Making a Gothic Victorian Ball Gown // The Cicada Gown
The cicada gown project is complete! Thank you all so much for your support on this costuming adventure, and thank you to my patrons for making it possible! I have a few more costumes planned for 2021, but will be taking a small break from historic projects for a bit before I dive back in. This has been my dream gown to work on and get to wear, thank you all for making my dream dress a reality!
Blog post with photos of this gown: theclosethistorian.blogspot.co...
Truly Victorian TV462 Tailed Bodice Pattern: trulyvictorian.info/index.php...
Silk Baron silk taffeta in Elphaba: www.silkbaron.com/product_p/1...
Mood Black Cotton Muslin: www.moodfabrics.com/black-45-...
Tiara from Ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/7cm-High-Bla...
Gloves are vintage, found on Etsy.
Other jewelry was made by me.
Shoes worn are Theda's from American Duchess.
Faux hair from Amazon!
My green hair color of choice right now is Manic Panic Green Envy also!
MET gowns mentioned:
Evening Dress, 1888: www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Evening Dress, 1882: www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Evening Dress, 1888-89: www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Fashion Plates and Photographs:
/ 215891375860955705
Fanny, Lady Fildes, Luke Fildes (1843-1927), Walker Art Gallery www.artuk.org/discover/artwor...
Atelier Nadar, 1880s: antique-royals.tumblr.com/pos...
La Mode Artistique 1884: i.pinimg.com/originals/23/9e/...
Helen Vincent, Viscountess D'Abernon and her sister Hermione, Duchess of Leinster - 1888: / 564287028280562071
Consuelo Yznaga, Duchess of Manchester: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consuel...
Empress Augusta Victoria of Germany: / 524387950363715337
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/Paper_c_13.html (not sponsored)
More from me?
Want to help me continue making more videos? Listen to me ramble on in a monthly podcast? Watch an additional project video each month? Peruse my Patreon here: / theclosethistorian
Blog: theclosethistorian.blogspot.com/
Instagram: / theclosethistorian
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/TheClosetHi...
Pinterest: / bmesposito
Tumblr: / theclosethistorian
Beauty Instagram: / thehistoriansvanity
Beauty Channel: / thehistoriansvanity
But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!
When his Royal Highness the Prince invites you to his ball at 10pm but you have a Billie Eillish concert at 1030pm
This series deserves an award! Cinematography, Costume Design, Documentary, the list goes on. When you locate this Vampire Ball... please do invite me! I don’t dance either, but I game to escort you down any grand staircase!
I will be outside the castle waving my lace handkerchief at you both with a big silly happy smile on my face! I hope you will forgive my over-exuberance because I just might be bouncing up and down and maybe even be a little tiny weepy from pure joy!
Thank you Adam! If I ever get my hands on a giant historic mansion I will hold a grand vampire ball myself ha!
If you're ever in California, there's a Vampire Ball the first weekend of November in Alameda. :-) just sayin
My gosh the reveal! 😍😍😍 you are breathtaking!!!
Thank you Jo! ❤
Ms Bianca, this green is so your color. You look absolutely radiant in this wonderful work of art. Ah to be your age again.
Thank you Denise!
Just in time for the 17 year cicadas to begin emerging this week!
can we please get a ten minute video where you show off all three different versions of the gown put together?
Just when I thought you can't wow me anymore... Holy cicadas... breathtaking! “Watch them, the children of the night. What dresses they make!”
Thank you! 🦇🖤
Careful, detailed, beautiful work - the cross grain chevron details are a real eyecatcher. And you never fail to be poised and perfect in the final reveal!
Thank you Gillian!
This bodice is a dream come true, the beading, the piecing, the grain... so gorgeous! Also love how the overgown billows around when let down ahah Also also, the snake brooch? Amazing
Thank you Andrea! The snake brooch is one of my favorite finds ever 💚
@@TheClosetHistorian I have to ask anything to do with Harry potter?
