The Last of the Dragons
Costume Design by Aleigha Cheng
Directed by Kaeleigh Casavant
A burly Princess, a timid Prince and a tame Dragon show us that not everyone’s fairytale has to be the same. This production was performed for multiple 4th grade classes around the area, as well as the general public. My goal with this design is to evoke a sense of fantasy and wonder, while at the same time maintaining a sense of cozy nostalgia, child-like playfulness, and simplicity.
I started my process by gathering images that I felt represented the play. Then, divided them further by character. Click the button to see my inspiration for each character.
Thumbnails!
My initial thumbnails sketches were loved by the team, so few changes were made to these original ideas.
NOTE: By using a tetradic pallet, the relationship between characters is emphasized.
Both the Prince and Princess are primary colors, with their servants being secondary and complementary to their respective royalty.
Additionally, the use of white is saved primarily for the King and the Dragon; two opposing forces who realize they aren’t so different after all.
Final Renderings!
Fittings!
Many costume pieces are borrowed from actors’ and my own wardrobe, others were purchased and altered, and some were made by myself.
These initial fittings allowed me to properly size the pieces I was making, and prep for alterations I had planned.
Finishing Touches!
Astronomy is a topic the Prince and Princess bond over, so I used sun and star motifs in their costumes. I made the Princess a blue star tiara from yarn, and made the Prince a yellow crown of yarn, and used the same yarn to embroider the suns on his tabard.
Patchwork on the Nurse and Valet distinguishes them from the royal characters and draws similarity between the lovers.
Final Look!
NOTE: The role of Nurse was played by a swing 5 out of 6 performances. With some quick adjustments, I was able to make the same costume pieces work for the swing.
