“Not a Queen. A Khaleesi”
Costume and Fabric process:
Following manager's plan
I'm starting to take confidence on my work. Last night, although it was late, I've finished the cape for the Khalessi costume. It was not the thick quality though, I was told I should just make it as thin as possible because my comfort is most priority and he doesn't want to have me feel weight because of my clothes.
I've only folded and sewn the edges, it does not look as clean as it is in the pictures but it will do. I've to edit the main dress though which I feel guilty of cutting, besides the fact that I have no idea of what to edit and strategies to edit it correctly. The cloth is luxurious, the texture and feel is fit for a queen. I would love to wear it as it is and not edit it at all, I feel really guilty having to cut it, but I have to. We all have this guilt moments when it comes to editing something, the main dress which I need to edit though, its a gift from overseas, when loved ones found out I was going to cosplay the Queen of Meereen, they immediately sent me a dress they think that the texture would be perfect for the cosplay, when I received it, it is as expected, perfect!
Yet, upon staring at it for quite sometime, I feel guilty. I am tempted to keep it and use it on my own but this was their wish to see this dress turn into a royal gown, so I must do what I must. It's the same as I did with Ahri, her main red top to bottom linens were handpicked by loved ones and I admit they have impressive judgement to choosing the right cloth. At first, I hesitated because it wasn't as shown in pictures, but it made me imagine how exquisite it would look like when it's done and this piece would even become an icon in becoming a Queen's dress.
While working on the design infront of the main dress, I did everything by hand, it took countless tries and my fingers bled from the needle punctures, but as progress starts to show the satisfaction is incredible. Many times I repeat an area because I needed it to be perfect and so it does. Nothing pleases me more but to do what I love most doing and I could do it forever.
I took a break after I finished the front. Turns out it wasn't the plan my partner was expecting, he plans to save the dress shoulders, which I feel is impossible because the dress is off-shoulder after all. So I took a break for a while.
I woke up the next day starting the dress top again but failed. This time my partner instructed, I cried because I am unable to get his plans for the sewing, little by little I sewed.
On my third try it finally took shape, several adjustments has to be done and a few more needle work to get the correct fitting on the chest part.
After I finished his prototype, I tried another from scratch, I used the scraps from the leftovers of the first trial and asked his permission to get some from the white spandex linen. I'm not scared to sew spandex in the sewing machine because I've done it before.
Doing my own style from scratch
I started shaping the breast area, taking a yellow dress for a reference, then copying that and sewing the bottom part, I fear that I placed the linen for the bottom part wrongly underneath the chest linen but it doesn't matter anyway, everything looked great. Whenever I wear it, the spandex into my figure giving out my natural shape, I am hesitant to get the cape from the recent project since he might want me to shoot it first so I'll let it and I'll wait once shoot it over.
A slit on the side looks great but if I push through my project I might need to modify and close it up, I'm thinking about that.
It's midnight, I had my nap just this evening but I feel exhausted and sleepy, maybe I'm still tired from all that sewing and planning.
When my manager's shift was finished, he saw my work and chose the one I did from scratch. He immediately decided to go for that costume for the shoot instead of the modified version. I feel bad for the dress, but I only cut small portion of it so I can always return it back to its normal state.
Anyway, he said that using spandex on the lower portion would really get the shape of my body which would look great and ordered me to complete it with the cape. So, I did complete it and showed him the final look, It was splendid work. Even I agree, it only lacks the front accessory and all it set, our debate that I can do it from scratch finally came to a conclusion that I can do it. Although, this one is a prototype still, we both agree to produce a real quality one that we agreed at first, this one will only be used for the photoshoot.
Yes, we usually do different dress for shoot and at cosplay or events, taking note of the real world quality and textures by thoroughly planning and researching on good fabric pieces, sometimes we tend to deviate what is in the reference as it is not applicable in real life but we sure provide a better alternative that can surely impress.
I'll be adding this prototype Daenerys dress to the list, if you need a Daenerys to hire, this one is available, but as I said there will be a better one to come.