I must say, that I ADORE EVERYTHING you do. But I am absolutely "LIVING," for this 1880's project. Each piece of this Cicada gown is more exquisite than the last. You are absolutely stunning in everything and I am amazed at your talent!!! Chefs kiss to this one. 🐍🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🐍
Thank you Marva! 💚
What a wonderful gown! It brings to mind the Finishing School steampunk series by Gail Carriger. I’m particularly taken with your use of the grain and reflectivity - you would never know you were compensating for dye lots, and it adds an almost Worth level of attention to detail. Congratulations on a superb project.
My thoughts exactly! Who knew one could achieve haute couture level design and construction in a little home sewing studio? I’m endlessly inspired by Bianca 💚🖤
Thank you! 😊 One aims to be Worth like whenever possible!
I love the subtle vampire teeth at the end😁👍
The fact that you can complete such a complex project "on the fly" is a real testament to your skill. The gown is stunning and the beadwork is simply glorious. What a wonderful achievement, you should be really proud of yourself. One thing, please don't stop being silly 😁 I had my jag a few weeks ago and am waiting for my second. Here in Scotland we are slowly coming out of lockdown and I am yearning to meet my bestie and go for coffee and cake.......it's the small things that make you the happiest. xxx
That is so very true! Last week I saw my friend for the first time in nearly two years. The Last time was at a funeral for a mutual friend. May you get together with your friend soon and safely.
@@maryblaylock6545 thank you so much Mary, I'm so glad you managed to see your friend. It's sad that the last time was in such circumstances. My friend has a 'significant' birthday coming up.......we don't mention the numbers '6' or '0', after all, that's all they are - numbers! Hopefully the coffee will flow and copious amounts of cake will be consumed 😁 I hope you continue to be safe and well xx
Thank you! How I would love to visit Scotland again, especially for coffee and cake! I did have some amazing waffles in Edinburgh once this reminds me ha 😍
100% a vampire I would follow with no hesitation. Even before I saw the teeth. This ensemble is just stunning and the swooshy effect of the train and the sparkles of the beading are both excellent.
Thank you! 🧛♀️✨
What a masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship! You should be so proud. 😍🖤
Thank you Madison!
Hi, Bianca! My god, the work you've done. The beauty of that splendid evening gown...and the beauty of You! Thank you!
Thank you Debra!
the final part to this glorious ensemble of course did not disappoint, you are a gothic vampire princess dream!! very happy to have been even a small part of the project through being a patron :)
Thank you Sara! ❤
I'm going to miss the spooky intro. Also, always happy when two corners of my internet coincide. Love some Dear Hank and John while doing tasks.
Very happy but also sad to see this project complete!
Having to piece the final garment of this ensemble made it so much more striking than had you had enough to do it all in a conventional way. This has been a really enjoyable project to watch and to learn from.
Thank you!
{[(SHHHHHHH!!!! The pocket thing is a secret between you and I! If they hear that we exist, they will come after us with torches and pitchforks!!!)]}
Ahhh, I was going to ask about putting pockets in a circle skirt when you have the binding on the side seems... Now I’m not sure I’ll like the answer 😉
It's beautiful! You should enrol in Costume College 2022 (I'd say 2021, but who knows) in LA. You'd be lovely and it's worthy - all of it. (Edit: I checked on the website and COCO 2021 is going to be online).
Thank you Margaret! I'm afraid I don't think cons are really my thing, Halloween parties however are another matter entirely 🦇🎃
This whole series has just been so cool. All the hard work really paid off! :)
Thank you!
That beading is so beautiful. Watching you work is truly inspiring
Thank you!
Please excuse me if I just live out some of my gothic Victorian dreams through watching these videos! 😍 Normally I'm not a huge bustle fan, but you and Noelle from Costuming Drama are doing a great job of converting me 😅😁
This is rly giving me Gothic Cinderella vibes and i'm here for it. That gown looks stellar on you! Can't believe you made all this...mad skills! :D
Thank you! Cinderella is a pretty goth name anyhow really 🦇
I can't find any adjectives that haven't been used already, but this is a stellar achievement! I think you have included all of the necessities and romanticism of a gothic dream, darkness, lace, beading, tight bodices and Atittude (and great lighting as well!) a superb confection which was well worth the time it took to craft this wonderful gown. l loved it!
