Dracula (1931) cape - Finished

MAKE BELIEVE · Dec 18, 2016

Another prop on my list that I'll finally start working on

Step 1 - Getting the materials (it's a long and large cape so a lot will be needed):

MAKE BELIEVE · Dec 20, 2016

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

The velvet collar is almost done.
Decided to recreate a "United Costumers Inc" label to give it a more "realistic" look.

Odin82 · Dec 22, 2016

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

Take a look at Kirk Hammett's "Too Much Horror Business", I might be wrong but I think he might own one of the original capes, and if so, there will be pics of it in the book. I know Lugosi was buried in one of the originals. If you need, I can try and find my copy, and see if I can find some pics.

MAKE BELIEVE · Dec 23, 2016

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

Odin82 said:
Take a look at Kirk Hammett's "Too Much Horror Business", I might be wrong but I think he might own one of the original capes, and if so, there will be pics of it in the book. I know Lugosi was buried in one of the originals. If you need, I can try and find my copy, and see if I can find some pics.

Hi mate
That would be great, thanks.
I hnow Lugosi had a few capes made of a lighter material that he used for public appearances and a heavier one made of wool (I believe he was buried with this one). The cape I'm trting to replicate is the wool one (I'm not even sure the capes had tags, but I'll put a tag on mine)
The only pic I found was the one I'm posting. It was auctioned but critics said it was not an original one. Anyway I'm basing mine on that pic.

Doh2 · Dec 26, 2016

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

I love that you're tackling this build! The tag is a great touch.

Good luck!

MAKE BELIEVE · Dec 27, 2016

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

Doh2 said:
I love that you're tackling this build! The tag is a great touch.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot, Doh2. Still in the process of sewing it all. Haven't had much time lately

MAKE BELIEVE · Jan 23, 2017

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

A very bad and very sad thing happened in the real life so I had to put the project away.
I'm slowly getting back to it but not with the enthusiasm I once had
Here are some pics of the progress anyway

Doh2 · Jan 23, 2017

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

That looks great. Good luck with everything.

MAKE BELIEVE · Jan 29, 2017

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

A few pics more...

MAKE BELIEVE · Feb 4, 2017

Re: Dracula (1931) cape - WIP

Cape is finished

Apollo · Feb 4, 2017

Beautifully done!

gothic · Feb 5, 2017

cape looks great

13doctorwho · Feb 5, 2017

Wow, that came out awesome!

MAKE BELIEVE · Feb 5, 2017

Thank you fellow members for your kind comments

The Schlitzie · Feb 5, 2017

Very cool. I especially like the extra touch of the labeling on the inside. I would frame one up on my wall, hehe.

MAKE BELIEVE · Feb 5, 2017

The Schlitzie said:
Very cool. I especially like the extra touch of the labeling on the inside. I would frame one up on my wall, hehe.

Thanks mate. Actually I'm preparing a manequin to put the cape on (maybe in time and with extra money I'll be able to get a proper white tie vest...)

Doh2 · Feb 5, 2017

Fantastic finish! Congrats on a job well done.

MAKE BELIEVE · Feb 6, 2017

Doh2 said:
Fantastic finish! Congrats on a job well done.

Thank you, Doh2.
Here's the manequin (as I said, hope to get the white tie dress code - black tail coat, white waist coat and wing collared dress shirt. And the medal of course).
For the time being it'll stay like this:

MAKE BELIEVE · Nov 24, 2020

And several years later the outfit is almost complete (missing the proper shiny leather lace up shoes)

The shirt (with bow tie and cuf links):

The waistcoat

Bela Lugosi wore several different Dracula outfits (different shapes of cape, waistcoats, etc)
This particular waistcoat is a backless marcella without buttons (a mother of pearl studs set would be needed)

Here's a set of pics of Bela wearing different types of waistcoats (note that on the first one he is wearing the waistcoat without buttons - only the pocket watch chain and fobs)