~Costume Design~Ecosystem: Coral Reef ~Exit Exam

The Exit Exam consists of a conceptualized series of costumes based on my interpretation of the theme and representing my style and aspirations as a costume designer. First, I chose a costume type; spectacular (opera, theatre), practical/technical (circus, dance), or realistic/detailed (cinema, television) and created a character, protector or spirit of one of these four ecosystems; Meadow, Coral Reef, Undergrowth or Caverns. My choices included, a realistic look for cinema and my character is the protector and spirit of the Coral Reef; Kyssa.

Kyssa

The tragic passing of David Bowie (Jan 8, 1947-Jan 10, 2016) and Vogue UK’s 24 page editorial; Oil Spill Fashion, August, 2010, inspired my idea for Kyssa. In order to celebrate David Bowie’s life, I loosely modelled Kyssa after Ziggy Stardust and chose the 1970’s as my epoch. I hope that children will identify and love Kyssa. Instigating a generation that makes eco friendly choices to save her and the Ocean. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, is simply not enough any more. We need to revolutionize the way we think about food by re-evaluating our values pertaining to animal agriculture.

Kyssa

I utilized this opportunity to express a message through visual, wearable art. Bringing attention to the destruction of Earth caused by mass deforestation for animal agriculture, fast fashion and the general disposable demeanour of our society and the effects those issues have on our planet.

Kyssa

Using the bright colours and black with spiral strips of fabric to create jellyfish-like tentacles.

Kyssa

Character Essence ~WATER~ Daughter of Poseidon, born from the coral reef, With almond shaped eyes. The left, a brilliant shade of jade green and the right, an intense glowing blue. Long black/reddish hair and creamy golden-olive skin, Phytoplankton is embedded in her genetic make-up, giving her markings that resemble glowing tattoos all over her body. As she is deeply intertwined with Earth’s water, she has become infected with toxins leaving visible traces on her skin.

Kyssa

Illustrations by Nikki Ying ~2016~ Being inspired by designs from Roy Halston, Alexander McQueen, Stephane Rolland, paired with bottle tab earrings, plastic six pack ring accessories and paper eyelashes, I have brought the pretty, post-apocalyptic, aquatic, 1970’s punk, princess-Goddess to life!

Kyssa

Workshop Complete look ~ Front View

Kyssa

Workshop Complete look ~ Back View

Kyssa

Workshop ~ Dress

Kyssa

Workshop ~ Bolero

Kyssa

Workshop ~ Accessories

Kyssa

Workshop ~ Hair and Make Up. To create Kyssa’s haggard, royal Goddess of the Coral Reef style, I added a touch of 1970’s punk flair, via faux Mohawk, orange suede ankle boot stilettos, blended with bright, colorful, chiffon rainbows, contrasted with black silk, creating a sense of the spreading toxicity exuding through her, slowly taking over her colorful essence, and thus representing the decay of the oceans.