Belle was my hero as a child. She always had her nose in a book (like I did) and her best friend was a horse (another thing we had in common)! As an adult, I watched La Belle et la Bête and loved the stylization which inspired so much of the Disney classic. I decided to do a more accurate historical French gown for my Belle, but still stayed true to the colors in the film. There are over 40 yards of fabric in this outfit. A traditional bodice is worn underneath the gown to give it the appropriate shape.
I created this costume for the 2011 Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball in Los Angeles. It’s an incredible event, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes costumes! They are incredible!
**This costume was created before I started my blog. Sorry that I didn’t document its creation! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions!**
Do you have any tips on how you made both costumes? these are the most beautiful by far compared to anything out there, even the costumes that could be bought.
Hello Ally,
I just used a pattern I bought for the Belle gown with a few tweaks to make it more historically accurate. Sadly, I can’t remember what the pattern was. If you can find a good pattern of a 1770’s Europe dress it will be the same thing I was going for. Save up and get excellent fabric. It makes all the difference.
I did not have time to make both costumes before the event we were attending. A friend of mine made the Prince/Beast outfit: http://www.twinrosesdesigns.com/