This is from Episode 2, This costume was copied from Star Wars' Queen Amidala. Many pictures were reviewed via internet and recreated by the wearer. It was time consuming: it took three weeks to make. The head piece was created by using paper maché and other lightweight materials. The dress and headpiece together weigh about 50 lbs. and it is HOT! All patterns were created in the mind of this costumer. No part of this reproduction was made by anyone other than Leah Levin herself. Including the baby Luke!
On Stage Announcement
Written by Leah Levin
Tell me about making the costume
Lets see, I started making the costume about a month before the con. I decided to be Amidala just to see if I could do it better than everyone else. I actually expected there to be more Amidalas than there were. I was thinking maybe 20 or 30. The reason I thought that was because there were a lot of people there. The costume cost me about $150 to make and I spent the whole month, day and night, to make it. I can say I took 8 hours a night break to sleep. Other than that I worked on it.
Had you always planned to carry the baby?
At first I had the idea of taking the baby with me, but he was being fussy for awhile. I ended up getting overwhelmed and forgetting, then adding him in last minute.
What is was like wearing it all day?
I wore the outfit for the first part of the day because I had planned to enter the contest and I didn't know when it was. When I found out and signed in I went and changed clothing. I was smart to bring a change with me in case of getting tired of heavy fabric.
What it was like backstage?
Back stage we ( my b/f and I) were having problems keeping my baby from screaming his head off. It was about 10 by the time we got on stage and his bedtime is 9, so we were having a pissy baby. We had to let him crawl around and watch him. Most of the time I was out of line, and my den mother ( the person that helps with your costume and answers questions) was making sure I knew where my place was.
What was it like on stage?
On stage was neat, and my baby finally got his wish, 4,000 people all looking at HIM. It was his dream day. He was so preoccupied that he forgot to grab my headpiece and tear it off my head.
Did you think you'd win?
I wasn't sure if I would win or not. People think it's because of my baby. I think I did have the best costume. I worked very hard and I didn't have any help. That was the biggest part actually, the not having anyone to help me make it. Back stage I asked some of the Amidalas who made their costumes and such. Most of them said they had help.
What was winning like?
It was weird when I won, I kinda freaked out because I wasn't expecting there to be so many people there. I didn't think it was THAT big of a deal really.
What did you do after the show?
After the show I changed clothing, as you can see from my picture of me without the costume, you cant really tell it was me. especially with it being only an hour after and I had changed so quickly. Also I happen to be one of the gothics there. So from main stream Amidala to goth, its hard to tell who I was. Then I went downstairs to cheer on my b/f who played in the Quake tournament. He didn't win, but that's ok, cause I love him anyway. He came in 6th. He is used to capture the flag so it was a bit different for him.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to make costumes for people, online ordering and such. I'm sure it will be hard, I hope I am up to it : }. And of course back to my mask making. And being the best mom I can to our little boy.
If you're in a picture, please click here!
See the Contacts page to contact those pictured or mentioned.
Also, Please do me the courtesy of asking before using any of MY pictures.
| July 23, 1999 By Stefan Oestreicher stefanoest@iname.com |
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