Making a Historically Accurate Maleficent Cosplay III- the Reveal!

[@Thisweekdayroom]

Maleficient was just super fashion-forward for the setting of the film.

[@nautilusbelauensis6292]

This comment made me smile

[@mirjanbouma]

If you're an evil antagonist and you're not being fashion forward, what are you even doing?

[@mnels5214]

@@mirjanbouma And, they can wear capes. Not heroes, though. No capes.

[@HeraldHealer]

Clearly being an evil fairy queen is a perfect reason for being 100 years ahead of the trend.

[@HeraldHealer]

@@mnels5214 I see you too have learned from Edna.

[@doritawithoutdoritos6533]

Mistress of All Evil? More like Mistress of All Fabulousness. The whole look is just fantastic and I especially liked the way fabric moved in the wind. Absolutely gorgeous costume in every way

[@cincocats320]

OMG...the rustling of the silk was so satisfying. A really fantastic project. I agree the wimple was necessary to achieve the mood, and I feel like it is totally in character for Maleficent to say "I don't care if this headgear isn't worn together, I WILL do as I please." I love how the Minion was just like "yes this is my life" there at the end. So cute.

[@christineherrmann205]

A metal cap on the business end might also be A Period Thing, and give you the ringing sound. If you wanted to go that route, you could even spray paint the entire thing black, and you wouldn't know it wasn't metal unless you got close. This is the best cosplay, hands-down. You look INSANELY good.

[@bellemeri8155]

I was thinking that myself.

[@m.maclellan7147]

I was thinking a small light below the crystal ball could "light up" the ball for an awesome effect ! Use a small battery, naturally! You could hide the switch easily !

[@EH23831]

Agree the staff needs to be black...

[@ragnkja]

@@m.maclellan7147 The switch could even be in the cap at the base!

[@23rdFoot]

I would stain the wood rather than spray paint, but yes, dark if not black.

[@frenetic_muse]

This.... THIS! This is just.... **chef's kiss** All of the historical Disney outfits have been so good but wow Nicole. This is just next level. Amazing job!

[@journeyoflovelight]

I agree.

[@wendynordstrom3487]

I couldn't agree more! Stunning!

[@theguest3389]

I always say F**k Nicole your so EXTRA!!!😜🤩😜 In a good way!!!

[@alejandramoreno6625]

This and Krolina's are my favourites so far

[@elven1713]

Soooo good!

[@henrywolfe4739]

"Why would you take that time to knit a pair of stockings by hand"? *looks down at the sock I'm knitting while watching this video* Yeah, I see why most people wouldn't do this. *back to knitting my sock*

[@johannageisel5390]

Is the sock as finely knitted as the stockings in those days?

[@henrywolfe4739]

@@johannageisel5390 I wish! It's my first time working with sock yarn, though, and I'm not sure my hands could tolerate any finer work until I get used to this! 🙃

[@johannageisel5390]

@@henrywolfe4739 Eh, some day you'll whip up finest silk stockings fit for the Kings and Queens of Versailles. :D

[@Threadbndr]

@@johannageisel5390 I have gotten down to heavy lace and size 00US needles. Not to historical fine yet.

[@bonniehyden962]

While not for this era...I >just< finished a pair of 18th century stockings...knitted. This is my first ensemble. Going for a poorer class of woman. I figured she'd be more prone to making as much of her clothing herself. Sock weight cotton thread with 2.0 bamboo dpn's.

[@paulinedunne3481]

when you look at old movies and it seems like a mismash of historical references and and franken-periods and it makes no sense at all you sometimes just have to take a deep breathe and say: 'im sure they did their best, they didn't even have google god bless them'

[@ReneePowell]

Sometimes I find it easiest to conceptualize the “historical” costumes as “1950s does medieval” or whatever. The looks of the decade when a movie is done still have an influence, regardless of which period it’s supposed to be. We see this in contemporary media as well. Remembering the decade something was made helps me appreciate the costumes better and actually understand the specific anachronisms that are present.

[@alexismontez4230]

Even if they did have 100% accurate references, in costuming you need to take into account the modern "eye". For most people, the pigeon front Edwardian blouses look "matronly/dowdy/old-lady-ish", even though they were super fashionable. So for a mainstream movie, you might have the young attractive female lead wear a "diluted" version so the modern audience won't think she is meant to be unattractive.

