Blithe Spirit - Grey Flapper Dress
Blithe Spirit - Noel Coward
Richard Burton Theatre Company, Autumn 2024
Grey flapper dress worn by the ghost character ‘Elvira.’
Director
Jac Ifan Moore
Costume Designer
Rosemary Underwood
Set Designer
Ellie Lewington
Lighting Designer
Daisy Hardwick
Photographer
Jorge Lizalde
Costume Maker
Isobel Blackburn
The Design
The show of Blithe Spirit was set in the 1930s, with the character of Elvira being a ghost from the 1920s hence her being dressed in a flapper dress.
The aim was to create a grey and shimmering dress of the typical 20s style that would give the impression of a glamorous ghost. To achieve this, I sewed on many sequins and beads that would catch the light on stage.
The Process
Materials used were silk dupion for the shift, and grey chiffon for the overdress.
The pattern was taken from a book provided by the designer and was tested on the mannequin to perfect the sizing.
French seams and precise stitching were used to ensure a neat finish.
Embellishment was added with sequins, beads and sequined applique patches.
After one of the last fittings, a decision was made to add sleeves for the comfort of the performer, which were drafted and added once the dress was complete.
