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This silver sequined gown began as a simple princess-seamed design with a train, which I wore in the finale of "DQ '05:
Dames".
For the 2005 Pride Toronto Parade (the 25th anniversary edition), I added the mylar ruff (cut from a long mylar boa purchased
years ago, from a place that sells used store display items), the stretch lame gauntlets with mylar fringe, lurex-marabou-trimmed
parasol, glittery shoes (which I covered myself) and ostrich-plumed headdress. The UV index was very high that day, so the
entire ensemble was almost blinding when the sun hit it. If I'd wanted to be noticed (and I did), this was definitely the
outfit to wear!
I whipped this up during 3 days of very intensive work, and wore it in the 2004 Toronto Pride Day Parade. That day, many
people told me that I was channelling either (a) Divine, (b) Carmen Miranda, or best of all (c) Rusty Ryan!
The red dress I made for the finale of "DQ '06: Lucky Lady". I did an off-the-shoulder effect, with big puffs of
feather boa (and invisible clear straps, to keep the top part from falling down). For maximum sparkle, I glued 2-inch-diameter
red paillettes throughout the feather boa pieces, and sewed smaller sequins and a beaded applique to the bust (which was gathered
at the centre). I also made long gauntlets of red tulle that came scattered with hologram red sequins of varying sizes, and
a clip-in hairbow of red sequined fabric.
The finishing touch was in the form of Ruby Slippers, which I made from a pair of real late-1930s vintage shoes. I didn't
have time to duplicate the true Ruby Slipper bows, but a couple of beaded "leaves" appliques with a rectangular
rhinestone glued to their centres were excellent substitutes. The moment I set foot on the stage in them, all the "Friends
of Dorothy" in the audience leaned forward for a closer look!
This magnificent Diva/Goddess costume was later worn by "Psychic Psu" in the rock musical "Jesus and the Divas".
It was truly a showstopper!
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Same basic design as the silver gown, but in a different colour, and without all the extras...just a little ostrich boa
at the shoulders.
I wore this gown for the climactic "Our Turn" number in "DQ '05: Dames". When I ripped off my plain little "Gloria" dress
to reveal this long sequined one, there were gasps and applause from the audience.
With the long front slit, the long back train, and all those sequins, it's definitely a gown for a diva!
This is my "Blonde Liza Minnelli" outfit. Red sequined chiffon palazzo trousers, halter top with plunging neckline,
and jacket with feather-boa collar and cuffs. (The trousers move beautifully when I dance.)
This costume was built over a purchased "Merry Widow" corset. The "missile cones" are essentially oversized
pasties, sewn onto the corset. There's enough room inside them for a couple of small battery-powered fan motors, to spin the
tassels. I first wore this costume for "Rocky Horror", and I've since worn it in several films, including the indie
feature "Most Guys Today"...so it's as versatile as I am!
Gold-Tiled "Mama Morton" gown with huge sleeves. The sleeves are not attached to the gown, but slide up your arms.
I've also made this gown in a rainbow-tiled fabric. Either way, it's a showstopper and great for raking in the tips!
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