Quick Bright Things

by Linda Wenzelburger, First published for the September/October 2009 issue of Finery

Perhaps the first thing people think of when it comes to faerie costuming is wings. Wings can be simple or incredibly elaborate. There are so many possibilities! They can be bird wings or butterfly. Dragonfly or bone. Branches or leaves. Hard or soft. Paper or fabric. And on, and on. Use your base costume as a guideline and think about what makes the most sense for your persona.

For practical concerns, if you are intending to wear wings at our event, you will likely need wings that you can take on or off easily so that you can get to and from the event in comfort. Also, by having your wings separate from your base costume, you have more options for wearing it as time goes on.

There are lots of web tutorials on how to make wings. Google ‘how to make fairy wings’ and there are static websites and YouTube videos out there for you to use. You will not be disappointed! Any attempt here to explain various ways of making wings would be far less helpful than online sources, so make sure you search the Internet.

Your wings can be as simple as two small wings, the size of an outstretched hand, attached to a ribbon belt that you can tie around your waist (or higher, at an empire waist level). If you’ve ever seen the ballet, La Sylphide, the sylphs almost always have petite wings attached in the lower back just above the waist. Very effective and very wearable.

If you opt for paper, peruse the fancy papers available at art and craft supply stores by the sheet. Some of the handmade papers are quite sturdy and have lovely embedded petals and leaves. There are also papers that have a ‘burnt out’ effect that would look lovely too.

If you are adventurous, you can engineer a pair of wings that are articulated and only spread open/out when you want them to, like when you are having your picture taken, and then can collapse back down to make moving about easier. At the WorldCon masquerade this year, there was a beautiful example of this style of wing.

A wonderful inspiration for fairy garments is the art of Alan Lee, Arthur Rackham and a couple of the newer fairy artists – Amy Brown and Nene Thomas. There are lots of examples of Victorian Fairy art as well. Another favorite is Edmund Dulac – beautifully clear drawings with lots of costume detail. For some costume inspiration from movies, try Ever After, Midsummer Night’s Dream (the one with Michelle Pfeiffer), Peter Pan (2003, or the classic Disney), and Lord of the Rings.

The simplest of gowns can be made in the fashion of a Greek chiton – just search for ‘Greek chiton how to’ if you’ve never draped one before. The Wiki page for chiton shows how to drape a Doric style chiton. Several layers of lightweight fabric in different colors and lengths would be quite effective when draped and girdled with a gold or colored braid. And no sewing necessary – though you may want to sew the chiton along the ‘open’ edge to make it easier to wear. Tack on some flowers or leaves for added texture, or wear a flower crown.

For something more complex, most of the big pattern companies have fantasy costumes that can be easily adapted to use in the Faerie Court. You could opt for a Lord of the Rings elven silhouette, or a more regal renaissance noblewoman. Add a pair of wings and a faerie crown and you are good to go. (A little glitter or shimmer in your makeup can’t hurt either!)

Yes, crowns! What is a faerie without a crown? Remember, you are coming to court, so you want to look your
best! Here again the possibilities are endless. A wreath of leaves or flowers may be the first thing that comes to mind, but what about butterflies alight in your hair, or stars, or feathers? A simple circlet is an elegant answer, or a set of elaborate braids. Maybe you have a Lord of Rings elven crown that is begging to come out and play.

Another great idea for today’s economy is to raid your costume closet for existing pieces to create a new ensemble. Do you have a gorgeous brocade corset? An 18th century chemise dress that can be bound under the bust with gold cord? A fringed shawl that can become a skirt? A ballgown bodice that can be given a new skirt? Assess your wardrobe with an open mind and you may be surprised at what you already have. Just add the accessories and meet us at Court!