Frank"‘n’Furter’s tattoo inspired heart bustier - red silk taffeta w/ hand laid black rhinestones.
Frank’s Dinner Jacket
As a huge Rocky Horror fan, I have always wanted an opportunity to design my own versions of the iconic movie looks. I was given this opportunity for Kitchen Sink’s Rock Horror shadowcast at Brooklyn Art Haus.
Frank’n’Furter moodboard and sketches
For Frank’n’Furter’s main stage look I created a heart shaped bustier covered in red silk taffeta and bedazzled with the word “Boss” as a nod to the tattoo Tim Curry’s Frank has on his arm in the film. I paired that with little pink viscose jersey bloomers with a ruffled-butt I had made a few months prior to this project to keep the look colorful, feminine and sexy!
I made a clear vinyl lab coat with leather piping and faux blood squishing around in between layers of the vinyl, and band-aids adorning the shoulders to add over top the main look for the lab scenes. I wanted my version of the lab coat to be more flesh-y and medical to touch on the Frankenstein themes of the scene.
For the dinner scene, and the whipping and gore that it contains; I wanted a vague ring-leader vibe to reflect Frank’s need to be in charge of the show. I tore apart a red blazer I found at goodwill, leaving the collar and hems raw to reflect how Frank was “coming apart at the seams”. I wanted to keep the punk pins of the original leather jacket from the film, so handmade diy-ing them felt like the most punk way to go. I also added military-esque shoulder as I wanted a napoleanoic dictator nod.
Frank’s Finale gown was my favorite piece I made for this show. The look starts with a little black mini dress, paired with a napoleonic bi-corn hat containing a giant peacock feather. Mid-way thru the dramatic ballad the white bow at the neck is pulled off, transforming the dress into a long white gown with a lace-up corset back and hip pads for shape. Styled with a pearl ball gag as a nod to Frank’s pearl necklace, and a red peep toe pump for a pop of color. This ballad is Frank’s big surrender, so I wanted to create the most captivating “white flag” for this slower part of the show.
Here are close-up detail shots of the Lab Coat worn over the starting look.
For Colombia I made these adorable little yellow gingham bloomer shorts to go over a vintage 80’s aerobics leotard/leg warmers I sourced. I added more diy punk pins for a groupie vibe, including an “I <3 Eddie” pin. I kept her colors fun and bold with primary colors, to contrast her finale look, which is black & white, when she is under Frank’s control for the floor show.
For Janet, I wanted to keep with the innocent white lingerie look but add a little bit of secret freak. I made her this white slip skirt out of deadstock Oscar de la Renta lining with a see-thru lace yoke to reveal a pink thong underneath. I sourced a similarly sheer white bra to be paired with matching pink pasties underneath.
For Rocky I stuck with the classic gold, but added a jock touch. I made the halter bra-top with a hood out of gold spandex to match the little gold hot pants.
lambskin leather bra with pearl nipple and pearl trim. Custom made for the show.
