DIY Costumes : How to Create Costumes Last Minute at Home

July 6, 2013

I have stopped keeping count on the number of times that I have relied upon a tailor to finish my costume on time and they have ditched me last minute. That moment when he says the costume is not ready and you have less than three hours before starting a show, and all you are left with a total state of panic, horror.

Right from my college days, I had this fascination for Dupattas or Scarves and for most of my college events where everyone was supposed to look pretty, I would create my own dress using multiple Dupattas in contrast or similar colors. There were many such times where my state of wardrobe-of-pretty-dresses would only have a few shorts/track pants and t shirts or tank tops. I love dressing up but the Gujju instinct in me stops from spending too much on clothes.

Most of the times I went to the market and bought 3 metres of chiffon cloth of a particular color, or bought two Chunnis at some local store for Rs.70 each , would come home, wear a pair of leggings and a tube top and start draping the Dupatta the way I would want. And would finally put a belt on top to add definition. I have done that even with blouses and created beautiful patterns using the help of my roommates.

After I became a full time dancer, I encountered one such situation where I discovered how to make a dhoti pant and team it with any top.

Can you observe the pant that all of us are wearing? While it actually looks like a readymade Bharatanatyam costume, it is actually totally made using just a piece of cloth. In my next post, I will be posting a detailed photo tutorial of how to tie this Dhoti pant at home. Its my birthday tomorrow and I am already excited so going to prep for it!!!

Goodnight readers!!!