The Little Costume Shop

Thursday, 19 March 2015

Spring is Sprung!

Wedding season is almost upon us just as Spring is beginning to arrive! Which means a surge of pastel invitations, a whirlwind of tulle and lace overskirts, romantic off the-shoulder necklines, flower tiaras and a lot of celebrating.

We spend this time carefully selecting gifts and we have the ultimate luxury gift idea in mind: the bride’s wedding gown perfectly recreated in miniature by our skilled team, from her gown and veil right down to her bouquet, jewellery and now even her hair!

To celebrate this bridal season we are displaying our spring inspired wedding maquette, which was made for Susan Ruddick. A gorgeous lightweight ivory duchesse silk satin gown with net petticoats, featuring a beautiful hand painted rose design which reflects the original dress to perfection!

What could be more unique than having your wedding dress on display as a memento of such a special day? Rather than relegating it to a box in the attic, it can now be kept on display as a miniature work of art!

Our miniature wedding dress for Susan Ruddick.
Photograph by George Chinn.

Floral wedding cake - perfect for the spring bridal season!

Rose tiara.

Elie Saab couture - Spring / Summer 2014.

Side view of Susan's miniature wedding dress replica.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Back view of Susan's wedding dress replica.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Dior haute couture embroidery.

Dior Petit Theatre - touring exhibition of their miniature dresses.

Dior Petit Theatre - couture embroidery.

Our miniature wedding dress replica for Susan Ruddick.
Photograph by Richard Wilding

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Celebrating Dame Beryl Grey

In 1952, ballerina Beryl Grey thrilled audiences at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, by dancing Odette and Odile in the Royal Ballet’s production of Swan Lake. The Little Costume Shop is delighted to be able to share with you her original costume perfectly recreated in quarter scale.

The almost sinister black velvet and tulle tutu worn in the role of Odile during Act III, was designed by Leslie Hurry and the headdress was made by Hugh Skillen. This classical ‘plate’ tutu, it is decorated with fine gold cord appliquéd entirely by hand onto the bodice and tutu. A smattering of 1920’s gold sequins glint against the deep black background.

We are celebrating Dame Beryl Grey’s magnificent career in ballet by displaying our miniature recreation.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ballerina Beryl Grey dancing the role of Odette in Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1952.

Our quarter scale replica.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Detail from the original costume.

Headdress from the original costume.

Ballerina Beryl Grey dancing the role of Odette in Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1952.

Our quarter scale replica.
Vin's studio shot.

Ballerina Beryl Grey dancing the role of Odette in Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1952.

Our quarter scale replica.
Vin's studio shot.

Dame Beryl Grey and Vin Burnham at The English National Ballet's 85th birthday celebration for Dame Beryl.

Monday, 9 February 2015

Love Is in the Air!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! It’s the perfect occasion to show the person you love how much you appreciate them and what better way to do this than by giving them a truly exquisite gift that will stand the test of time?

We are celebrating this occasion with our perfect Valentine’s gift - our very own ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ maquette from The Nutcracker ballet. This delightful tutu is made entirely by hand and stands at 54cm high. The skirt and bodice panels are edged in fine silk taffeta, with a delectable rose tinged hem on the silk tulle skirt. It is encrusted with a combination of sparkling Swarovski crystals, shimmering seed pearls, and a scattering of very rare, delicately shaped original 1920s gelatine sequins.

It really is good enough to eat!

We hope you have a wonderfully decadent and indulgent Valentine’s Day.

Our 'Sugar Plum Fairy' maquette from The Nutcracker ballet.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Birmingham Royal ballet - Natasha Oughtred dancing the role of the 'Sugar Plum Fairy' and Jamie Bond as the prince.

Close up of our 'Sugar Plum Fairy' maquette.
Photograph by George Chinn.

Betty Grable - Valentine pin up, 1937

Close up of our 'Sugar Plum Fairy' maquette.
Vin's studio shot.

Delightfully delectable sugared plums.

Close up of our 'Sugar Plum Fairy' maquette.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Thursday, 15 January 2015

A Winter Wonderland

In winter our focus turns towards home and comfort with shorter and chillier days and we have the perfect thing to capture your attention!

The Little Costume Shop is displaying a very special little fairy, one which would make the ultimate adornment for your home, adding a touch of sparkle during these darker months.

Our Snowflake Fairy tutu from The Nutcracker ballet is decorated with silver tissue glittering beneath the top layer of the silk ombreed tulle skirt. She glitters and shines with tiny Swarovski crystals, antique rhinestones and unique 1920’s shaped gelatine sequins.

Make the most of these frosty days. Invest in one of our costume maquettes to bring romanticism and glamour into a little corner in your home.

(And did you know that we can make wings to go with any fairy?)

Have a wonderful winter!

Our 'Snowflake Fairy' tutu.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Close up of our 'Snowflake Fairy' tutu.
Photograph by George Chinn.

Priscilla Lane, 1940

Debbie Reynolds celebrating New Year 1953.

Vintage Vogue front cover. 1930's

Our 'Snowflake Fairy' costume miniature.
Photograph by George Chinn.

A bird's eye view of our 'Snowflake Fairy' costume miniature.
Photograph by George Chinn

Vintage Vogue cover.

Cyd Charisse, 1940's

Our 'Snowflake Fairy' costume miniature.
Photograph by George Chinn.

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Thanksgiving Greetings!

Thanksgiving is almost upon us! It’s that time of year when the anticipation of Christmas begins growing, we start searching for unique presents and our inner glutton can come out to play, not only for roast turkey, pumpkin pie, ginger bread, marzipan and cinnamon spiced hot chocolate, but for the opulent and decorative arts too; sparkling Swarovski crystals and glittering sequins, sumptuous hand dyed silks and ornate hand beading - all that is decadent, indulgent and wonderfully autumnal.

To celebrate this festive time of year we are displaying our ‘Autumn Fairy’ Costume Maquette, recreated from the ballet Cinderella.

A highly decorative and glamorous tutu made entirely by hand, it has an appliquéd skirt and bodice encrusted with a combination of Swarovski crystals, seed pearls and very rare and delicate original 1920’s sequins that glint through from the top layer of lilac and green tinted silk tulle. A miniature work of art that would make the most unique and desirable gift of all.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!