[@andreaclough44]

Also, as a historical novelist, I have found that total historical accuracy is not welcomed by readers. You have to pander to a modern audience in all sorts of ways if you want to keep your audience.

[@alexismontez4230]

Andrea's comment reminded me, in historical fiction writing it's often called the tiffany problem, since tiffany was a real name/nickname (from theophania) in the middle ages, but it sounds like a very modern name.

[@PlasticBuddha88]

I was just telling my husband that my mom has books of fairy tales from the 50’s with illustrations from the same periods where the artists clearly made similar artistic choices regarding historical accuracy. I’ll link them if I can find the titles online. I’m 150% sure they’re out of print.

[@rejoyce318]

I have a Tasha Tudor Book of Fairy Tales from my childhood; I wonder if that might be one of those books. I think it's from the early 60s, however. Cinderella is dressed in an 18th c. ballgown, and Rapunzel appears to be wearing a kirtle from the 14th - 25th c.

[@hannahhester8376]

I could imagine Maleficent dressing for Aurora's christening just like you showed in the video, making sure she makes an entrance nobody would forget. Lol.

[@TheWritersDream]

When it gets cold in England again I want one so I can sway down the streets in warm, spooky, medieval glory!

[@nightfall3605]

Or, or! That fabulous 1910s Wrap Cape Nicole drafted and posted on American Duchess.

[@quicksilvertears921]

I agree, the wimple was needed. Anyone who saw this costume should know that was Malifecent. I loved when the wind blew the whole costume. It gave me the shiver giggles. 👏

[@roxiepoe9586]

The only flaw was that your niceness and sheer delight kept showing on your lovely face! This is wonderous!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

You definitely has the bestest minion!!

[@stephaniecowans3646]

Yes, your minions are so adorable! Too adorable to be evil little beings.

[@hanananah]

I'm so torn between the need to drop what I'm doing and make hoods for all of my mom's dogs IMMEDIATELY and my need to finish the video 😂

[@m.maclellan7147]

Ooooo, yes !!! ;)

[@calicolyon]

The wind was perfect! It's as if mother nature wanted to help out!

[@habituscraeftig]

When you fast forward through an Audible commercial and then rewind and rewatch because, "Wait, I actually want these recommendations." I'm reading "Women's Work," right now. *Such* a good book.

[@alicekara4662]

I never knew that I needed to see a dog in a medieval hood until today…

[@aw04tn58]

How sweet is that pup at the end? That long-suffering look says it all. My cats can empathize while wearing their Elizabethan ruffs.

[@Beatriz-cw8wd]

Whoever gave that one dislike seriously has to reevaluate their life choices

[@m.maclellan7147]

Yes, envy is such an ugly thing !

[@PlasticBuddha88]

We literally just started the video and my husband and I let out identical squees over your adorable minion.

[@Selene13zz]

I did that too. Aren't they the best little minion nuggets? 😁

[@alexandrevonbayern8806]

Your husband squeed?

[@PlasticBuddha88]

@@alexandrevonbayern8806 yep, he tends to do that over adorable animals.

[@knittingmoose]

fun fact: That is exactly how my fighter buddies get out of their chainmail. :) Also everything looks so amazing!!

[@FabricMagpie]

I was just about to comment the same thing. They also have the same look of "I've had fun but I'm glad it's off me now" 🤭

[@elfieblue3175]

I also came here to say that. It's how we got out of our goalie gear after a gruelling game on the ice.

[@biblicallyaccuratecockroach]

This doesn't feel like a costume. This feels like a powerful sorceress just stepping through the portal to the mortal world, the sheer magnitude of the magic required for that feat cracking the ground and causing storms all around you. It feels alive. Absolutely wonderful, magnificent 🤯 Note to self: houppelandes are cool.

[@tjs114]

Back in the 1980s, most of us used pool cues to make staffs. These days, you can pickup up an inexpensive pool cue for about 30 dollars. Back then, I went to the pool hall in my city where they'd sell me a worn out cue for $5. I tried posting to the Henin video about those metal 'caps' you were talking about for the tips? Search 'baking cones' on amazon and you'll see cream horn forms made from stainless steel. You could easily cover them in gold foil and antique them to get a more appropriate look. $9 for a pack of 16 (at least today, May 2nd).

