Belle – Beauty and the Beast (Ballgown – version 2)
Made for: Dragoncon 2012
Background: I have been wanting to remake my Belle ballgown for years – not because I didn’t like my 2005 version, but just because I wanted to try a different take. I decided to design a version I thought would be fun to make in 2012. (This version is my own design, not based on fanart or broadway versions.)
Journal Entries: Read more at my Belle Ballgown tag
-
- Dressform
-
- White Backdrop
-
- White Backdrop
-
- White Backdrop
-
- On backdrop
-
- Dragoncon 2013
-
- Dragoncon 2013
-
- Dragoncon 2012
Patterns Used:
Simplicity 8731 for the bodice, altered.
Skirt:
I bought a dark yellow taffeta online, and started out by making a giant circle skirt. I pleated it along the top. I had a hard time deciding what to do for the “swags” – I had four different kinds of organza I wanted to use, but wasn’t happy with any of them. I ended up using the rest of my my taffeta to make the swags instead, and using the organza as drapes in between the layers.
Bodice:
The bodice I made pretty much exactly the same as my 2005 version, using the taffeta and some of my organza. I made the shoulder piece and pleated it, attached it at the front, and side front and back, and added the lower pleated sections.
Decorations:
I wanted a lot of roses in the design, so I bought roses of various sizes. (I had wanted to make them myself but ran out of time). I attached them at the center front, and all along the skirt swags. I beaded the shoulder piece, and all along the skirt. Also beaded the shoulder piece and sections of the skirt.
Accessories:
The gloves and shoes I bought and dyed. I added some ribbon to the shoes. The wig is a Matilda from Arda, which I styled and made the hair decorations for. I originally did not get to finish the wig completely, but in 2013 I went back and restyled it and added the widow’s peak.
2013 Updates:
In addition to the wig update, and also repaired a few issues with the skirt, added more beading, and decided to wear it with my Marie Antoinette panniers. The hem didn’t really sit right on it, so I had to go back and rehem it.
History: I’m really pleased with it after the 2013 adjustments!
(This costume is my own original take on the Belle costume; it did not come from fanart or another source. I love hearing that people took inspiration from my version for their own, but I do ask you to please not directly copy my own design. Thanks!!)
Visit my FAQ | Contact Me
Please note that none of these costumes are for sale! This is my personal portfolio. Thanks!