Today was our traveling day from Memphis to St. Louis. We had a little treat and visited the famous Graceland. We wondered around Elvis Presley’s mansion for at least an hour admiring all the little details. Each room was more elaborate than the next. The rooms each had a distinctive theme that all would inspire a new and a fun costume.
His living room would make a great cabaret costume. The room is ordained with crisp white carpet and white furniture. Bright blue curtains spice up the fresh white. And to top it off, red, yellow, and blue stained glass frames the door way, adding a shine factor. Two huge peacocks are inserted in the stained glass. Just imagine a full white skirt with a blue insert peaking out when the dancer spins. And a sequin bra and belt set made to replicate the gorgeous stained glass. The beading could give the illusion of peacocks, but in the red, blue and yellow color scheme, not the traditional peacock colors. It could be quite a classy look.
The pool room was covered head to toe with pleated paisley patterned carpet. It had a masculine feel mixed with the feminine softness of the fabric. The deep green of the pool table top was accentuated by the fabric walls and ceiling. More stained glass was used in the room’s main lighting fixture. A vintage tribal costume with some sparkle could be created. Maybe pants with a panel skirt made of paisley fabric could be the base. The belt and bra could incorporate the same fabric but pleated throughout the outfit with pieces of glass beads and stones to create a stained glass affect.
His den and hideaway area was the most graphic and 60’s inspired. The walls were painted with graphic shapes in blue and yellow. The bar contained bright yellow bar stools and table tops. The fire place was decorated with mirror from floor to ceiling. Also the entire ceiling was mirrored. TVs and records lined the room. And lastly it was accented with yellow carpet and a deep blue couch that wrapped around the entire room. This could inspire both cabaret and tribal costumes. The mirrors definitely could play into the beading and shine of the costume. A draping of silver reflective sequins could hang down one slit of the skirt and even weave into the lower half; giving the appearance of dripping broken mirror pieces. The graphic circular shapes and lines could be used to create an interesting sleeve.
The last inspiring room was his jungle room. Boy this one has almost everything. A custom water fall made of stone and plants. Fur chairs and couches with hand carved wood bases. Huge monkey, elephant, and tiger figurines. And plush green carpet. Quite a room. A rustic animal print skirt with a textured belt would be amazing. Especially if the skirt was for fitting with a slit down one leg. Feathers, stones, and touches of green could make a fun bra and belt set. A nice anklet could add some animal spice to it. Lastly a head piece, placed on the opposite side as the slit, made with an exotic flower, leaves, and animal print fabric would top it all off. A great tribal edge could be added as well. Large metallic pieces and tooth like pieces could enhance the roughness of the belt.
Graceland could make some amazing bellydance costumes. Thanks to the traveling involved with the Club Bellydance tour, now I have some great inspirations. Now off to St. Louis for our next show!
