My Arwen Dress
a.k.a. "The Matrix Undomiel"
Like so many people with a DVD player and a sewing machine, I wanted to recreate one of Arwen's many gorgeous dresses, specifically the chase dress. But, I thought, what would be the fun of wearing something that looked just like what was on the screen? Something that was clearly the copy of a dress known by millions and made by people better than me? Not much, I figured. It also didn't fit my personality just so. So what did I do? I tweaked it.
I am, by admission, a Friday afternoon Goth, so I like black. And though I find little of use in the Matrix movies, I must admit I love the tailoring. So I decided to make myself the coat dress Arwen might have worn were she ducking agents and other such stuff. Hence, the Matrix Undomiel. And the first major change to the costume, the color.
I knew I wasn't going to be able to find suede, much less work with it, so I chose black cotton velveteen, for its color and nice heft. I found a flocked suiting with a leaf pattern on it, perfect for the collar. It was a remnant with enough to go around, so I lined the lower sleeve with it as well. Finally, I used purple, my signature color, for the inner sleeves. They are detachable, and there is a red brocade sleeve waiting to go in their place whenever I want.
Before I talk about the construction, I must thank Alley Cat Scratch's LOTR costume site for the dizzying research on the costumes from those movies. Couldn't have made this dress without their help. Of course, that's probably how you found this page, so thanks to them again.
The pattern I used was Simplicity 9891 with some modifications. From the waist up, the dress is shaped like the one in the movie. The front closure is functional; I got those metal frogs people like to use to close knit sweaters for the front, just to be different. The skirt is in four panels, but overall it is longer and more even, though I was winging it.
Here are some pictures taken by my friend Becky. I have some more Matrix-y pics that I may put up some day. The necklace is a chain mail number I got at a Renaissance Faire. In my hands I hold Gwemegil, the walking stick my husband gave me for Christmas one year.
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