[@Murky_Heron]

The level of magnificence in the reveal is over the top, and the glee in your eyes is just 😍 It reminded me of another Disney villain - Jafar from Aladdin. Now I need to see a historically adequate Jafar👀

[@HeraldHealer]

Cosplay dudes, are you looking for inspiration?

[@drachenfalter]

(Not a cosplayer) Defining what is 'historically accurate' is almost impossible for Aladdin though: The story is supposedly set Arabia, but it looks more like India a lot of the time. It also borrows from 'The thief of Bagdad', which is set in Iraq. (In the og fairytale Aladin is Chinese btw) And then you'd have guess the right time period, which isn't named in the movie.

[@Murky_Heron]

@@drachenfalter I see what you mean. As a child I had a 1001 nights folktale compilation where the protagonist met two genies - of the ring and of the lamp - and the princess was called Budur (simplified for children). Also the real name of the sorcerer was never mentioned, he was just an evil sorcerer from Maghreb)

[@moxiebombshell]

I don't know if it was a typo or if you're as cynical as I can be, but "historically *adequate*" is my new favorite term in this context. Fun fact: The characters Jafar and the vizier were based off of Nancy and Ronald Reagan, respectively ⊙﹏⊙

[@Murky_Heron]

@@moxiebombshell some costubers used this term and I liked it better)

[@WinterRabbit1]

I am constantly in awe of the work that goes into historical dress. This was an amazing take on Maleficent. When the end reveal showed your shadow it’s looked exactly like her silhouette.

[@quinnieneutron7620]

I LOVE it! The villains in some of the original Disney movies have always been more interesting than their heroine counterparts. Therefore, to see such an iconic villain brought to life and in an historical fashion no less, is truly brilliant! Thank you! I look forward to your next venture :)

[@stevezytveld6585]

You may be responsible for single-handedly bringing back the houppelande. That is a Fine looking costume. Absolutely stunning. And yes, those are the very best Minions, ever. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@ivywells2909]

I would not have been the least surprised if you HAD forged a staff, it seems like you have every other skill! 😁

[@m.maclellan7147]

#This ! ;)

[@ragnkja]

Your method of doffing the houppelande was _exactly_ what I expected. You see it in illustrations, both with gowns or kirtles and with chainmail.

[@NaomiJameston]

This is incredible!! And thank you for explaining the discrepancy between the 14th century mentioned in the movie and the 15th century of most of the outfit. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it!! Serious kudos for all of your hard work and the extensive research you put into this project. It's amazing!!

[@sarahrosen4985]

So, if I understood correctly: hours and hours and years and years of yoga and Pilates trying to get perfectly toned arms or . . . regular wear of Maleficent's sleeves?

[@forced2makethisbloodyaccou355]

I giggled when that beautiful fur throw shifted.

[@becauseimafan]

I did too! 😁

[@lesasmith427]

I actually rewound the video. I was like ..... has he(?) always been there? lol yep it was.

[@EtainMcCloud]

I love the entire thing, and the dog costumes really elevate it. I think you were right about the wimple too.

[@rmrenfield]

i adore how this turned out it makes me want a gothic houppelande now !!

[@wallysrebecca498]

An interesting addition would be an edging to the veil in "Maleficent green" - just some stitching, not trim - you wouldn't want to weigh the veil down, just give a glint of green around your face. All together wonderful, and indeed, the bestest minion!

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

Wow and wow again. If I look at your amazing new ensemble and all of the research that went into its creation, we have to admit that the entire ensemble amounts to a doctoral thesis which has been thoroughly defended. Cheers to Dr Nicole!

[@TheCoutureCourtesan]

That was sooooo gloriously epic! And I totally feel you on the gown being exhausting... Wearing my Tudor gown is a total arm work out! I’m usually very sore around my armpit at that “tendon”.

[@CrimsonVipera]

I love how the purple of the living changes hue depending on the lighting! Magical.

[@PaigeWillows]

I squealed when she even mentioned the descendants' movies because I love Disney and descendants. The Descendants depiction of Maleficent is honestly my favorite but I loved this. Nicole looked so amazing in this.

