume Interpreter for a promotional photoshoot inspired by Barbie turning sixty – 1950’s velvet fit-and-flare dress with waspie.
Costume for Display
2022 - Collaboration with Salisbury Museum for their exhibition, ‘Fashioning Our World’ - a recreated men’s full 1775 court dress.
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2022 - Making breeches for English Heritage and their storytelling at Audley End.
Personal Projects
To expand my making skills, I also experimented with different disciplines, including corsetry and tailoring. I studied under Mandy Barrington, where I adopted her pattern drafting and construction techniques to create a range of corsets and have carried them into my future work. I also worked with two tailors, noticing the differences between classical and theatrical tailoring, as well as dressmakers.
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1947 Dior inspired full-length female coat, testing the ‘New Look’ silhouette on a plus-size figure.
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1920s Fur-collar female Surplice coat, with side and lining pockets.
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1905 Plunge-front Corset and chemise with embroidery and lace application.
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1890’s Morning Coat, fully lined with a back vent.
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1890s Celebrated Bridal Corset, with embroidery, top-stitched bone channels, and flossing.
Education
2022-2023
Ma Historical Costume
Arts University Bournemouth
My MA focussed on tailoring for non-standard and larger bodies, experimenting with pattern drafting and fitting alterations to expand my knowledge on how to achieve the best fit. This also involved investigating and recreating couture wear, as well as further historical garments, under the umbrella of sustainability.
2018-2021
Ba(Hons) Costume for Performance
Arts University Bournemouth
Here, I learnt and honed my making skills to travel from the 18th to the 21st Century, creating for theatre, photoshoots, and exhibitions. I excelled during these years, and found my passion for tailoring and corsetry.