Red Riding Hood - On Airdrop!

"I like this job.  I like it!" ‒ The Joker

 

Red Riding Hood cloak

There are some days when even a would-be playboy billionaire feels stretched too thin.  With October rolling in, time's ticking for my suit to be finished, and all the little sidetracks, delays, and other little messes start to creep up.  Progress is being made, but with all the slowdowns and details that need to be corrected, there's been little time to make any posts at all, not to mention my computer is still mid-reformat, which is kind of annoying.



Cloak neckline, closeup

That being said, the Red Riding Hood cloak that I had taken on as commission work has been completed and shipped as of last week, and is onroute to its new owner.  So, here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.  (I apologize that in the rush of getting it packaged and shipped, that I had not been able to secure a model to take better photos.  My hope is that my friend will be able to have some photos of her own to send back after she receives the item.)

Pulled back hood, side view

Some differences between this piece and the original movie prop:  Material selection wise, the costume makers for the movie chose a linen material, most likely for its light weight and its ability to be torn and frayed at the hem.  As I was not able to find a linen cloth with a nice red color (Fabricland has a rather limited selection... I'll exclude the expletives I feel due in that regard), we agreed to use panne velour (crushed velvet), and a cotton rope for the drawstring.  In the future I may need to source an online fabric supplier for my work, but for this item, the client and I are both happy with the velvet.

Folds, side view

Also, during tailoring we decided not to make any arm slits in the sides, as the costume makers did for the movie.  Couple of reasons for that:  Arm slits require a bit of excess slack to be sewn in from the capelet section, and being that it was cut from a circular pattern, that section is narrow enough as it is.  As well, the more seams that are cut into the fabric, sometimes with rougher use the item may get damaged quicker, so the panels were left alone.


Hood and drawstring

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the result.  More posts on the way soon!

Hem fanning

First commission!

"Why didn't they put it into production?"
"Bean counters didn't think a soldier's life was worth 300 grand. So what's your interest in it, Mr. Wayne?" – Bruce Wayne and Lucius Fox

Yes, it's official!  Project: Dark Knight has been commissioned for work!

Some weeks ago, my good friend from British Columbia was interested after seeing the cape, and asked me whether I would consider doing paid work.  Although I had a tight schedule, I was more than happy to accept.

Red Riding Hood Movie Banner

The request was for a Red Riding Hood cloak, made accurate to the movie prop used in the 2011 Hardwicke dark fantasy thriller starring Amanda Seyfried.  She was willing to pay a bit extra to have the piece custom tailored, and made for better comfort and durability than a store-bought alternative, so of course I was happy to oblige.

The costume itself is rather unique, from the design to choice of material right down to the colors, it's an extremely powerful and intriguing piece.


Poster showing armholes and hem fraying

The cloak looks like its made from a linen-ey or woolen material, in a blood red color and with a fair bit of fraying at the hem. The rope looks like it was weaved in a similar material as well.  The cut of the item is also particularly unique, from the excessively oversized hood to the ruffling folds in the capelet section, to the peculiar low-cut armholes to the wide flare at the hem, this beautiful cloak loudly echoes Lil' Red's character and symbolisms from the 700 year old folk tale.

So far no progress photos, but measurements have been made and the material has been cut. We'll have it ready in time to ship for this Halloween.