Why we chose this version of Daenerys
We've all like Daenerys and we could all agree how magnanimous it would be to see if she does fit mine, I've been told that I resemble her on certain points and at times when I speak, although I hesitate to agree, it would be an honor to dress up the Khalessi of Meereen.
Why this dress? It's where we all agree that this dress is simple yet oozing with elegance and the dress shouts the authority of both beauty and magnificence. Her continued success in conquering kingdoms are her greatest portfolio a woman would dream to have, even if she lost Khal Drogo in the past, this is the part where she also gains loyalty from Sir Jorah Mormont and others with her willing to sacrifice their life for her. This kingdom I feel is one of the most challenging of all because not only does the people of Meereen have tendency to stab you in the back, but the pyramid walls lack the capability to protect the people inside unless there's a dragon to fetch you from above. The more you move higher the lesser chance of survival you get
Politics in this kingdom is most challenging since the slaves feel that they want justice on their own hands or turn their former masters into slaves and even with a fair trial they want to be the one protected or else they hiss on you, not very fair isn't it? With the Dothraki, they have the system to follow the strongest, the unsullied decided to follow Daenerys in unison, but in the city of Mereen, the moment that slaves feel you don't do something on their favor, you are good as gone. That is total chaos, so the difficulty level of her reign for me here is her best portfolio of all.
Photoshoot
I've made a separate blog for the shoot, kindly head there to see it. The photo shoot was moved late at the end of the week, it was because our boss had more demands lately and we couldn't even attend maker faire, I wanted to see cool stuff there too but I guess this is how it goes. I've test drive the suit one time and I know there are few missing pieces but that's easy to supply. The weather isn't favorable for a shoot and we get water shortages most of the time making it harder to do preparation besides work. Lately, my stomach's getting more and more upset, it might be stress syndrome again because we moved date a lot but that's how everything goes, we are a team and if without the others help, some missing pieces won't be delivered with quality.
It has been really sluggish at cosplay work these past few months, the weather has affected me much and I admit personal life interferes too making my cosplay commitments to move date, however, it doesn't stop for the fact that projects must be finished even if late. I worry a lot but I've made a good progress with speed, since most projects are done in hurry, all I can say is that careful planning is important, strategize which to prioritize that can affect the whole work so that quality is never sacrificed.
Adjustments to be noted
Wearing corset underneath is great however since textures of the costume are smooth it glides, which displaces location but only because we still lack one accessory to the costume and that it the silver lining on the chest area, it should keep everything tight still and in place, it will have to be fetch soon though once desk work is finished.
We'll only add the brown rope for the shoulder and adding some adjustments on the waist and we're done for the photoshoot.
However, for the event, manager added a bit of elegance to the front chest and back.
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Front Myssa of Mereen Khalessi Costume accessory
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The pleated skirt arrived a bit late, we had ours ordered on overseas, we decided that we get one separate from the costume and that we will need a professional's work for it since pleated skirts are hard to do diy, the color is a bit different but it certainly adds body to the dress.
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| Back view Daenerys Targaryen Myssa of Mereen Khalessi costume accessory |
For the event proper, we had to adjust the height of the slit to be higher and possibly not show cleavage, the photoshoot has and supposed to be worn that way but manager is concerned of my safety for this reason.
New wig, new Daenerys costume, and Jon Snow?!
We've done a pre-shoot of my self styled white wig to compare how it would look in comparison for the wig that was really for Daenerys. The wig was bought from a cosplayer too and she was really gracious to offer another costume for meaw, the Jon Snow costume; when meaw tried it on, he said that he might just do Sam instead of Jon Snow.
She also offered the costume of Daenerys in blue when she was heading to Mereen, surprisingly fit me as well, although she said that the one who last borrowed it tried to open a seam at the back to fit her so it will still be needed to be closed again. Since I can see that it doesn't need to be closed because it's not visible, we proceeded as to buy it from her as another costume collection.