Thank you Jane! 💚
I'd love to hear some tips on how to take regular clothing patterns and make them goth, like you did with the pointy bits on the bottom of your bodices!
I do not know how I will live without more episodes of this series in my life.
Those Bohin needles are sooooo sharp. I bought some recently and now realize just how often I poke myself.
LOL!
Truly a vision in green! I'm so glad you managed to get all possible dresses out of this project, we certainly enjoy it!
Thank you! All options for any occasion 😅
It’s always a good feeling to finish :) Especially when the results are just as you envision! It’s truly breathtaking 🖤
Thank you Susan!
🖤hauntingly beautiful🖤 You are so talented!!
Thank you Dolores!
Oh my Lady, my gorgeous, gorgeous Lady. This video came at the perfect time for me as I am categorizing my patterns (figured it was time as I now have a dedicated sewing room of my own - of course this is just the beginning as I still have so much to organize before I can begin creating again) and typing is not very fun - but then I open up You Tube and here you are!!! This last hour+ has been wonderful. This bodice is truly the crowning touch to The Cicada Gown Project my Lady and I hope for you to attend that nighttime event in the not to distant future.
Thank you! Congrats on the dedicated sewing space!
Congratulations!! I know you have been wanting to do this for along time. It is nothing but stunning!
Thank you! 💚
My favourite quotes from this video: "I like big needles and I can not lie." "You probably can't do the salsa in a bustle gown." I love these hour long tutorial videos!!! You see a beautiful garment come together in a more realistic timespan than other sowing tutorials AND you get slapped awake with wild facts now and then. I love it.
Thank you! 💚
So beautiful 💯 I love the chevron effect on the over skirt train 💜
Thank you!
They just announced the theme for this year's Met Galla as American Fashion, and this is the look I think of.
So much detail, it's always so satisfying to watch it all come together. This project has been amazing to watch, there were tears of happy during the footage of the finished gown. Thank you for sharing and inspiring! 😊💙
Thank you Josie!
I think this is my favorite part of this project. It's so gorgeous!
Thank you Angela!
I got my second shot on Tuesday! The dress is amazing. The whole project is amazing. Maybe piece together a reticule from the scraps? ETA: silk roses work too!
Thank you! I can't wait for my second shot wooo!
OMG this is gorgeous!!! You should be so proud of yourself🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you Patti!
I am really going to miss the music from these videos now the projects finished! its the sherlock, pride and prejudice, potter mystery music of my dreams! But I know you always make a dress for your birthday, so a black and white spooky dress? Spiders and webs and Burton?!
I may keep the music for more projects because I agree, it is just too perfect! An I do indeed have a black and white fabric set aside for my birthday dress 😅 Rayon crepe though, for a 40's dress!
@@TheClosetHistorian collectif currently have a black and white spider Web parasol... went snooping in their new in section and saw it and my first thought was..oh B would rock that! Haha
Thank you so much for the tip about how to sew around shapes more easily by cutting them out second. Made making my last bonnet a million times easier!!!
You look beautiful! Job well done. Thank you for sharing this whole series with us. It was a delight. Felicia =)
Thank you Felicia!
I'm obsessed with all the fabric cut on different grain lines and the patterns it creates! Truly a beautiful gown
Thank you Juliane!
There enough love emojis to convey how much I love your costuming and clothing design. And the fangs in this one?! Be still my heart. Ahhhmazing!!
Thank you Dana!
WOW again! Will the Stanley Hotel in Estes park still have their Shining Ball (and Halloween Masquerade Party) in October this year? Expensive, but I read that it was quite elaborate.
