1) Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and background.
I'm a student at the University of Georgia and will be graduating at the end of the year with a major in Fabric Design. I enjoy and have a passion for participating in just about everything involved in the fine arts.
The costuming hobby began mainly with historical pieces. It's become one of my life's biggest passions, and I hope to pursue it more seriously in some manner after graduation. Mainly my mom and I have worked together to create Star Wars costumes, but have recently ventured beyond the genre to animated characters and other films.
2) How long have you been costuming? What kind of experiences have you had?
I have seriously been costuming for about 10 years now. It mainly was for Halloween or parties. After moving to Georgia I became involved with the local 501st garrison, which eventually became a very active group with great people. We would participate in everything from going to local conventions to charity events and fund raisers.
3) When did you get your first "metal bikini" and what drove you to it?
My mom and I constructed the metal bikini in 1998 for Halloween. Every year a certain costume would catch my attention, and the bikini did just that. It was a beautiful and somewhat simplistic design. Not to mention it was a Leia costume pretty much everyone would recognize outside her A New Hope white gown.
4) What is it about Slave Leia that inspires you to portray her?
This was another very strong reason that made me want this costume. I love the fact how Leia overcame the bondage of slavery and showed her true strength as a woman and warrior to kill her enslaver, Jabba the Hutt. I admired how she could take care of a job that other bounty hunters could not carry out. She wasn't portrayed as the damsel in distress, but the one that could take care of herself and find her own way, despite the little slave outfit.... appearances can be deceiving.
5) What is your favorite memory of appearing as Slave Leia?
Not exactly one of my favorite memories, but definately one of the most memorable and funniest memories I have is the second time I wore the costume. It was a toy show, and two of the dealers had taken bets whether I was wearing underwear underneath the skirt or not. Of course they are built into the skirt piece itself, but it's not visable to the viewer. They tried many different things to figure out, but ended up having to ask me for the answer.
6) If you danced for Jabba the Hutt, what song would you dance to and why?
If it were a Star Wars song I would have to go with the classic Lapti Nek... I always loved the upbeat Sy Snootles thing; very dancable. Hehehee.
If it were a non Star Wars song, right now I would have to go with A Hunter's Kiss by Rasputina. It has a nice seductive quality to it and also very dancable.
7) Any final words?
This has to definately be one of my favorite costumes to wear out. The reactions are great from people and makes it alot of fun to wear. Although the costume looks like it's simple and easy, the detail (in my opinion) makes it truly one of the most beautiful made. It's worth the time to do the details when making the costume, it makes a world of a difference.
Thanks Brandi! |