Before the event
Tensions rise as the days go near and we were informed that we still need to go to the dry run on August 6th at 6pm. We're kind of surprised bec. we did not know and wasn't in the contract that there'd be a dry run, so we tried to weigh it out if it would be best to stay in a nearby location or still head home since the main event is at morning. We decided that since its impossible to take a commute with that too close of a time, then only a stay would be the best option.
My partner, supposedly John Snow or Sam, he couldn't decided which, had a last minute shopping for his boots and my neck accessory at Jackmann Plaza; It is a small improvisation he places on the dress. Oh, and yeah, he chose the photoshoot prototype to be the one to be used for this event, don't ask me why, I've been asking him either, he said it was great enough.
He's happy that the moment for him to soon shave his beard will come soon as we had to grow it long for the character.
We dined in former Jollibee now KFC munoz, and the interior had certain changes but still, the memories especially when we dined with my workmates here lingers a lot. I wish I could have spent more time with them before we parted ways.
I did one last mod on the dress, the open slit for the pleated inner garment.
Rehearsal Briefing
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| Solaire Hotel and Casino wearing Korean dress |
My manager's plan was sort of in disarray and my schedules adjusted like a domino, when Ms. Bianca had set the date for us to attend the rehearsal, we agreed since we thought that it's important to get acquianted of what to do for the event.
On our ride, we took 2 grab, but the 2nd grab there were 2 stops, one for juan gadget to pick up a battery dock and battery, then at Solaire. Our Grab drivers were really friendly and helpful, we had a wonderful conversation either, the last grab had the same name as meaw.
We were assisted at the tent which was located as extension of the solaire further at the back of the casino, I was astonished to see the space the tent offers and the rows of aircons plus the stage, the beautiful table settings, even the spacious booths, there weren't much to see at this day since all are in dissarray but I could imagine how magnanimous it would be like walking down the aisle of a wedding. Manager talked to Ms. Bianca the best background visual to be used for the event and the song was played on the background with such heightened feeling of majestic excitement and emotion.
We were briefed of what we were going to do and Ms. Bianca described how they would make it grand for the Queen, we met with the boss soon after and headed for a hotel. We checked in to a hotel where some bloggers recommend for a budget friendly but with a legend serving delicious pancit although when we ordered it was already sold out huhuhu. The room was spacious treat for us to maneuver around for our costume.
HOTEL CHECK-IN
We decided to check in to a hotel the day before, relied on blogs review, and tried Mahal Kita Drive Inn and restaurant because of their famous Pancit Canton however when we got it there it was 10pm and the stocks ran out so we randomly ordered food.
Well, my overall rating for this hotel is 6/10. The aircon was too loud and you won't be able to sleep but the space is huge, the price is good however for us that really need that snooze to be fresh and looking for tomorrow really needs that silence that we didn't get.
THE FIRST DAY TALES OF TIME AT SOLAIRE TENT
FOR CANADIAN MANUFACTURING
The first day was trial and error, but the place was all set, the place had the look of castle. The sections were labeled in a cloth of medieval crest and carpeted hallway gave a royalty treat. The tables in the dining area have shining silverware candles and buffet with servers surround the tables.
The stage had amazing displays with the Iron throne on where I will seat. We were given 2 seats behind the accounting staff at the back.
We greeted guests who signed up and we stood at the front door,
Sat at the thrones,
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| Myssa of Mereen Khalessi cosplay |
took dozens of pictures etc. Etc.
The King and Queen was served a meal and snacks with crew stub and buffet at lunch time, presentation is good.
The tent had a shortcut backstage going inside the solaire main for the cr which was convenient but sometimes dangerous when the gusts of wind from the storm hit the tent, however, the main area of the tent isn't affected with the wind, only the passage way to cr.
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Chicken, brocolli, sesame seasoning with rice at Solaire Tent resorts and casino for Tales of time Canadian bedding
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THE FIRST STAGE PERFORMANCE
Ms. Bianca had me sit on the Iron throne and Jon Snow at the side. Mr. Boy was our announcer for the buffet time. Although it was only a short screen time, the guests loved when we sat by on some of the exhibit thrones for picture taking.