Thank you Kathy! I have never heard of their ball, sounds interesting! I think they should have one at the Broadmoor hotel then too, or Brown Palace 😍
I too hope you will have occasion to wear it out! This ensemble really has it all! The way the colours shift in the overskirt is amazing from afar and all the amazing details on the bodice are, I imagine, best appreciated at talking distance. It’s been amazing to see you bring these pieces of silk to life!
Thank you Ida! 💚
KZhead just told me you uploaded and it's been about a year since it last told me, I assumed you stopped uploading, I have a lot to catch up on!
You will be amazed at all the projects and floor shows she has put on for us, bless her heart! She is one of the VERY few people that I will willingly give an hour to in viewing a project. I always learn something new. Happy viewing!!
@@maryblaylock6545 it's just weird because I have all notifications on, bloody KZhead being a jerk!
KZhead being rude strikes again! Welcome back! ❤
Bianca, you outdid yourself! The designs (love the beading!), the color 💚💚💚the determination to get all the bodices etc you had in your mind done, and lastly, that swish the fabric made in one of the last shots *sigh* I am not jealous, not at all 😜 Well done! 🧛♀️ now a good party to set your teeth in 😘
Thank you Diana! 🧛♀️ It has been a dream project for sure!
I’ve always been attracted to evening wear gowns. Is just something about the neckline that screams elegant and sexy at the same time.
One word: epic. Wow!!! I love the chevron and the bodice and the lace and the EVERYTHING!!!! This whole series was just fantastic!!! Worthy of a Slytherin at the Yule Ball. 😉
Thank you Janie!
I don't like to dance either but I do enjoy watching when the dancers are good at it. Lindy Hop is very fun to watch. Wonderful wrap-up to this series for the Cicada Gown Project, thank you for the video.
Thank you!
Absolutely stunning!!! That bead work is just 👌👌👌👌. This fabric is an absolute dream. Thank you so much for sharing. I also really got into that Netflix series 'This is a Robbery' and watched the whole lot in one sitting 😅. Very interesting.
Thank you Frankie! I binged it in one go too 😅
Green is the prettiest colour, calm, elegant, and mysterious,
This was absolutely spectacular! The chevron effect in the skirt was so beautiful
Thank you!
This whole project is so gorgeous, it's been so fun to watch! It's been so inspiring. ♥
Thank you Zoey!
Wow, I have no words. Beautiful work, it's absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you!
Consider on your next gown to knot more between beads. I do a lot of beading on garments that I wear often and snagging the threads is a risk, but I have found that some beads have sharp edges and will cut the threads. 💖🌞🌵😷
Like everyone else has already mentioned, the beading on the front is gorgeous.
Thank you! Now no more beading for a bit for me, my fingers insist...😅
So beautiful! You made such good use of all that fabric. Very Victorian in the ways you can switch up this outfit. I'm always up for more vintage or costuming content! Also so excited to see the silk rose tutorial. It would be so handy to know how to make them!
Thank you! 💚
The final look is so so gorgeous!!! I love it! The details and embellishments are so pretty!! The Cicada Gown has definitely been one of the my all time favorite costuming projects to follow. Everything is so beautiful.
Thank you India!
waltzing in a bustle is magical
The chevron is just magical, the way it shifts when it moves! Incredible work!
Thank you!
Amazing. The chevron detail looks gorgeous as does the entire piece.
Thank you Marie!
I KNEW this top would turn out amazing!! Love the beading..love the way you incorporated all that fabrics into the top...love the whole outfit!! 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you! 💚
An absolutely delicious example of the spontaneity of your creativity. You have an amazing talent of tapping into your intuition regarding style and construction choices. The outcome shows your inherent eye for design. "Flying by the seat of one's pantaloons" Indeed!
Thank you Kaytie! 💚
BEAUTIFUL!!! And that word is simply not strong enough for how amazing each piece of this Victorian project is. The undergarments, evening gown, day gown, and ball gown--extraordinary and you make each of them shine.
Thank you!! 😊💚
The ball bodice is great and the whole dress is wonderful. Way to go. 👏👏💜💜🖤
Thank you Fay!
What a journey! Thank you for all the videos in the series and going along with you.
