Planning a Bill Cipher Cosplay (Tailcoats and Trouble) (Pt. 2)

Back again!

I've finally decided on what I'd want style-wise for a jacket (insert <style> joke here).

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SILHOUETTE/ GENERAL STYLIZATION

The general silhouette is based on 1800's/Regency era tailcoats.

Note the general shape of the long back (the tailcoat) and the two rows of buttons (double breasted). Those are the main shapes I love from these tailcoats.

For Bill Cipher, I'd modify the shape of the tailcoat to be longer, wider, and have squared corners. Instead of the rounded shape or blunt edge of where the shape of the tail comes to the button, I'd make it pointed where the buttons meet so it makes a large triangle shape because triangle go BRRRRR-

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LAPELS

Instead of the collars (aka lapels) shown, I'd make them into the standard notch lapel. Pointy!

Speaking of lapels: how are they going to look?

I'm a theatre nerd so I got INSTANTLY inspired by the immaculate beading work done for Squidward's Not A Loser fantasy number. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjiagh1YjkI&t=116s

This video details the costume design of the Spongebob musical and you get to see the extraordinary level of detail done for this one-off costume. I'd want to do beading or embroidery in black, yellow and gold on the lapels. The exact design is still up in the air but most likely it would involve bricks and eyes. 

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VENTS

Hmmmmmm... how would the tailcoat work? ESPECIALLY when you're running around a convention hall?

The answer:

Vents!

Double vent to be precise. With two slits, it makes sewing easier (panels than need to be done are smaller) and with the vents to the side, its less likely to ruin the triangle silhouette that we're working so hard to achieve.

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BUTTONS

Now what about buttons?

For the two rows of buttons down the front, they'd be triangle buttons.

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SLEEVES

It's now time to talk about one of the more under-looked portions of designing a piece: sleeves. The sleeves will be the more boring part of this whole affair, just having a straight edge and having a tab accent.

Something that won't take away from the main event, i.e the lapels and makeup, but still conveys style.

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ANYTHING ELSE?

The only other thing I'd want to add is...guess what?

Shoulder pads!

Nothing too aggressive, I'm not trying to reenact Working Girls over here in the shoulder pad department!

I just want enough to help square out the shoulders and to again, bring out the triangular shape.

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Stay tuned for my text post which will cover the dress shirt and other costuming desisions!

- <3