When I decided to go to the Anne Rice Vampire Ball in New Orleans for Halloween 2023, I just wanted to wear something fabulous. Much like when I made my first outfit for the Portland Vampire Masquerade Ball, I let myself fantasize about what shapes, styles, fabrics, and trims inspired me. I wasn’t going to recreate a specific costume or make something from a precise era. This was a costume to satisfy my current whims.
Starting with, what in The Stash inspires me? I have oodles of great fabric, and it’s time to just use it! After looking at different yardages, I settled on a black / brown / gold silk damask for drama, plus it has a nice crisp weight to it, perfect for a big skirt. The silhouette I love best is 16th century, so I started with a bodice drafted off one of Margo Anderson’s bodice patterns. I made it side-lacing so I could (mostly) get into it myself, and I fitted it over Elizabethan stays.
The wide square neckline was perfect for trimming, and I have a bunch of Tudor ouches from Truly Hats that I wanted to use. I also found just enough silver lace and black lace in my stash for the neckline and the center front opening. I dithered about what color petticoat to make (or possibly use one from my closet), but I finally made a black silk taffeta one that could be used with another upcoming project.
The sleeves are the most fantasy-gothic element of the gown. Knowing it would be hot and humid at Halloween in New Orleans, I wanted lightweight sleeves. I used a soft tulle flocked with bats (leftover from my batty pink & black Regency ballgown) and created a full sleeve gathered into a cuff. These sleeves tie-on, so I can make more historical-ish sleeves at another date (I’m thinking of a 16th-c. style with a hanging sleeve).
I always love accessorizing, and for this, I made a matching necklace and earring set based around a purple velvet choker with bats and purple teardrop crystals hanging from both.
Photo by Suzanne C. Grim.
Photo by Suzanne C. Grim.
The ball itself was amazing, and I had such a good time! I hope to return.