Sunday’s Someday Project: The Phantom of the Opera in Miniature—White Dressing Gown

Previously, I mentioned my plans to make each of the major costumes from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. First, the Hannibal Ballet costume and the matching “Think of Me” skirt. These are now done and I will be posting their sewing diaries shortly. Meanwhile, I’m planning the next costume: the iconic white dressing gown, which is worn during the title song, while the Phantom takes Christine down to his lair beneath the Opera House.

Fashion Sketch: Christine’s White Dressing Gown ~ © Lisha Vidler, 2013

The white jacquard dressing gown is deceptively simple. It consists of a long A-line skirt that’s gathered at the center back with a short train. The bodice crosses over and ties shut. The sleeves are elbow-length with lace flounces. The edges of the dressing gown and its hem are flounced and trimmed with lace.

For the doll, I’ll be using a 15.5″ Gene Marshal “Simply Gene” vinyl fashion doll, which has blue eyes and long brown hair. I plan to repaint her eyes and makeup to give her a more natural appearance, and also to boil perm her hair, to imitate Christine’s spiral curls.

“Simply Gene” Doll

Finding a jacquard fabric with a small enough design would be difficult, if not impossible, so I’ve opted to use a plain white georgette lined with silk habotai. I found a very narrow lace to edge the flounces with. And I bought a pair of white satin court mules to finish the costume off.

White Georgette & Satin Court Mules

I’m looking forward to making this costume!