1) Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and background.
I'm a 23 year old student at Murray State University in Murray, KY. I am proud to share my hometown with th Man of Steel in Metropolis, IL (the Home of Superman). My hobbies normally consist of numerous movie nights with my friends, dancing (mostly jazz and modern), aimlessly exploring the internet, and going to as many concerts as possible. I am a HUGE advocate of supporting those little, unknown bands, so I'll shell out $5 for a show as often as I can.
2) How long have you been costuming? What kind of experiences have you had?
This was actually the first costume I made... and it won't be my last! I hope to take advantage of my brother's metalsmith skills and construct a metal bikini that's actually made of metal. The next costumes I plan to work on are Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas, and Padme's maternity costume that she wore while following Anakin to Mustafar. I'm also hoping to start an Akasha costume from Queen of the Damned.
3) What's your earliest memory of seeing Return of the Jedi?
One of my first memories in general is waddling around my house, dragging my stuffed Wicket doll behind me. In my earliest memories, I really didn't care too much about the story. I was about 3 years old, and I was fascinated with the Ewoks.
4) When did you get your first "metal bikini" and what drove you to it?
I had hoped to make and wear my metal bikini to the premiere of Episode III, but due to some health issues earlier in the year, I didn't get time to make the costume. I even had to miss the midnight showing due to a procedure scheduled for that day. I decided that I would make the costume for Halloween this year, and possibly wear it to the movie store on the day of the DVD release of Episode III. Sadly, I couldn't muster up the courage to walk around the mall in that costume, so I just saved it for a few Halloween parties.
5) What is your favorite memory of appearing as Slave Leia?
It's a toss-up, really. I loved the first time I put on the completed costume.... the look on a certain person's face was absolutely priceless. Also, at Headliners in Louisville, KY, my friends, The Octobers, were playing a Halloween show that night. Hearing the praise from my friends who were SO impressed by my costume was great. Even though I lost the costume contest (turned popularity contest) to the most half-assed costume I've ever seen, it couldn't ruin my night. I felt like a queen: well, more like a princess.
6) If you danced for Jabba the Hutt, what song would you dance to and why?
If I absolutely HAD to dance for Jabba, I would probably pick something by my favorite band, The October.... or I may choose a hit from 1983, when ROTJ was released. The theme to Flashdance was #1 the week of it's release. Hmmm, Flashdance.... that sounds fitting.
7) Any final words?
Hands down, this costume is the best one I've ever worn. I made it with just my two hands.... and 2 clear bra straps, 3 months time, 6 sheets of foam, 8 oz. of gold metallic paint, 9 yards of fabric, about 67 Hot Glue Sticks and who knows how many staples. I doubt this is my final attempt at making the perfect metal bikini, because even though it took LOTS of time and effort, the finished product was well worth it.
Thanks Candace! |