[@katastrophic3907]

im laughing so hard at the end because i can see nicole being like 'wow yes must look evil and this wind is so witchy and cool, but also this better not blow off my headress please stay on oh no"

[@susanrobertson984]

I adore this. I also adore that your dogs have contributed not just with their own cameos but also on the fabric. One of my favourite makes is black wool and it's always covered in dog hair.

[@m.maclellan7147]

#Relateable !

[@TheEliseRodgers]

I had a black lab service dog, who was succeeded by another black lab service dog, who was succeeded by yet another black lab. Now with my current partner, it’s been black labs assisting me for over half my life at this point. By now, I have adapted all my furniture, carpet, bedding, work clothing, etc. to help mask the black fur. I now realize that the one thing I /haven’t/ thought of is adapting my sewing projects around the dog hair. Now I will!

[@alexismontez4230]

My sister used to have two (mostly) black dogs, and ended up with a wardrobe that didn't show the inevitable black fur very much. Then one of the black dogs died, and the family got a new dog. An entirely white one. Now, no matter what she wears, you can see the fur of at least one of the dogs.

[@laartje24]

@@TheEliseRodgers I am on my first service dog and she is a white golden retriever. As someone who mostly wears dark or black fabrics, the struggle is real.

[@MDeLorien]

This is a absolutely magnificent Maleficent Costume 🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜🖤💜

[@Zillah82]

*Chef's kiss* The classic Maleficent has always been my favorite.

[@anarosareyes6269]

Giiiiirl! I'm without of words! This costume is just WOW! .(just speaking for the cosplay comunity the staf would have been much elaborate and easy to make from a curtain bar, they are often ornate at the top and made of metal relatively cheap and easy to paint)

[@charlottepeukert9095]

Wow! The headwear gives it its final touch.I love it.The fashion world should rethink their outdated styles and give us stylish outfits that help us survive the icy winters, which we are expecting, due to the gas- and oil shortages.

[@AriallaMacAllister]

This whole outfit is so magnificent! You have the bestest of all minions. That wind! No wonder your arms were tired. They were acting like the yards on a mast and those sleeves were your sails!

[@lysberen3493]

I'm only half through the video and I am completely amazed by the level of research you put into this project! I am no dress historian but a medieval reenactor for some time now (although mostly XIIIth c enthousiast researching about french women poetess/troubadour "trobaïritz" in occitan langage) but I do know well XIVth and early to mid XVth century, so I can tell all the work you've done, thank you for your dedication! About large belts and burgundian belts, the ribbon you talk about is made with the tablet-woven technique, using silk threads and gold thread for brocards. Archeological finds and texts (noble house registers and accounts) confirm that, they were very sturdy and sometimes reinforced with linen or leather. Textiles (not tablet woven) only ou leather only belts are far less common (even rarely mentioned). Your point about textile vs knitting stocking is completely true, the archelogical evidence tells us they were mostly made of wool and occasionnally of silk. Sorry for my mistakes, english isn't my fisrt langage. Cheers from France ;)

[@m.maclellan7147]

You did extremely well in your second language ! :) I enjoyed your post. Have a lovely evening !

[@lysberen3493]

@@m.maclellan7147 Oooh thanks, that's very kind of you ! I'm glad my post was useful to someone ! 😊😀

[@kirstenpaff8946]

Damn, you look ready to blight crops and curse some royalty!

[@princessatarockconcert]

I LOVE THAT YOU INCLUDED A PHOTO OF CHRISTINE DI PIZAN SHES MY FAVORITE

[@LonChaneyJrfan52]

LMAO ironically I just watched Abby’s medieval hose video where you warned up seeing cloud animals in patterns so I kept cracking up

[@dorrolorro]

The staff in the movie might have been inspired by the staff that viking seeresses (called völva or vala) used when they performed their services. They were made out of iron with details in bronze.

[@m.maclellan7147]

PLEASE start planning some green and purple lights for Halloween and give out candy like that. But on the other hand, might be too scary for little ones ! Would definitely LOVE to see this filmed at night !

[@HyneBlack]

That final reveal in the wind was worth it all. Amazing and very impressive

[@generalcorgi]

I love the way the fabric on the hennin looks like smoke

[@robinhahnsopran]

This... this might be my favourite thing anyone has ever made.

