Darth Mule
Sr Member
Update, Nov. 2011.
After several emails on this costume, I decided to revisit this thread and update some of the info within.
Posts #23 & #24 have new images and info on the costume. I still need to a real photoshoot...
Original post:
Been meaning to post some pics on my progress on this costume. I've been wanting to do this since the movie came out in 92'. Seemed appropriate that I should attempt this one since my first real replica(ish) costume was my Bela Drac that my mom made me when I was 12.
I've been collecting data and bits and pieces of info since right after Dragon Con last year, and was finally to the point where I could get started on the build this summer. Thanks to all who participated in the various threads I posted when I got stuck.
First up. Those iconic blue sunglasses...
It actually took me awhile to track down something usable. I was convinced at one point that I was going to have to get these custom made. After ordering some 6 pairs of pince-nez on ebay (all of which were too small) I randomly came across these.
They weren't exact, but it was a choice between getting them in the right size, or with all the right hardware. This is something I'll chock up to future upgrade if I can ever figure out how to get them made. These turned out pretty well IMO. 30 minutes with a sheets of blue acrylic and voila!
The suit is the biggest time consumer. So far I have the pants and Vest done. It took me forever to track down an appropriate fabric for this. The visual reference is fairly limited to fuzzy screenshots, so, even as a professional costume designer myself, it's difficult to tell what exactly all the fabrics are. It took a bit of conjecture on my part, and a dash of "find the best thing you can to approximate what you think it is." After nearly giving up, I came across some nice confederate wool flannel in a local fabric store. Cheap at $15.00 a yard. I love the way the pants turned out. They have a great shape. I drafted them from the Kawashima book, then trued the legs up with a civil war pants pattern I had just because I liked the way they fit through the leg. The vest I can live with. After getting it together I immediately noticed some things I wanted to change. If I have time, I plan on redoing this before D*Con, but it's on the back burner for now.
The coat is up next. I've got it mocked up in muslin, I just need to put the sleeves on and fit it. Then it's off to the fabric round.This WILL be the most labor intensive part of the project.
I already picked up one of the factory X canes. For now the shoes are the Stacey Adams lace-up boots until I can come up with a better idea. Have my wig, human hair, waiting to be styled. Tie pin waiting for a tie.
To Do:
Hat: Gonna have to bite the bullet and get a temporary wool hat for now. Just can't drop $800.00 on a beaver fur like the one in the film.
Ascot: Still looking for a decent fabric. It's surprisingly hard to find lightweight Grey silk with black dots. Or anything that I can dye even.
Gloves: I have a pair of German army gloves that I may be able to alter. Trying to not fully build any gloves as it's a pain to do so. Still looking for that off-the-shelf Grey leather glove option.
Shirt: Half cut out and sitting on my table at work. Just gotta put it together and dye it to the tone I want.
Questions? Comments? What do ya think so far?
After several emails on this costume, I decided to revisit this thread and update some of the info within.
Posts #23 & #24 have new images and info on the costume. I still need to a real photoshoot...
Original post:
Been meaning to post some pics on my progress on this costume. I've been wanting to do this since the movie came out in 92'. Seemed appropriate that I should attempt this one since my first real replica(ish) costume was my Bela Drac that my mom made me when I was 12.
I've been collecting data and bits and pieces of info since right after Dragon Con last year, and was finally to the point where I could get started on the build this summer. Thanks to all who participated in the various threads I posted when I got stuck.
First up. Those iconic blue sunglasses...
It actually took me awhile to track down something usable. I was convinced at one point that I was going to have to get these custom made. After ordering some 6 pairs of pince-nez on ebay (all of which were too small) I randomly came across these.
They weren't exact, but it was a choice between getting them in the right size, or with all the right hardware. This is something I'll chock up to future upgrade if I can ever figure out how to get them made. These turned out pretty well IMO. 30 minutes with a sheets of blue acrylic and voila!
The suit is the biggest time consumer. So far I have the pants and Vest done. It took me forever to track down an appropriate fabric for this. The visual reference is fairly limited to fuzzy screenshots, so, even as a professional costume designer myself, it's difficult to tell what exactly all the fabrics are. It took a bit of conjecture on my part, and a dash of "find the best thing you can to approximate what you think it is." After nearly giving up, I came across some nice confederate wool flannel in a local fabric store. Cheap at $15.00 a yard. I love the way the pants turned out. They have a great shape. I drafted them from the Kawashima book, then trued the legs up with a civil war pants pattern I had just because I liked the way they fit through the leg. The vest I can live with. After getting it together I immediately noticed some things I wanted to change. If I have time, I plan on redoing this before D*Con, but it's on the back burner for now.
The coat is up next. I've got it mocked up in muslin, I just need to put the sleeves on and fit it. Then it's off to the fabric round.This WILL be the most labor intensive part of the project.
I already picked up one of the factory X canes. For now the shoes are the Stacey Adams lace-up boots until I can come up with a better idea. Have my wig, human hair, waiting to be styled. Tie pin waiting for a tie.
To Do:
Hat: Gonna have to bite the bullet and get a temporary wool hat for now. Just can't drop $800.00 on a beaver fur like the one in the film.
Ascot: Still looking for a decent fabric. It's surprisingly hard to find lightweight Grey silk with black dots. Or anything that I can dye even.
Gloves: I have a pair of German army gloves that I may be able to alter. Trying to not fully build any gloves as it's a pain to do so. Still looking for that off-the-shelf Grey leather glove option.
Shirt: Half cut out and sitting on my table at work. Just gotta put it together and dye it to the tone I want.
Questions? Comments? What do ya think so far?
Last edited:
Love Drac and the endless parade of gorgeous outfits in it
