'NINE: The Musical' Research and Boards

I have been busy working on Nine and still stoked for project as I will have a much more hands-on role and freedom with my work. We have a cast of 11 characters with 2-3 costume changes each which is a huge increase from the last shows I worked on. I think this will be a challenge as I am going to have to work a lot harder - and faster to ensure everyone is ready in time for the show. I want to push myself and really prove my talent in this show.

I began by doing my own research into the themes, I said a while ago that I was going to create boards and I followed through and did it. This is quite a personal achievement for me as I often come up with good ideas but don't always persevere and follow them through. This time I have. 

This production screams sexy, showgirl and avante garde Italian fashion

Basic costume board for the 'Overture' scene

We have girls of all sizes in the production - from extra large to extra small - which means I need to create costume that is adaptable size-wise and keep it sexy. The above board shows my first ideas which I followed up with a trip to the huge fabric store I know of from my first few weeks here in Rome, Fratelli Basetti Tessuti. It felt good to need something and know where I can get it from. It has taken me a while to learn the best places to buy stuff however now I feel confident shopping in Rome and not getting ripped off. Which, believe me, is a challenge in it's self!

In the store I was shown rolls of sequinned materials, some were a million miles away from our budget - I'm talking 80euro a metre here (and I expect some are even more expensive) - yet some were much more in budget. I collected samples to attach to my boards.

The more expensive fabrics... so damn.. pretty...

More sparkles... just cheaper! Hooray!

I am uncertain our small 200 euro budget will cover the sequinned fabric to make the skirts however I enjoyed following through with the process as it was good practice for me. I used research skills from my two years at Coventry and knew the importance of collecting samples and getting a feel for the fabrics. My images and information has all been referenced too - another thing I would never have got into the habit of doing if it was not for our projects on campus. I realise now how even the smallest tasks and skills are important. 

Being in a fabric store that large was actually quite overwhelming - in a positive way. There are rooms after rooms of rolls of fabric, all unique and some really spectacular. Although I am not doing a collection for my final year I definitely want to include the use of fabric in the installation I hope to create. I have always enjoyed working with fabric and I want to create pieces that do not require the precision and accuracy of pattern cutting and making. I have confidence that with practice I would be capable to do so, however I feel it would be more beneficial for me to use my best skills - which is creating from a more artistic perspective where projects are more adaptable and you are able to modify and fine-tune as you go along.

We create a programme for every show and it is really important for everyone involved. It not only informs the audience but commends the actors who take part and help them publicise themselves - which is what the theatre aims to do as a spring board.

Nine programme designed by me - Front and Back

Inside pages of the programme with bios and photographs