[@Vereynique]

I so want to see all of these Disney inspired cos-plays together in a photo

[@whitalleys5893]

I was waiting for the moment Nichole busted out a knife and started to whittle a staff. Regardless, amazing!!

[@creepydoll2872]

Me too lol I thought she would carve a whole staff but for her energy sake I’m glad she didn’t

[@orionsbonk]

nicole. ms rudolph. those drama shots of you at the end were awesome. awesome, like, the biblical connotation. like the neoclassical use of 'sublime' - primordial, both beautiful and terrifying. thank you for sharing this journey with us.

[@zrebbesh]

: listens to sound of Malificent's staff in the movie. "A light hardwood, probably Ash, with no foot: part of that sound is the wood ringing. The staff is no more than an inch wide to have the amount of momentum and pitch of 'ringing' I hear. But it wasn't struck on stone for that sound effect, it was struck on a tile floor. Also the echos are wrong for the chamber in the picture." Most people's memory and imagination works in pictures; mine works in sounds.

[@CabinetOfCuriosity]

Extremely cool and well researched. Love it (and the puppy). What people fail to mention is that pre~Internet, it was extremely difficult for movie costumers to do accurate research or cost prohibitive. So probably even less concern for animated historical features, that very few people would even consider the accuracy ... at that time.

[@Nahsaghara]

Ah yes, the adventure that is putting on and getting out of gowns and robes and such by yourself. XD Forgot to say, it looks AMAZING!

[@ragnkja]

You see it in period illustrations, so it’s definitely the historically accurate way.

[@Lunareon]

You look astonishing! Maleficent for Queen! The bestest minions seem ready for their posts as Royal Advisors.

[@eerob1013]

Bonus, kick butt Halloween costume can be crossed off got this year.

[@en1909s9iah]

I could really watch you in the costume for 10 minutes unbothered! It looks EPIC!

[@AnUnknownGoddess]

This is so good!!! The whimple brought just the face into focus. All you really see of Maleificent is her face and hands in the movie. You caught that.

[@Tbehartoo]

Your Maleficent is Magnificent!

[@sebastiansweet5911]

The whimple really worked... I'm glad you decided to add it. The whole outfit is just perfect!!

[@Ashley_tipsyshades]

Me: Excited that there's a new video in this series. Also me: More excited about your ADORABLE dressed up dog!

[@heatherfields6412]

Beautiful and even if not historically accurate the pop from the whimple and make up really made the ensemble feel very Maleficent!!

[@CastielWillow]

#1 - Puppies!!! PUPPIES IN COSTUMES!!!!! #2 - THIS IS AMAZING! Oh my gosh, I need an entire production of Sleeping Beauty designed by you with Medieval music played by minstrels. #3 - [quietly cries with homesickness for Nevada landscape and blustery winds]

[@rauha38]

I discovered your channel a few days ago and have been binging your videos ever since. I saw your videos in my timeline before, but didn't think I would have enough time for another costube channel - I was so wrong. Your stuff is amazing! I love your craftsmanship and I find that I always learn so much and I'm so so glad that your channel exists!

[@meltyblend]

The coolest goddamn Maleficent requires the best goddamn minion. What a good minion. (And a fantastic final outfit!)

[@dymphygoossens]

Elisabeth Wayland Barber is amazing! She also did an amazing book on the beginning of textile: Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean - which I very much recommend. Just something to add to your overflowing audible collection (although for this book I prefer the hardcopy).

[@lenabreijer1311]

Have you seen her books on folk costumes? She collects them and was a folk dancer. The photos in them of the costumes are to die for.

[@dymphygoossens]

I did not know. I will have to try it out now! :) Thank you for the tip.

[@ruthmeow4262]

Your headpiece looks smashing with the entire outfit! Love the entire outfit.

[@michellegore8878]

Having been in many SCA changing rooms over the years, can confirm that is the way to get out of a houppelande...or any other big dress :D

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Not having an entertainment budget (the internet is my one splurge) I haven't seen most of the Disney movies. They must be something, however, to have inspired all the recent cosplay creations in the historical costumers' world. Thank you for letting me peek in while you make your art. Stunningly beautiful!

