One enchanted evening I was inspired to make a performance Art Gown for the spellbinding Soprano, Charlotte Hoather.
She embraces the concept that Art Gowns are hand sewn from off cuts, repurposed clothes, curtains, table cloths, etc. and NOS (new old stock).
Charlotte lives in the U.K., and I wouldn’t be able to fit her. So, she sent me professionally taken measurements from an opera wardrobe department. I used those to make small adjustments to Judy.
Although I’ve made many gowns, and have history designing in film and television; presenting for stage is different.
Day shots were in natural light. Night shots were lit. I can’t compete with stage lighting, especially overhead lighting. That would bring out the dazzle on the skirt’s circular tail, as it sits on the floor.
Midnight Nightingale is presented in a way I hope you can imagine what stage lighting could make happen.
I sent Charlotte a photo of an off cut of sequin fabric someone had gifted me. It was thrown on Judy with a stretch velvet piece, to show the germ of an idea. Called “Dragon Skin”, the sequins are variegated green/blue. Also, one can rub the sequins backwards and they flip to black. Funny, but once I got going, that novelty wore off.
A bustier shape was draped on Judy, then transferred to a paper pattern. That was used to cut the Dragon Skin. A decent yardage of 25 year old NOS plum acetate satin was pulled from the stash, and a 3 panel a-line(ish) skirt was cut. A full circle of $2.00/yd., 120″ wide liquidated black curtain sheer was draped on top.
The stretch velvet was used for the back & straps of the bustier. The thought was that it would be easier for fit and altering. A separating zip was inserted in the centre back. The gown’s finishes were designed to accommodate alterations.
Circles were cut out of the remaining Dragon Skin, and sewn onto the circular tail of the skirt.
A small bustle with a long thin nightingale tail, on its own waistband, is added separately to the top and skirt.
The gown can be worn with or without the bustle/nightingale tail. Teeny rhinestones (a gift from a friend) dot it and fill in between the sequin circles on the skirt’s tail.
Midnight Nightingale’s circular skirt tail can be hitched up, with or without the bustle/nightingale tail, for various effects.
Last I knew, Charlotte was practicing to be a Coloratura Soprano. She may be there already. Below is a fantastic performance.
I’m totally in love when Charlotte sings and George plays piano.
Charlotte, her star rising, is in rehearsals for a new Opera, “Brontë“.
In three pieces, Midnight Nightingale is glamorous and versatile. Above, the top is shown with a vintage navy panné velvet skirt.
Art Gowns & Photography © Resa McConaghy
Since – November 2012
























































































































































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