A custom-made work in progress

Hi all, I wanted to share a very special project I'm working on at the minute: a custom-made stage outfit for Louisa from the band Actor. 

A feature accessory as a starting point

Since our first discussions, I've been obsessively pinning stage inspiration (along with Louisa). Actor play atmospheric alt-pop - Louisa is both a singer and guitarist - so front women and strong female artists like St Vincent, Karen O and PJ Harvey feature quite heavily. We also took inspiration from catwalk and high fashion looks - lots of feature sleeves, sheer and beautifully draped garments.

Our Stage Inspiration board on Pinterest

The final outfit will be made up of separates - a slightly cropped top and matching mini skirt - and a number of accessories, with the intention that each piece will be interchangeable, to create a series of different looks.

A first muslin of the top and test harness

Above is a first muslin of the top - based on the By Hand London Flora bodice. I plan to sew up the centre back and instead, insert a zip into the side seam, so we can fit the garment closely, but still make it easy to get into. I used leatherette from Fabworks to make a harness as a feature accessory to wear with the bodice. The harness can be worn with and change the look of any outfit - like the loose, sheer shirt Louisa is wearing in the first picture.

Fitting notes

After an initial fitting, I'll be making some slight adjustments to the fit of the pattern and taking it in a certain points. In the meantime, we're on the look out for the perfect fabric - possibly metallic in colour. If anyone can provide recommendations please get in touch!

Actor are heading out on tour this month (October). I'd highly recommend giving them a listen and catching them on one the following dates:

09 / Headrow House / Leeds
10 / Twisterella Festival / Middlesbrough
11 / Bungalows And Bears / Sheffield
12 / The Old Blue Last / London
13 / The Polar Bear / Hull
16 / Eagle Inn / Manchester
17 / The Basement - Live Music & Comedy Venue / York

I'll be posting regular progress updates so stay in touch!

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