SEQUINS - PIMP UP MY COSTUME!

Photo by Steven Gregson

Charlotte and Ruby Deshabille chat about holographic sequins, rhinestones and beads in this one-on-one interview.

TO SEQUIN OR NOT TO SEQUIN

Charlotte Pacelli: Let’s start with a budgeting question. I have £150 to make a classic burlesque costume. What should I invest it in?
Ruby Deshabille: Often the biggest investment (and my favourite) is a bespoke corset. That can make all the difference to a silhouette. If the costume is not including a corset, then well-made, well-fitting lingerie is next on my list.

CP: Quick fire round. Sequins, beads or rhinestones? Discuss.

RD: All can be used in such effective ways. Holographic sequins looks smashing if you’re on a budget. I adore the movement of beaded fringing but it does take a lot of upkeep to keep it looking nice. Of course, glass crystals are the Everest of embellishments. Even the lower-budget crystals will still sparkle like a dream onstage if they have an AB coating.

Photo by Chris Baker

CP: Has another performer had a clever structure or fastening in their costume that has impressed you?

RD: I am an absolute sucker for a quick change costume. A quick change reveal is so outrageous and has such a huge impact. It shows such audacity and character in an act or a performer.

CP: Describe two places you’ve recently got costume inspiration from.

RD: I saw Strictly Ballroom in the West End a few months back and was absolutely in love with those swishy, frothy, floaty dresses. The movement of them is just so elegant and playful. My new revamped ‘Pony’ act has a strong Fosse and equestrian style influence. I love creating a sharp, tailored silhouette.

CP: Fantasy time. If you could swap your costume collection with a burly colleague, who would you choose and why?

RD: I’m currently lusting after all of Violet Chachki’s show wardrobe. She has an absolute dream of Diva costumes!

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THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Thanks to Charlotte Pacelli and Ruby Deshabille for taking their valuable time to share some insights on sequins, beads and quick change costumes. For more information or to follow them on social media, see below.

OUR COLLECTION OF SEQUINS

Follow @rubydeshabille for details on upcoming shows
Interview by Charlotte Pacelli (Liberty Sweet)
- Director of costume makeover service @primpmycostume (IG/ Twitter/ Facebook) / co-founder of London’s leading Burlesque Troupe @thefollymixtures/ original Hurly Burly Girly for @themisspollyrae
Main photo © Ben Carpenter Photography