Old Dear Needs Copy of Provocative Film Dress, Please Help

[Msarsebiscuit]

I am the old dear in question and I need a copy of Fenella Fielding's red dress in Carry on Screaming - looked for one for years and never found one, however I may be going to a burlesque Halloween event and I reckon my knockers on display in a vampy red velvet dress may just be the ticket.

I'm more than happy to commission one, but don't know where to start - I don't want fancy dress quality, I'm looking for something a bit err classier, if that's not a contradiction in terms.

And for you youngsters who are unaware of the Carry On ouevre redscharlach.livejournal.com/209496.html?thread=2834520 down at the bottom of the page.

Big thank you

That's some impressive corsetry!

I would look into getting one made so that it fits you properly and you can then be as authentic as possible. You can also get the right colour and "look". The dress has such a wide neck to show off the decollette which modern dresses don't really do.

I'd find the dress maker first and then discuss the dress with her. You will probably be able to find a dress pattern in Vogue/Burda/McCalls and then adapt it for the deep neck. Most dress makers should be able to source fabric, but if it's a friend with a machine then try online for the dark red fabric. (If it is a friend having a go - do a practise dress in cheap muslin first to check the fit)

You'll then need to get your own undercrackers sorted out - low cut bra/body so that you can wear it for fittings to make sure it won't show. The dress she is wearing has a proper corset underneath - would you wear something similar?

That's the best Carry on ever. Harry H Corbett makes me swoon.

Er, not sure about dress, sorry.

Try googling goth shops - some of them make to order, I think.

That dress is v similar to one that Laura Ashley did in about 1986 that I really, really wanted!

Looked at some patterns while DS was feeding
this is a vogue Badgely Mischka dress and bolero which could work? V2237 to look for it in the UK. This has alot of complex details like boning which you would need an experienced dress maker to make for you.

Or this is a more basic dress which you could lengthen arms and hem and cut the neckline to a more pronounced sweetheart shape. This would be easier to make than the first.

Hope this helps

I have made that Badgely Mischka dress a couple of times. It is the most wonderful pattern.

You make the boned corset and then basically hang the dress from it.

I love the idea of the sleeves being on the bolero.

Whatever pattern you buy I urge you to buy Vogue. They are cut true to size and the instructions are clear. Good luck.

Fairy Goth Mother might be able to help?

Thank you all so much for your suggestions, I bloody love MN Style & Beauty posters.
Loveinacold - that's a good idea, I frequently weep with longing over FGM ( if the NHS weren't such utter bastardos, I'd dress like that for work ).
Trumpton & Chocolateteabag, thank you - any idea how I'd get hold of a decent dressmaker ? Is there a directory of them or something ? ( I was taught needlework by a mad nun with a blue hairy mole - I know nothing of dressmaking ).
And Tethersend, you are a S&B legend, I love the clothes you link to and I've wanted Fenella Fielding's CoS dress since I was 7 ( disturbed 7 year old emoticon) .

I am absolutely no help in finding a dress maker. I am sorry but I only know me and I am not out for hire !! Bridal shops might be able to help or do you have a college of fashion that might point you in direction of a student?

Same advice as Trumpton - and also try putting a Q on the arts and crafts forum on MN. There are a few dress makers there so if you put where you are hopefully someone can help.

(I am a novice/bad/lazy dress maker so can't help you I'm afraid)

Thanks again, I shall take your advice and also have a word with Cocu and Chadwick in Manchester .

I've always loved that dress too. It is amazing. I reckon you need a costume maker,who does theatre/ballet stuff rather than a regular dressmaker. Call the national theatre?Royal ballet? I'm sure that plently of costume people would do things privately.

Thanks Hellymelly, I'm glad there are fellow admirers of that dress out there - for me it's the combination of the fabulous shape, beautiful colour and the velvet - proper velvet is so gorgeously tactile.
I had thought of trying to find theatrical dressmakers, but not really got very far.