Belle But Vintage: 1930s Beauty and The Beast Dress

I had an event coming up and nothing to wear! The logical thing? Make a cosplay vintage style dress of course! Many of the other costubers have been doing historically accurate Disney Characters and I wanted in on the action but with my own personalized twist. I knew immediately I wanted to redesign Belle's yellow ballgown into a 1930s formal dress. I originally thought this might be the first time I work with silk but upon actually shopping for silk it was going to be way to expensive so I decided polyester would have to do. It ticked off another box for me because in my effort to deprogram the gatekeeping I had bought into over the years I wanted to give myself permission to sew with synthetics. Too often I thought I couldn't make an evening gown or anything fancier than day wear because I could not afford the expensive natural fibers needed to sew those costumes. While the fabrics frayed and were frustrating to work with and a serger would have been useful the french seams for the most part did their job. I do think the dress came out beautifully. I was nervous with the use of chiffon it was going to read too much Emma Watson and not enough of Disney's animated classic but honestly it is perfect.

Dress Pattern Links:

[melusinenoArashi]

Quick comment : Polyester was really in in the 30's as it was a new fabric. Jeanne Lanvin loved to use it.

[janisi]

The dress is lovely and the video was cute and fun! Subscribed!
On a personal note, polyester makes me SWEAT and I would have gone with rayon or a rayon blend. THAT SAID, use whatever you want! There are no rules!

[therightguyiii]

Samantha Snow is the Bob Ross of sewing videos. I personally will likely never sew a dress, but I find her videos soothing and entertaining and I just feel like a better human being after watching them.

[nataloves]

It's a gorgeous dress! I'm a big lover of 1930s and polyester. I actually like to wear my clothes 😉 so far you're the most relatable costuber I've found. We need a 20th century takeover!

[NerdySillyGirl]

"Cheap 2017 Beauty and the beast" 😂
No seriously, the dress is gorgeous and you look stunning in it! Perfectionism often catches us unaware and all we can see is what is not right, how it's not how we envisionned it. I personnaly love the color of the belt. And you and your husband were so cute at the end 😭❤️

[cynthiadugan]

The dress really is pretty! Poly is a beast to sew and can discourage anyone. It’s so awesome to see your struggles and the results.
Oh and your hubs is absolutely delightful. He really adds a special touch to your reveals

[cheleseaboone]

Okay like I just found your channel and honestly you're such a vibe. Like not liking something until you put sleeves on it, and also you looking like you regret literally every decision makes me feel validated. You're an inspiration, keep it up.

[preciousypenguino]

It is such a lovely dress💛 and you are definitely a very lovely Belle

[TheEconWoman]

Beautiful dress. And you should be so proud that you persevered and got it done. We all have projects like this and more than once I have put it in the corner until it decided to behave! Who cares about HA. Making a beautiful dress, with a nice material is the ultimate goal.

[Cesteth]

love the oval full length mirror...love the ruffles on the top & the deep v in the back & the rose in the back

[StephanieCanada]

I think it turned out and you did a wonderful job!!

[michellecornum]

It really is beautiful! And the color looks perfectly antique. It is gorgeous!

[aroger]

Aaawww I think it turned out absolutely beautiful. I love the belt. I'm glad you kept it. You did an amazing job.

[ozwillowway]

I'd like to see your hats looks nice

[Rotten_Ralph]

It’s a beautiful dress... you are your own worst critic. Enjoy 😉 it’s beautiful.