It just kept getting better and better....this is so beautiful. My brain has locked up over your beading skill and design aspect for this project. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
Thank you Deborah!
This entire costume is breath taking! playing with the grain and dye lots absolutely worked for you, it catches the light so well.
Thank you Allie!
The whole cicada ensemble is absolutely stunning. The fit is amazing on all three bodices, and your piecing, skirt draping, and embellishment are all gorgeous. Ultimate dream costume indeed!
Thank you Renee!
This is spectacular design and execution ! I am glad you were able to make all the pieces . I am a little leaky eyed because I loved this project so much . Please do more like this !
Thank you Blaise!
AAAHH the chevron looks amazing!!! You look absolutely stunning!💖
Thank you Joanna!
As someone who used to sell jewelry: color tones can make or break a piece. Pearls were my specialty and that meant explaining to your possible customer why this smaller strand is so much more expensive than the longer, '3 color' necklace in the same case. A perfect color match can be hard, but you can make different tones work in the finished piece.
Stunning! The chevrons really were a brilliant decision.
I wish I was good enough at words to describe how wonderful this is 💚🖤💚🖤 I'm so glad you got to make this. Now, please, take some time off and rest!
Thank you Ollie! 💚
Those sequin polka dots are fabulous!!
aww more lush and my favourite thing - beading! I LOVE beading. Swag and *floop* - might make a heraldry kind of thing with that as a beaded motto sometime....witter...Applause for this completion - it really is wonderful. Very much looking forward to the silk roses tute' - been trying ribbon flowers recently also, so useful to use silk scraps to make silk flowers! Bring that on and thank you!
Thank you Lorna! 💚
This gown is everything. It's so lovely and I adore all the details you have added in.
Thank you!
Absolutely magnificent! I am gobsmacked. I'm a great fan of the 1880's. I have enjoyed watching this journey of making this gown with the different bodices.
Thank you!
Watching your pattern drafting videos had given me so much information and confidence! It's amazing to watch you work!
Thank you Aubrey!
This has been such an epic project! So many other commenters have been much more eloquent than I can be, but I want to tell you that I have enjoyed the series immensely, and I am now planning to go bead everything in my wardrobe including my underwear. Looking forward to next week’s video on making those gorgeous flowers.
Thank you! 💚
So beautiful!!
Thank you!
Glorious!
Thank you!
The whole gown is breathtaking. I loved seeing all of your skills in action and your vision come to life 😍
Thank you Lorna!
Time flies watching these as well. I've been meaning to eat for hours now, but I can't bring myself to go and make anything.
This is a confection for the eyes. I'm so happy to see you finished it!
Thank you!
The swooosh! The Swirl! The cheeky little glance over the shoulder!! Swoon-worthy.
Thank you!
Wow. Just... wow. I'm literally speechless. That costume/ensemble is so incredibly beautiful. You're so talented, honestly!
Thank you! 💚
i am so glad this project led me to discover your channel!
I am so pleased that you are happy with the fruits of your labour, because you should be! You've been so inventive and creative and the final product reflects this, it's truely awesome.
Thank you! 💚
BRAVO!!! just so beautiful!!! epic costume is right!!! stunning series Bianca...what a talent!!!
Thank you Marcco!
A thousand congratulations! I'm so glad to be a tiny part of this glorious ensemble (low-tier patron here) It is truly a thing of great beauty, worthy of being its own museum piece one day.
Thank you! You made it possible indeed 💚💚💚
Late to the party, along with the INCREDIBLE ball gown, the snake brooch is to die for!
Thank you!
This completed gown & the way you modeled it was SO incredibly beautiful! (Almost made me cry 😍😢💜)
Thank you!
I so so love this! The whole series has been amazing! Thank you for all of the work!
Thank you!
All the parts of this project turned out so gorgeous, but I am absolutely blown away by the ball bodice, it's really spectacular! Perhaps if you decide to attend Costume College (when the panini let's us have conventions and conferences again!) you could wear it to the gala.
Thank you!