Amneris' Mummy Outfit: Research
Amneris' Mummy Outfit from the Broadway musical AIDA consists of three pieces: a fitted ruffled dress, a ruffled mantle, and matching Egyptian-style headdress.
Dress - The ruffled dress is made from a reddish fabric, looks like cotton or silk (the color in picture #1 is horribly off). The ruffles are approximately 1" wide and run parallel to the floor. The dress is strapless, very fitted, floor length. If we go by the construction of the Wedding Outfit, the dress has side zippers running from under the breasts over the fullest part of the hips so that the dress is easier to put on. Again, going by the Wedding Outfit, the back probably closes with velcro (theatre trick). Most likely, the velcro only runs from the neck to the back of the knees, leaving the knee to the ground free so that Amneris can walk.
Mantle - The mantle is made from a batik fabric, in shades of red and gold. The ruffles are the same width as the dress, approx. 1" wide, and also run parallel to the floor. The mantle has no sleeves and is floor length. It has no visible means of closure. Most likely, the mantle has "shoulder straps" much like Eowyn's Starry Mantle. These straps are hidden under the arm, but allow the wearer to move about without the mantle falling off of the shoulders.
Headdress & Accessories - Amneris wears an Egyptian-style headdress, the same red color as her dress. It has a golden emblem decoration on the front, and a veil in the same red fabric which covers the back of the neck. The headdress is 'ribbed' and the flat top is slightly skewed to the front. It covers all of her hair and the back of her head (but not her ears). Amneris also wears gold bead necklace decorated with what looks like bones.
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