Creative costumes for every occasion
Mansfield Park By Jane Austen
University Speculative Project
Making For Mary Crawford:
Designed for Mary Crawford, a fictional theatrical adaptation (1850s)
This costume was created for a high-budget, fictional stage production—a theatrical melodrama set in the 1850s—featuring Mary Crawford, a charismatic and ambitious social climber. Designed specifically for a pivotal dance scene, the dress captures Mary’s need to command attention and embody sophistication.
The gown features flowing red chiffon chosen for its visual boldness and graceful movement under stage lighting. Beneath, a glittered petticoat adds dimension and sparkle, enhancing her presence and catching the eye with every turn. The vibrant red symbolizes both desire and danger—reflecting Mary’s complex character and social aspirations.
In addition to its aesthetic impact, the design is highly practical for the demands of live theatre. It incorporates hidden fastenings and adjustable features to allow for rapid costume changes and flexible sizing, accommodating different cast members across performances.
This piece balances period accuracy with theatrical flair, blending historical inspiration with the heightened drama of the stage.
Designing Ten Characters - Mansfield Park:
For this project, I designed costumes for ten characters from Mansfield Park, focusing on how clothing conveys personality and social status.
I especially enjoyed the research phase, which helped translate character contrasts into visual design. Fanny Price’s delicate dress reflects her gentle nature, while Mary Crawford’s bold red gown emphasizes their on-stage tension.
One of my favourite designs is the maid’s costume, blending warmth with traditional servant attire. I used color and fabric to highlight class differences—muted, rough textures for lower-class characters and vibrant, extravagant materials for the upper class—deepening the narrative on stage.
