Cleopatra is a woman in history on whom male pens have layered story upon story, making it hard to know who she really was. Every retelling of her image, always from a male perspective was dictated by the sensibilities of the artist’s time.
She is a powerful image, constantly in formation.
The costume gives the illusion of a serpent shedding their skin for a new Cleopatra. Taking inspiration from cobras, an important symbol of protection, enduring power and rebirth in ancient Egyptian mythology. The hip proportions were altered, bringing them forwards with padding to create a silhouette resembling the curves of a cobra, and those of the original V&A headpiece worn by Vivienne Leigh in 1945 “Cesar and Cleopatra”.
The fabric is a silk and lurex organza, that was printed and then heated to recreate the snake shed effect. The headpiece was 3D printed and foiled, and had teardrop glass beads falling at the sides.
Worn by Ellie Todd.
The Costume was worn in a performance at the V&A Museum during the 2024 performance Festival “Remastered”.
Third year costume design students were invited to take inspiration from objects in the film section of the museum’s collection.
This costume was included by UAL in their SHOWCASE.
Sketchbook and making process
