For decades anything Addams Family has always been inspiring to me. Since watching reruns of the original 1960's television show in the 80's, to the remake in the form of movies starring Angelica Houston in the 90's I have remained obsessed with the characters. My interest was greatly renewed after experiencing the Addams Family Broadway National tour last Halloween. Ever since I have been dead set on creating my own version of the Morticia costume. Taking ques from the original character played by Carolyn Jones as well as more modern adaptations I spun my own creation sticking to all black with textural contrasts in matte knit, metallic lace, and black chiffon with subtle sparkle touches of black jet crystal.
One of the most successful aspects of my final result I believe was the fabric manipulation. I wanted the silhouette to be sleek and sexy but also resemble a wilted flower. I think I successfully achieved this look on the dress sleeves and the skirt gores inserted into the seams of the mermaid pattern. Fabric selection is so important and critical to the success of the design and experimentation is necessary to determine the right materials and techniques. I had experimented with a few different fabric scraps before finding the right ones and wilted the fabric with my steam iron. I recycled a trumpet skirt pattern for wovens that I have used several times before to much satisfaction. I combined my own bodice pattern to the skirt and added bell sleeves to achieve the basic silhouette for my Morticia dress, I increased with seam allowances about an 1/8 to adjust for the knit fabric. I then added in the accent fabrics into the skirt gores and flared sleeves. I used the fabric raw edges as a finish. A clever bra, synthetic wig, makeup, and platform boots complete the look. I will debut my new costume tonight at a neighborhood block party. Luckily there are some fantastic Morticia Addams makeup tutorials on youtube will teach you everything you need to know about getting the dramatic look. I love the look so much I wish I could live in the character for more than one night!
In 2009, Morticia was included in Yahoo!'s Top 10 TV Moms from Six Decades of Television for the time period 1964–1966. AOL named her one of the 100 Most Memorable Female TV Characters.
One of the most successful aspects of my final result I believe was the fabric manipulation. I wanted the silhouette to be sleek and sexy but also resemble a wilted flower. I think I successfully achieved this look on the dress sleeves and the skirt gores inserted into the seams of the mermaid pattern. Fabric selection is so important and critical to the success of the design and experimentation is necessary to determine the right materials and techniques. I had experimented with a few different fabric scraps before finding the right ones and wilted the fabric with my steam iron. I recycled a trumpet skirt pattern for wovens that I have used several times before to much satisfaction. I combined my own bodice pattern to the skirt and added bell sleeves to achieve the basic silhouette for my Morticia dress, I increased with seam allowances about an 1/8 to adjust for the knit fabric. I then added in the accent fabrics into the skirt gores and flared sleeves. I used the fabric raw edges as a finish. A clever bra, synthetic wig, makeup, and platform boots complete the look. I will debut my new costume tonight at a neighborhood block party. Luckily there are some fantastic Morticia Addams makeup tutorials on youtube will teach you everything you need to know about getting the dramatic look. I love the look so much I wish I could live in the character for more than one night!
In 2009, Morticia was included in Yahoo!'s Top 10 TV Moms from Six Decades of Television for the time period 1964–1966. AOL named her one of the 100 Most Memorable Female TV Characters.
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