Everyone was careful and wary of actions since there are a lot of International VIPs on business talks and we don't want them distracted.
Meaw was approached by one of the alumni boss and what a small world, their families seem to know each other and have been business partners before! He was startled at first and kept whining about how he feels like Jon Snow but I encouraged him with some words and he said they were able to find closure when they spoke in the bathroom.
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| Backstage at Solaire Tent Tales of Time on my Daenerys Targayen Myssa of Mereen costume |
The first day, my whole muscles ached, this is only the warm-up, because manager had planned to use this as a starting point for a refresher rigorous model body training, talk about the next day!
We took a ride home commute of LRT Baclaran station, yes we went home. If we weren't summoned on the rehearsal, it should have been this night that we will use to check-in for the night, but since we already had a night spent already at a hotel, manager decided to still go home. I was surprised our Grab driver pulled us at the foot of Baclaran stairs! There weren't any vendors everywhere that afternoon! Thank God for all those who efforted to have this place clean! The ride took only 1 and 45 minutes but I was dead tired when I got home, I couldn't cook anymore so we handed it down to our trusted 7-11.
THE SECOND AND LAST DAY AT TALES OF TIME, SOLAIRE
I woke up at 5 am the next day, wore make-up and rode North Station LRT, it was raining hard and we couldn't get a cab after Lrt ride, manager was robbed off taxi summon by the road callers, so we decided to call Grab taxi, thankfully there was one.
Last day at the resort,
We were late for 30 minutes from the harsh weather and ride to Solaire. Then we were stationed by the door and thrones as usual, but this day we were briefed for the performance that I sit on the throne, raise our hands for the buffet, and listen to the quartet, it was then that we met the quartet and we befriended them.
The most enjoyable part was when we were having conversation with Mr. Boy, he showed me a trick with the screw ring moved on its own unscrewing from the screw and I was astonished of such talent!
The Quartet had played such beautiful piece from Game of Thrones etc. And they were incredible! While Mr. Boy took rounds to showcase his magic among clients, we had been busy taking pictures with the VIPs.
Ms. Bianca opted for an overtime till 6 and manager objected since it will be hard for us to journey with LRT on that rushed time, unless they sponsor Grab, so along with the x-deal and grab he agreed.
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| The bedsheet from Canadian Bedding Manufacturing designed and named Daenerys bedsheet, others are named Drogo and Jaime |
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| Wearing Daenerys bedsheet designed as a dress for the Khalessi |
She had me wear a dress they made called 'Daenerys', had a size issue but my manager adjusted and added the cape for visual fashion sense, I definitely felt like a model backstage. ^_^. Dress looked bulkier in photos because I had the Khalessi dress underneath as instructed.
I am so grateful for those that appreciated my work and told me 'cute', especially the international boss who complimented my age. We had lunch Kaldereta but I was too hungry I ate it before taking pic.
It was so grand and even saw Sansa at Louis Vutton endorsement, second day was harsh on the location of the C.R as they had to close the area by the pool due to inclement weather, but everytime I had to take a bladder break, I see these brands and it was such a treat.
Thanks to the invite of Ms. Bianca and the last Grab treat we were able to go home safely and easily. This one experience checked my Year goals to done, if u remember my year goals,
✔ 1. Travel
✔ 2. Wear something cute
✔ 3. Get a comfy new minimalist sheets and bed sets.
Bonus: Be treated as a Khalessi
Thank you for making this possible,
Ms. Bianca and to Canadian Manufacturing Corp., Solaire for the venue and joys from the Mr. Boy, melodies from Quartet, the Photographers who had captured the memories, all staff.
It's a blessing worth a lifetime ^_^
This blog was made 2019, but only released on 2023 so dates pertaining above was supposed to be that year, I apologize that this blog was published late. Also, the photoshoot blog is on the next blog. Click to see it.
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