ALCYONE

This modest costume design of Alcyone is intended for a musical. Based on Ovid’s Metamorphosis, this costume intends to portray Alcyone’s transformation from both emotional and physical aspects. Dressed in many layers hiding her figure, the layers symbolize her burdens. For each layer she takes off, she relieves herself of more burden but inches closer to losing her human form.

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The costume is characterized by a brown coat that belongs to her husband as the outermost layer, a silky translucent midi dress as night dress, short earthly-toned flowy skirt and a leotard as the innermost and final piece of clothing. Accessories such as pearls, ropes and feathers are used to hint at her character, identity as a Goddess of Sea, Moon and Tranquility and eventual transformation into a bird.

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Inspired by ballet tutus of Swan Lake productions, Alcyone’s transformation is hinted at through the feather-like patterns on her leotard and on the inside of the coat. When flipped inside out and reassembled using Velcro, the coat becomes her wings allowing for dramatic sound and visual performance. The pivotal moment is realized when Alcyone is in her leotard and has her blue wings outstretched with a beak mask on her face.