Is it Possible to Create a PERFECT Solo Dance Costume?

Kelsey's PERFECT Satin Stitches Solo Tap Costume!

Kelsey's PERFECT Satin Stitches Solo Tap Costume!

You want THE PERFECT SOLO COSTUME for your next dance performance. You have not been happy with your last custom costume experience.

Where do you turn?
Who should you entrust with your vision?

You do not feel you have the talent and expertise to handle it yourself. Maybe you have never commissioned a custom garment.

What do you need to consider?

You need to be able to visualize. When a new client considers Satin Stitches, they might have a completed sketch with every detail thought out. They can SEE it!

And they know what silhouettes, fabrics, colors and textures look best on themselves! These are the perfect clients-when they REALLY do know!
They are difficult clients, when they THINK they know what will look great, but they see the finished product, and they do not like it, after all!

Another type of client has no idea what they want, but they want SOMETHING FABULOUS. They figure they will know it when they see it. This type of client expects miracles-the kind where designers read minds with little or no design concept input.

Designers need inspiration. We need to know what you have in mind. What silhouette. What theme. What type and color of fabrics. What features are important to you.

We do not need to know all the answers, but the more input you can give us, as to what you are looking for, the easier it is, to come up with that PERFECT DESIGN.

Some clients present ideas but are wishy-washy. They are not confident in their decisions and may commit to a design, but they change their mind several times, on many different aspects of the design. They generally have trouble visualizing.

The result? Lots of reworking will need to happen, so they can really see how the costume looks-this way-and that way. Reworking costs time and money. Either for the designer or for the client, depending on your arrangement.

The unrealistic client is the client that is in denial about how he or she really looks. We all want to look perfect, and wish we had perfect bodies. Most of us do not have perfect bodies, but all of us DO have good features. Lucky people have mostly good features, and can look good in almost anything. Some features are difficult to camouflage. A good designer will know how to camouflage your not-so-perfect features and play up your good attributes.

The most difficult job, as a designer, is when the client is insistent on design features, what ever they may be, which will not work well to create a danceable, flattering and visually attractive costume. We all know that every one has different tastes. After all, this is what makes the world interesting. But sometimes, a clients tastes and ideas may simply be at odds with the designers. The client should be able to commission what he or she wants. But a designer needs to keep his or her design integrity.

If you find that you are at odds with your costume designer, there are 4 options for you.
Option 1-Give in to your designers ideas, and risk being disappointed in the outcome.
Option 2-Hold your ground, after all, you are paying. But you also risk being disappointed in the outcome.
Option 3-Compromise. If you trust your designers expertise, try and see their point of view and see where it can meld with your point of view.
Option 4-Find a new designer. Go back to square one, Do not pass go, and do not collect 200 dollars!

Personally, I believe that creating your PERFECT dance costume is a group effort. It is a collaboration of your ideas with the designers influence to mold your inspiration into a beautiful reality.

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tags Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Costume Design, Costumes (all tags)


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