Ask the Costume Goddess:

A Goddess Costume

by Dina Lydia

The Question

Dear Costume Goddess:

I am 15 years old and I have a 16th birthday coming up in August. I want to do a belly dancing show for my family. It may sound weird but it's different, you know.The usual 16th birthday for females is a big birthday party with balloons, DJ's, and huge unnecessary little girl things. For my 16th, I want to be an image of a beautiful and seductive goddess. I always have been interested in Gypsies and goddesses. So this is my year to have a special but different but memorable birthday! I wanted to know if you could give me some make-up tips (lipsticks, eyeshadows, and eyeliners; body jewels; seductive hairstyles). And what color do you think is wonderful for this occasion? I would really appreciate your opinion!

--Le'Toya

The Costume Goddess Responds

Dear Le'Toya,

You are wise to seek artistic advice on this matter. You, as a belly dancer, need a breathtaking look for your birthday.

For this occasion, I'd avoid black (too old), white (too angelic) and too many gaudy colors together (not goddesslike). Choose one theme color that looks gorgeous on you, then you can add silver, gold, or bronze.

To look Goddesslike, adorn your face and hair. Try jewels glued to your forehead or cheeks (or navel!) with spirit gum (available in costume supply shops) or tribal tattoos drawn on with colored make-up pencil. Glittery skin, hair and lip cosmetics are inexpensive in any drugstore. Practice making up your eyes to the max with dark liner. Be bold, be exotic, but again, avoid the gaudiest, clownlike colors.

Your hair: try a single braid or many with gold ropes or strings of pearls twisted in; a jeweled headband with pendants hanging on your forehead; a metallic scarf twisted into a thick rope around your head; or a spray of feathers. Look in craft shops for these items at low cost. For something really outstanding, wear a Cleopatra wig (available in my area for $20 or so), or a coin or beaded headdress such as they sell in Egyptian import shops or costume supply shops. Prices vary. This photo (to the right) shows me in my warrior princess costume, along with my friends Sa'ida, Goddess of Spring; Liz, and Emenke at Seattle's Mythological Ball. Click on it to see the photo in more detail.

Search secondhand and vintage stores, and flea markets to find Goddesslike veils, necklaces, bracelets, armbands, earrings, toe rings, and nose rings (if that's your preference). A beautiful necklace can also be worn as a headband or braid adornment. A long earring can be a tassel. Pendants, beads, and coins can be sewn to the hem of a midriff shirt or skirt. A face veil can create a look of mysterious allure!

Happy, wonderful 16th birthday, have fun with it!

--The Costume Goddess

Additional Comments from Shira

If the type of goddess you'd like to portray is an Egyptian one, you may want to consider Arabella's instructions on how to make an Egyptian broad collar, headband, wristbands, and dress, as shown in this photo.
If you decide to go with the look of an Egyptian goddess, use heavy eyeliner. Extend it in a line from the outer corner of the eye toward the hairline, as shown in this section of the drawing of the Three Musicians from the Tomb of Nakht in the Valley of the Nobles near Luxor, Egypt. Click on the image to see it in more detail.

Related Articles

Other articles on this web site related to depicting a goddess as a dancer include:

About the Costume Goddess

Dina has been sewing for more than twenty-five years (yes, she started as a toddler!) She's also an artist (Maryland Institute of Art) and perfected her sewing techniques apprenticed to various designers, freelancing for small theaters, restyling vintage garments, and altering wedding gowns. Dina fell in love with belly dancing costumes upon her very first lesson. Now the pleasure of wearing her own designs, and seeing others wear them, offers as much pleasure as dancing. She's become expert as well in altering those troublesome ready-made Egyptian costumes, and modifying designs to flatter individual figures. She holds workshops in Seattle to teach design and construction of cabaret costumes, and analysis of figure characteristics. She will also give private lessons, or resize or repair a secondhand costume. She's thus earned her Costume Goddess title.

The Costume Goddess Tells All Costuming Books Dina has published six books of her own on belly dance costuming as well as writing nearly all the costuming section for The Belly Dance Book. For information on her series of books, The Costume Goddess Tells All, see her web site at www.costumegoddess.com. For reviews here on Shira.net of some of her books, see: Volume 1: Flattering Costume for Bellydancers. Advice on designing a belly dance costume that will look flattering for your figure type. Volume 2: Easy Costume for Bellydancers. Explains how to create easy-to-make costume items if you have very little sewing experience. Volume 3: Cabaret Belt and Bra for Bellydancers. Detailed instructions for making your own bra/belt set. Emphasis on the beaded/sequined look, but some coin information too. Volume 4: Arm Costume for Bellydancers. Creative ideas for sleeves, armbands, gauntlets, and drapes. Volume 5: Tribal Toppings for Bellydancers. Cholis, vests, and other tops suitable for U.S. Tribal costuming. Volume 6: Thrifty Chic for Bellydancers. Transforming thrift shop bargains into belly dance costume pieces. Volume 7: Headpieces for Bellydancers. Many simple, inexpensive ideas for costuming from the neck up.

Costume Goddess Photos

To view a photo gallery featuring pictures of Dina, costumes she has designed, and her friends, either click on the choices below or visit her web site:

• Part 1: Regular Costumes
• Part 2: Novelty Costumes

The contents of this page are copyrighted 2009 by Dina Lydia. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is forbidden.

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