Swan Lake: Prince Siegfried

I bought a Matt O'Neil doll specifically so he could be my travelling barre handsome cavalier. I think he looks great. Features that were too exaggerated for everyday life (the chin, the cheekbones) are perfect for the world of ballet. Also, great ballet articulation from the waist up.

This costume was inspired by one from American Ballet Theater's recent production of Giselle, but I changed the colors to match the Juliet costume I was working on for Bella! Productions. The boots are from Gene's "Lover in Disguise" costume.

 I also went on the hunt to find a 'ballet-esque' backdrop for my first generation Room With A View. I found this one at Michael's. It would be perfect if only it were nighttime!

But check out Matt! He partners pretty well! Just don't look at his feet.

Swan Lake: Odile

My absolute favorite role in all of classical ballet is the firey, fiesty and fierce Odile from Act 2 of Swan Lake.

My costume featured real black feathers on the tutu, bodice and headpiece. Tiny, black, iridescent seed pearls decorate both sides of the decolletage. The bodice is made from silk shantung.

Odile was designed to be a sleeker version of Odette with a daring neckline.

My favorite Clea, the Basic Redhead, makes a great Odile!

Swan Lake: Odette

Of course, I had to make an Odette costume.

It's 0nly the quintessential role for a Ballerina.

The top layer of the tutu took an insane amount of tulle to make- each 'ring' was gathered and applied to the previous one to give it a feathery, ruched quality. I glued real feathers onto the bodice and headpiece.

At first, I really didn't care for the Raven-haired Basic Clea Bella doll (I thought she looked rather wan), but she really grew on me- her coloring is so subtle and perfect for these lighter costumes.

These shots were taken off my porch from our home in Santa Barbara. I live in the absolute desert now, so seeing these pictures makes me homesick! Sigh.