Witches of Oz

I wanted to share my debut designs for the two witches of Oz for the performance this weekend.

The director said she wanted the witches to have complimenting themes, a yin and yang with the same profile. I went along with the thought that, like in the musical Wicked, both witches attended the same school. When done they received the same uniform, but over time as they went their separate ways they embellished their dresses with their own personalities. The wicked witch’s is restricted, edgy and hard edged with a higher stiff collar and her skirt shredded along the layers (I thought that perhaps the flying monkeys could have gone crazy when they did her laundry!). Glinda’s meanwhile is simplistic yet elegant, showing her natural goodness in a simple profile but embellished with pink acrylic stones.

Both looks have a ‘bubble’ under skirt, in contrast to the flat edge of traditional ballet tutu. Both have layers of soft chiffon cut in a ‘tear’ shape. The jacket is based on the Victorian panel style.

Since they’re both witches, I wanted to give them both iconic cones hats, in a fascinator style. While the wicked witch’s is decorated with fabric leftovers in a veil style, Glinda’s is decorated in the same scattered gem design. In the lightning on stage she looks amazing!

For the first full costumes I’ve ever created to be worn on stage, I am very proud of both looks!!