In mid-2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, I was inspired to create a costume of Critical Role’s Jester Lavorre, but one of my own making. Taking from historical fashion and the lines of Norwegian bunad, I developed a look of my own for the cheerful blue tiefling. Reproduced here is the full development process.
A rough preliminary sketch ; several versions were made exploring cut and color choices before proceeding.
A more finished preliminary sketch, showing small amounts of detail such as the embroidery and cloak.
A fashion flat showing the main garments, details included
Another fashion flat, with cloak included.
I decided to build the outfit on a 1760s stayed foundation. Click through for closer images of the handmade stays.
The shirt, over the stays. Made from a commercial pattern with some adjustments such as the side-buttoning placket. Made of cotton.
An early makeup test, from before the outfit was wearable.
A selection of the embroidery. Both designed and hand embroidered by me. All embroidery was done before tailoring. Click through for closer images of the embroidery.
Nearly finished outfit. Skirt is made of tropical weight wool, bound onto tapes to allow access to pockets, on an 18th century pattern. Entirely hand-sewn. The apron is cotton broadcloth.
Blouse and waistcoat completed, a pre-makeup test. Waistcoat was a commecial men’s vest pattern with significant alterations for a stayed body and presence of a peplum.
A few changes were made over the course of the production time — hand socks and a bodysuit were purchased to match the foundation color, so as to not have to paint hands and potentially ruin the outfit/surroundings. The skirt trim, sleeve ruffles, and brooch were ultimately dropped in favor of keeping the outfit more concise. A petticoat was made as well.
Full outfit with cloak. Clock is a half-circle, hooded cloak made of cotton flannel (it’s quite warm). A small heart-shaped hook and bar closes the throat. The end of the hood has a Turk’s-head knot tassel (not shown).
Striped stockings were added for charm. Picture kindly taken by my lockdown roommates. Boots are worn when wearing the costume to events — either black or brown lace-up boots.
The tail was made from a piece of EVA foam whittled into a tapering shape, then covered with tights in the same color as the arm-socks. The hair at the tip is wefts from the same company who made the wig. It attaches with hooks under the pleats of the bodice, and is held in a curl with upholstery thread.