Seven Guitars - Milwaukee Rep

Louise’s Party Dress

Marsha Estell as Louise and Vincent Jordan as Canewell

I worked on this dress and matching bolero from mock-up to finishing, preparing with my draper to send along the assembly instructions to Cincinnati Playhouse for the subsequent co-production. The fabric was somewhat challenging to work with as it had both weight and stretch, though it took to the scallops and sharp corners of the bolero very well. The dress has pockets at the side seams and a lapped zipper at center back (also where my first hand assisted me with pattern matching). It was finished in the bodice with the same polka-dot lining as the bolero. I also completed the belt with guidance from my first-hand: a strip of matching fabric was hand-sewn around sturdy belting, then topped with snaps. The brooch was anchored to a small swatch of fabric with snaps, for easy removal.

Click on images to expand:

Ruby’s Blouse

Saran Bakari as Ruby

For Ruby’s day-to-day look, the designer asked for a near-replica of a blouse from her research (see the second image). My draper removed the collar from a pre-existing blue chiffon blouse. I stitched the gathers in place along a piece of sturdy ribbon, then applied cotton bias tape on a form to allow for the curve of the neck and shoulders.

Click on images to expand:

Shop Credits:

  • Costume Director: Nicholas Hartman

  • Assistant Costume Director: Bina Bieker

  • Design Assistant: Destiny Harris

  • Senior Draper: Alexander B. Tecoma

  • Draper: Micky Simmons

  • First Hand: Katie Leonard

  • Stitchers: Kas Rodriguez and Sarah Hemken

  • Costumes Apprentice: Emma Frieze

Show Credits:

Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Spring 2022)

  • Written by August Wilson

  • Directed by Ron OJ Parson

  • Costume Design by Yvonne L. Miranda

  • Photography by Michael Broslow