Over the past few years, Sarah (@Sewlateadoe on instagram) has commissioned several historical wigs from us. We thought it would be fun to talk with Sarah about her costuming, her travels and – of course, her wigs!
You costume from a lot of eras, would you tell our readers which ones?
I have made costumes from the late 15th century to the early 19th. I also make fantasy costumes for combat larp. My specialty is the late 18th century.
What are some of the features or elements that really speak to you from those eras?
I really adore the silhouettes of the 18th century. I love how you can shape your form with the correct undergarments to create such visually appealing shapes that are perfect for showing off fabric, trim, and dress features. Crisp knife pleats and swarms of frilly ruffles just bring me so much joy!
Sarah’s ‘hedgehog’ wig, which she restyled to wear with her amazing pirate costume. Photo by Mark Edwards Photography.
Do you have one favorite historical time and place?
Probably the late 1770s. Hair is still tall, but not overly exaggerated. Split rumps create beautiful lines down the backs of gowns that radiate into pleats. Styles begin expanding creatively with expanding global influences into the 1780s, but court styles maintain classic exaggerated proportions. Georgiana Cavendish and Marie Antoinette are the style icons of the time, and there’s a reason we still follow in their footsteps today.
You go to Carnivale regularly, what’s that like as a costumer?
It really is like a dream. Late at night when the mists are rising off of the canal and the silence is only broken by the waters lapping at ancient stones, it is truly otherworldly. When you spend so much time studying the methods of historical dressmaking, it is incredible to be surrounded by the work of historical artisans. The architectural details, palazzos with ornately painted frescoes, and the food…oh my goodness the food. It is also really wonderful to be able to meet so many talented artists and dance the night away together. It’s a very special place that makes me feel like less of a hobbyist and more of a part of an artist collective.
Do you attend other historical or costume-related events?
I was invited to a Renaissance event on the east coast last year and that was really wonderful because it’s a newer era for me. I also go larping once a month. My character is an Archduchess who is always getting herself into trouble, so I love making new costumes that reflect her character development (that she can also sword fight in).
How did you get interested in historical costuming? Do you generally sew your own garments?
Believe it or not, it was actually my pandemic hobby! I had been curious about it before, but I never thought that I could actually make the big historic gowns I so admired. The pandemic brought about big changes for everyone, and sewing became my new mental health practice. It helped me challenge a lot of my negative self views, and I found both confidence and community because of it.
Photo by Mark Edwards Photography
Over the years, you’ve commissioned three custom historical wigs from us and each is a unique color and style. How did you choose the color, style, era, etc for each of the wigs? And what’s it like changing hair colors between the wigs?
I am pretty adept at styling my own hair, but I find photoshoot days to be particularly stressful. I’m also usually busy sewing until the last minute, so having a perfectly styled wig makes life so much easier! My first wig was based on Keira Knightley’s hair in The Duchess. That’s probably my favorite movie, and I’ve remade a couple of the costumes from the film.
My second wig is in my natural hairstyle, and I originally had that styled as a 1780s “hedgehog” wig, but more recently restyled it for my pirate look. My most recent wig is a lovely red color, based on an Italian painting for my 16th century Venetian courtesan gown. I have had my own hair dyed blonde, brunette, and red, so I thought that it would be fun to be able to transform my historical looks as well!
Sarah’s three wigs at the studio after styling. All three wigs are handmade custom items, tailored to fit her head. Over the years, Sarah has sent two of them in for cleaning and style changes. The wigs are made from human hair and were designed to support style changes and the use of matching hairpieces.
The first wig Sarah commissioned from us, seen after a style change. This is the wig she is wearing in the red dress photo above.
Each of Sarah’s wigs is a full custom built piece, handmade for her and tailored to fit her head. She chose a different color for each wig using our custom color swatches.
The three wigs were each styled initially based on images Sarah provided. Over time, two of the wigs have been restyled – most of our historical wigs have the flexibility to be dressed in a wide range of styles from many eras!
Sarah’s most recent wig, a 16th century style in a gorgeous light red. Seen here in the studio and on Sarah at Carnivale.
What’s next for you in terms of sewing/costuming projects? Any big events on the horizon?
I’m going to comic con at the end of July 2024, so I’ll be working on some cosplays which are a bit out of my wheelhouse. Then I have an 18th century Halloween event, Carnivale next February, and then I hope to finally make it to Versailles next June! Of course I also have larp costumes to make in between all of that, so it will be a busy summer!
You can follow Sarah on instagram @Sewlatedoe and keep up with all of her gorgeous gowns and travels!
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