Material experts chime in

[MisserCraig]

for dragoncon this year, i'm strongly considering doing chris robinson (singer) from the "a conspiracy" music video. I'm sure only 3 or 4 people in the place will get it, but it's definately got an interesting look...
anyway, i'm having a hard time deciphering what kind of material these pants are made from. i'm thinking the jacket is some kind of vinyl/pleather/something along those lines, but it's hard to make out since the video is mostly shot in black and white. if you can figure out either the material for the pants, the jacket, or where to buy something similar to either, i'd be eternally grateful.
you can check out the video here The Black Crowes: "A Conspiracy"
thanks..

 

[MaulWalker]

As you indicated, it is difficult to get a good look at the fabric in the video. There seems to be a different in light reflective quality between the jacket and the pants. The pants don't seem as shiny as the coat. Given the guy's earning power, I would not be surprised if both garments are not made of leather.

For pleather, check these two:

Denver Fabrics: http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/static/pleather.htm
Spandex House, Inc. http://www.spandexhouse.com/products.asp?i...tretch+Pleather

I have done business with Denver Fabrics - reputable company. I don't have any experience with Spandex House.

Lynn

 

[Cleverlilminx]

If it was me making this costume, the first thing I see is that the pants are satin, which is not unheard of for rock stars to wear. Crepe backed satin would be my preference and is easy to obtain at any JoAnn's fabrics.

I have to watch the video again to look at the jacket more.


EDIT:

Ok after a second watch, (I just love the Black Crows), I think your looking at a satin or silk suit (both pants & jacket).

I suggest if your on a budget to get Crepe backed Satin for the suit.

 

[GeneralMayhem]

Both jacket and pants appear to be black satin.

 

[MisserCraig]

satin. thats the name of that stuff...i knew it looked familiar, but i couldn't place it. i agree with maulwalker, i think the jacket does look to be shinier than the pants, which makes me think the jacket may be pleather or vinyl while the pants are pleather. i don't think genuine leather would be that shiny. but minx, you make a good point about the whole suit being satin. it wouldn't make much sense to be wearing a suit with a pleather jacket and satin pants...so i think i'm going to assume the whole thing is satin. thanks guys :thumbsup

now to my second order of business... as i have no sewing skills whatsoever, do you guys know anyone who would commission a project like this? it doesn't seem like it be too overwhelmingly stressful. hey minx, i've seen your work.... you busy?

EDIT: I'm now thoroughly convinced that the jacket is not made of pleather. if you look at the shots of the drummer, i believe the vest he's wearing is pleather. and that thing SHINES.

 

[Cleverlilminx]

Drop me a pm and can you obtain some more photos of Chris Robinson in this suit in color maybe? Like a promo photo or something?

 

[MisserCraig]

PM coming your way :thumbsup

 

[ObiWannabe]

If it's not *pleather* could it be PVC? (I haven't watched the video - my computer is too slow to download videos) PVC is a shiny vinyl, mistakenly called pleather sometimes, also mistaken for patent leather. But it's super-shiny, I just made a rock star character's vest out of it.

I'd be leery of satin...unless you get the higher-end stuff, not the cheap, crappy, uber-shiny, bad for costumes type of satins in the chain stores. They are the bane of my existence, I see too many good costumes ruined by the wrong choice of satin. 'course, I'm just talking out my butt right now, considering I haven't seen the garments in question.

LYNN. I love you. I'm desperate for pleather and needed links. Thank you thank you thank you..

 

[Cleverlilminx]

When you watch the video and see how Chris moves, you'll see this can't be leather, pleather, vinyl or PVC since none of those materials can flow and crease like the suit he is wearing.

I'm not suggesting crappy satin, go to JoAnn's and ask for Crepe Backed Satin, you'll agree it's very nice, more expensive then the crap, not thin and certainly not stiff either like those horrible "halloween" type satins.

 

[ObiWannabe]

True, crepe-backed is a cut above. I've not worked with it, but it does have the look you want. *thumbs up* Good, someone who knows what they're talking about.

It's just so frustrating to watch words like "pleather" get thrown about, now that I'm working with the stuff, because people call PVC pleather and vice versa. It gets my dander up, and thus I have to stick my nose in. But good to know someone's on the ball.

 

[Cleverlilminx]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ObiWannabe @ Apr 7 2007, 09:49 PM) [snapback]1457633[/snapback]</div>

True, crepe-backed is a cut above. I've not worked with it, but it does have the look you want. *thumbs up* Good, someone who knows what they're talking about.

