Scarlet Witch with Dark Eyes

Model/Costumer: Me!
Photographer: AStevens Photography (www.modelmayhem.com/2689861)


Scarlet Witch was always my favorite Avenger when I read the comics. Awhile ago, I went back and revisited the trade graphic novels when Kurt Busiek was writing it and George Perez was illustrating. The belly dancer's outfit Wanda had was beautiful, and I wish most other artists would continue giving her that look, instead of the traditional bodysuit.

Scarlet Witch Costume Construction: The headpiece is an original design of mine~I spent quite awhile researching elven tiaras, and drawing sketches to get the look I wanted. Since I wanted to go more elegant with her costume, I figured a more fantasy-esque headpiece was needed. I crafted it out of Worbla, which is fantastic to newbie prop makers like myself! The top is made from a Victoria's Secret Miracle Bra. I cut off all the straps, and hand stitched the fabric onto the bust cups. (I used a GORGEOUS silk blend fabric from a local Austin fashion fabric store called TexStyle) I added O rings to the top of the bra and created jeweled straps out of necklaces from Charming Charlies. The jewels stop around my neck and a cloth strap was added on so I can tie it on behind my neck. The back straps were drafted, then hand stitched on so I can tie it on my back. All the lace on this costume was dyed, some were natural fibers, and I could dip dye them, some were synthetic and I had to boil dye those. I added lace around where the back straps attach to the bust cups, since there was too harsh of a division line. The jeweled flowers were from two hair clips, this time from Icing by Claire's. I had to take the dremel drill to those, since they didn't want to detach from their hair combs. The ropes of gems are from JoAnn's (hooray for their coupons!) and glued on. The gems arching across the top of the bra (originally bracelets-again xoxo to my dremel drill) and the center jewel pin came from Charming Charlies. The danging red and clear gems detach from the bra with snaps so I can hand wash my top! The skirt is mounted on bikini bottoms (boy shorts styled so my Dignity is covered if the wind blows). Originally the boy short bikini bottoms had loooong side ties, so I cut those off and hand stitched them onto two O rings. The waist placard is three layers of fabric-satin, iron on interfacing-satin *ironed together to provide rigidity* and my silk blend fabric. This was hand stitched onto the boy shorts. Ropes of gems were glued on, and a few Charming Charlies necklaces and earrings were sacrificed for Fashion's Sake. (the bottom point of the placards have Charming Charlie's necklaces with a dangling Charming Charlies earring). I bought TONS of iron on Swarovski crystals and used the heat adhesive took to iron each one on. The mini peplum is hand gathered fabric hand stitched to the back of the placard, with more iron on gems. I had to sacrifice more Charming Charlie's earrings to hold the point down, it kept wanting to curl up! The long skirt has lace on the bottom, layering them for an elegant effect. The swing flags are rectangular strips of fabric with hand stitched in necklace-they ball jointed ones similar to a dog tag styled necklace. This allows me to swing them around and have them flap beautifully! (I learned to make these from Dyed4You's blog: dyed4you.com/blog/2011/03/how-… )

Final Thoughts: After making Blair the Cat Original Lolita style, I'm falling in love with creating original takes on characters! My vanity took a backseat, and I made sure to do a LOT of situps for this costume (30 Day Ab Challenge *I did it TWICE* nsfitbitch.files.wordpress.com… ). Although Wanda has two cannon belly dancer costumes-George Perez's in Avengers and Joe Mad's in Ultimate Avengers-I wanted something with a lot of flair! I took elements from both their art, and incorporated a lot of personal touches! If you want to buy gems in bulk, I recommend The Rhinestone Guy (www.rhinestoneguy.com/ ) I kept buying my gems a few packages at a time from Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics, and even with coupons I still ended up dropping a LOT of money. Rhinestone Guy will save you big! Also, I really don't recommend the Iron On Swarovski crystals if you're going to do a lot of gem detailing. I ended up burning through six or seven 8 packs of batteries! The glue on method may take a bit longer, but will be more budget! I love how elegant this costume came out, and will keep up with my physique to keep modeling it! I hope Avengers and Scarlet Witch fans enjoy my original take on Wanda!