[@mirjanbouma]

But... Your childhood? Didn't you see any Disney classic? 😭

[@dee-annegordon5959]

Stunning. And the wind was icing on the cake, it just made everything come alive. I've throughly enjoyed watching this project come together. Oh, and your minions are perfect as well.

[@zierrana]

oh the wimple with the double henninn looked amazing and really tied the look together. the people of the middle ages evidently didn't know what they were missing out on!

[@katwernery6505]

It is alway good to have reliable minion! 🐶 Love this so much!

[@mikan1546]

This looks so amazing! Very well done. Definitely one of my favorites of the historically accurate Disney costumes on KZbin.

[@stephaniecowans3646]

MAGNIFICENT!!!!! So glad you added the wimple --- it really needed that to carry forward the look and make you look more otherworldly. The outfit really turned out GORGEOUS

[@astra1653]

Absolutely fantastic! I love it! A little two-toned staining on your staff would look good on it, rather than leaving it unfinished.

[@katiehettinger7857]

Might I suggest looking into upholstery fabric for the belt. I've used that when doing theater costumes which have to hold up to people rolling on the floor jumping off the furniture and tussling with one another.

[@whyknotish]

Ha! That’s totally how I got out of chainmail when I was in Iceland! Except I didn’t have a pupper... and I had to jump a bit while bent over to get the chainmail to move...

[@ragnkja]

I’m sure you’ve seen period illustrations of it 😁

[@whyknotish]

@@ragnkja I haven’t but I’d love to! I’ll have to go looking!

[@rudetuesday]

The pops of color at the collar and sleeves are especially stunning. What a magical reveal!

[@mnels5214]

Thank you for showing the hose. I know they look super easy but I have the feeling it's going to take a couple of tries before I really have it. Also appreciated: the minion models. Really completed the fur outfits they were wearing, very luxe.

[@orionsbonk]

NICOLE. this is TOO GOOD. NOT allowed. not allowed nope too good too good

[@makingpixierose]

Clearly out and about casting spells that brought a great wind

[@elfieblue3175]

Your location shot was awesome. Maleficent is absolutely a gale force personality.

[@samanthacoe9767]

Oh dang! That first shot in the wind till the end was giving me mad goosebumps. All I have to say is your Maleficent turn out to be EPIC!

[@nicolakunz231]

That is too epic for words and you do indeed have the goodest minion.

[@AlexandraLynch1]

Re putting on houppelande: I lay it on the bed and sort of dive in.

[@hazimesahe]

I thought that was Rita Repulsa but then I read the title of the video and was like "oooooh ok"

[@GeeklingNo1]

Honestly, Maleficent wearing two very extra items of clothing together like a houppelande and whimples is just so HER. Modern Maleficent would be wearing platform stilettos, a spiked maxi skirt, eye makeup that would make a drag queen cry, and a wig so over the top that she had to duck to get through doors. She's got all the drama and pizazz of Cruella Deville and Ursula combined and she absolutely would wear ALL of the most fashionable accessories together just because she *can*

[@Cedardale_craft]

How fabulous. Of all of the ones I have watched being made this is the best in my view. It isnt sickly sweet or anything and definitely conveys the character as the original film intended. Round of applause.

[@mirjanbouma]

I have a soft spot for Morgan Donner's dress for the same reason 😉

[@Cedardale_craft]

@@mirjanbouma yes very true. Loved hers as well.

[@espurrlady3397]

I love how you have started to add your dogs more to the videos. Also, your costume looked amazing at the end!!

[@StitchingUpChaos]

I think the technical term for the extraction process at the end is a "Floop and Shimmy." Also this whole thing is utterly glorious, that was amazing to watch. :)

[@drywdanner6896]

Very very cool! Out of all the historically accurate Disney character costumes I have seen, this *by far*, is my favorite! Also love the taking off process at the end. I have watched many a fighter take off their chainmail in the exact same wiggle-hop maneuver (I am in the SCA). Lol! Again, just stunning.

[@josieofalltrades3559]

If you ever need a human minion to carry out your evil bidding, I will make myself available! Absolutely would follow through nefarious plans and evil schemes!

[@toripenrosedigges1135]

This turned out so well! I especially loves how the sleeves caught the wind!