It's just so frustrating to watch words like "pleather" get thrown about, now that I'm working with the stuff, because people call PVC pleather and vice versa. It gets my dander up, and thus I have to stick my nose in. But good to know someone's on the ball.
[/b]

When you get the chance, by all means grab some crepe backed satin and work with it, I think it's a dream to sew with and makes anything look better.


And it's nice to see someone else besides me know the difference between satins and pleathers.

 

[Darth Mule]

Eww.... NO... Crepe-back satin? You go to Jo-Anns and ask for that, they'll give you some poly-satin crap. Go to thaisilks.com and get some decent silk satin. It's a little more expensive, but it's far better quality and you'll actually breath in it.

But yes. You are looking at satin. Just keep in mind that there are different satins. That one is definitely silk. But if you are on a budget, the poly will do. It just won't drape as nicely.

 

[CSMacLaren]

It's small and compressed, so the video is "lossy" (i.e. detail loss) and the original video was very much processed, but it strikes me it was either some kind of satin or velvet. If he's going for a Goth look, then velvet might be it, and it would be interesting how many different fineness of weaves there are for velvet.

 

[Cleverlilminx]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darth Mule @ Apr 11 2007, 11:32 AM) [snapback]1460067[/snapback]</div>

Eww.... NO... Crepe-back satin? You go to Jo-Anns and ask for that, they'll give you some poly-satin crap. Go to thaisilks.com and get some decent silk satin. It's a little more expensive, but it's far better quality and you'll actually breath in it.
[/b]

You don't think silk satin would be too thin to make a suit like that from however?



What's wrong with crepe-backed satin? Are you sure your not talking about those other satins they sell in the special occasion fabrics section? Plus for a costumer on a budget, the crepe backed satin is nice...


EDIT: Ok I just visited thaisilks.com and that stuff is rather expensive IMO, if one has the cash for it, go for it.

 

[MisserCraig]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cleverlilminx @ Apr 11 2007, 12:18 PM) [snapback]1460132[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darth Mule @ Apr 11 2007, 11:32 AM) [snapback]1460067[/snapback]

Eww.... NO... Crepe-back satin? You go to Jo-Anns and ask for that, they'll give you some poly-satin crap. Go to thaisilks.com and get some decent silk satin. It's a little more expensive, but it's far better quality and you'll actually breath in it.
[/b]

You don't think silk satin would be too thin to make a suit like that from however?



What's wrong with crepe-backed satin? Are you sure your not talking about those other satins they sell in the special occasion fabrics section? Plus for a costumer on a budget, the crepe backed satin is nice...


EDIT: Ok I just visited thaisilks.com and that stuff is rather expensive IMO, if one has the cash for it, go for it.
[/b][/quote]

thanks for all the help and advice guys. as far as the suit goes, i have no idea how different the fabric prices are, as i've never done a cloth costume. i'd like it to look nice and close to the actual suit, but i'm not all too concerned about it being a perfect replica of chris'. after all... i'm not expecting more than 6 people to recognize it anyway :lol

 

[Darth Mule]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cleverlilminx @ Apr 11 2007, 11:18 AM) [snapback]1460132[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darth Mule @ Apr 11 2007, 11:32 AM) [snapback]1460067[/snapback]

Eww.... NO... Crepe-back satin? You go to Jo-Anns and ask for that, they'll give you some poly-satin crap. Go to thaisilks.com and get some decent silk satin. It's a little more expensive, but it's far better quality and you'll actually breath in it.
[/b]

You don't think silk satin would be too thin to make a suit like that from however?



What's wrong with crepe-backed satin? Are you sure your not talking about those other satins they sell in the special occasion fabrics section? Plus for a costumer on a budget, the crepe backed satin is nice...


EDIT: Ok I just visited thaisilks.com and that stuff is rather expensive IMO, if one has the cash for it, go for it.
[/b][/quote]

Silk satins come in different weights. Nothing wrong with crepe back. But poly crepe back is kinda icky. And doesn't breathe. I mean essentially you're wearing plastic. [You are all aware that Polyester is made from plastic right?] That is my only beef there. I work with fabrics and clothing for a living tho, so I'm not one to usually skimp on the materials. I'm kind of a fabric snob.

That being said, the crepe-back is a fine choice if you're on a budget. It also appears that thaisilks prices have gone up since the last time I checked. If you have access to a large specialty fabric store, you can often find better prices.