The Masquerade Fairies Collection is made up of four fairies, Brittany (http://www.facebook.com/brittany.walloch) as the Blue Masquerade Fairy, Vani (http://www.creatureofhabit.me) as the Indigo Masquerade Fairy, Adella (http://www.adellacosplay.com) as the Lavender Masquerade Fairy, and myself as the Pink Masquerade Fairy. Every girl deserves to be treated like a princess. I derive so much joy from turning my friends into these mythical characters for a day, dressing them in beautiful gowns and placing them in an environment to match. This is a dream project in collaboration with Photographer Indigo (http://www.indigoversephotography.com). With the talent of Indigo, the beauty of these ladies, and help of my friends we have brought these fantasies to fruition! Each gown was designed to be something that encompasses my vision of what fairies would wear to a Masquerade Ball. When designing the four fairies I sketched out the things that first come to mind when you think of the classic fairy princess: butterfly-shaped wings, flowing gowns, and long, wind-swept hair. These are the creature you find in castle courtyards, hedge mazes, and royal gardens. Pruned and proper, elegant and refined, every gem, every flower, was thoughtfully placed to work in harmony creating the visage of a fairy princess in full regalia. - The Blue Masquerade Fairy This was the first dress I made in the Masquerade Fairy Collection. I asked my friend Brittany to model for me, and she proved to be the perfect model for this dress, portraying an image of innocence and elegance that truly befit a princess from a classic fairy tale. Lucky for us, it was cherry blossom season at Balboa Park in Van Nuys, California, so I called Indigo and planned a photo shoot under the trees. When I first started watching anime like "Sailor Moon" I though it was so romantic when cherry blossom petals fluttering around the characters. Seeing Brittany being so beautiful under the cherry trees was a dream come true. I think the pink trees and blue of the dress are such wonderfully complimentary colors together. The inspiration for her gown came from her necklace. I found the leafy necklace set on e-bay and though how lovely it would be to find fabric with that same leafy design. Lucky I found just what I was looking for, both the white embroidered organza and blue taffeta has the leafy pattern. On the neckline and armband I sewed random gems and lacy bits. I like to think that this fairy attached these ordainment she found to her gown, little things that are precious to her. - The Pink Masquerade Fairy This is exactly what I wanted to look like when I was seven haha! The inspiration for this costume comes from all the girly dolls from the 80's I played with as a child. “Lady Lovely Locks” and my princess “Barbie” dolls. I placed gilded appliqués of flowers and vines growing up the bodice. Butterflies were also used multiple times though out the design. They are attached through out the skirt, the center of the chest, and finally the classic butterfly wings. We chose the USC clock tower for the photoshoot location, it looks like the court yard of a castle. The carved pillars, and bubbling fountain were perfect! - The Indigo Masquerade Fairy The fabric that makes up the center front of the skirt and corset was the inspiration fabric for the entire gown. I wanted something dramatic without coming across as “sinister”. I designed her headdress after the paintings of Alphonse Mucha. The round medallions mimic the appliqué that is on her corset. Her spindly wings match the shape of the top of her sleeves. I made a small train at the back of the skirt, and I love the way it billows while she's seated. Both the Indigo Fairy and Lavender Fairy were shot at Balboa Park in San Diego, California. There are so many beautiful backgrounds to choose from, we found a wishing well, lake, and grassy meadow that were ideal! - The Lavender Masquerade Fairy This dress I found in a thrift store. It was hanging above the racks in a corner of the store. I asked the the woman who worked there if she would show it to me. She said she had worked at that store for four years and had never realized that it was even there! Once she showed me the train, I instantly imagined turning this wedding dress into a fairy gown. I dyed the gown and stitched on little flowers through out. I also made larger organza flowers to place through out the bottom of the skirt. It looks at though she was wading through a lily pond and when we walked out the flowers stuck to her train. The lace on the sleeves might be one of my favorite parts, it reminds me of the way wisteria drapes from lattice archways. For her hair I curled it and piled half of it in a bun. I made a flower hair band styled like ones you see in Grecian art. Her wings are a very sweet and classic butterfly shape with large silver dewdrops. This is first time I have not made an entire fairy costume from scratch, I'm very pleased with the over all feel of this costume. It's very sweet & angelic. For more photos, info, and videos of these costumes visit http://www.firefly-path.net