Papusza Couture Conjoined Gown on the Stilted Siamese Twin Muses

A couple of weeks ago the fairytale of the Stilted Siamese Twins began. The fairytale was born organically, but the candy colored conjoined dress was dreamlike on the stilted sister, connected at the hip, and a mirror image of opposing colors.

When I created the dress in September (initially for swing girls at Soiree) I had the image of Victorian Valentine's in my mind... you may know the type; filled with birds, hearts, bowing fellows and giggling doll-like girls. The conjoined dress was made using shantung silk, which I hand dyed or feather appliqued heart-like patterns on around the chests, and tons of hand dyed tulle. The hearts are important because as I made it I thought a lot about how conjoined twins often share organs of the body, which often leads to the end of one or both of their lives. I also think heart/love is important in drawing 2 being close together (literally), as the organic process of being born connected would certainly create a closeness of hearts. In contrast, the gowns were created in opposing colors, to represent different personalities and allow them their own individuality.

I was so happy when amazing performers Ali Luminescent and Christine Geiger (also and awesome makeup artist) wore the dress on stilts, in character, to perform at very exciting fantastical party. That was the night that the "Cotton Candy Flavored Victorian Siamese Twin Stilting Act" was born. The ladies did a beautiful job with their own hair, wigs and accessories, to perfectly compliment the dresses.

The party was in honor of several very important affairs; primarily Cynthia Von Buhler's birthday. Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman where also guests of honor at the affair, and toasted their engagement. This was very exciting to me as I love Amanda's music and have been reading Neil's graphic novels since I was 11.

I was sad that I was unable to attend the fabulous party. I was happy that so many fantastic people captured photos of it. There was a floor full of mermaids covering the bathroom tiles and in the tub, CVB wore a mer-tail on a bed in the center of the room all night, there was an amazing merry go ride for party goers to play on, and Amanda Palmer performed live! I would have loved to have been there. There was even an incredible machine, full of otherworldly scenes, created by Empire S.N.A.F.U.-see more beautiful work here.

I plan to continue developing the character of the Stilted Siamese Twins. Stay tuned for more projects in the upcoming months.

In the meantimes feast your eyes on some beautiful shots from the party...

Photo by Mark Hoffman

Siamese Twins chat with Cynthia Von Buhler (on bed in tail), Molly Crabapple and Larisa Fuchs. Photo by Paul Weiner.

Photo by Paul Weiner.

The twins among the party goers. Photo from Ali Luminescent.

The girls play with the Empire S.N.A.F.U. machine. Photo from Ali Luminescent.

Amanda Palmer performing. Photo by Scott Dakota.

This was the bathroom!!! Photo by Scott Dakota.

Toasting Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman's engagement. Photo by Paul Weiner.

Cheers! Photo by Scott Dakota.

Papusza Couture Installation at Soiree

In September I had the pleasure of doing an inspiring couture installation at Soiree, a lovely intimate party, thrown in a DUMBO loft by William Etundi. The project was a wonderful opportunity to exhibit my creative vision, and I was happy to be able to present my aesthetic to such an awesome and appreciative group of people. I also was able to have a gaggle of lovely dolls dressed in past Papusza Couture creations flitting about at the event. They were all a site for sore eyes!!

The concept of the installation was inspired by Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, and I did 3 gowns. One was made using clock parts and a beautiful woven blue vestment silk, another was a gown a la Red Queen, with a giant dip dyed red tutu, covered in small red roses, and the third was made for 2 to wear... a candy colored shantung silk gown conjoined at the hip, covered in peacock feathers. The project involved very large tulle skirts for each look, and total for the installation I went through 300 yards of tulle!!!

See some of my favorite pictures from the event below. The performers had their hair done by Ariane Garcia and makeup was done by Tiffani Argentina and Ana Perdita. Gorgeous little leather gloves were provided by Lamia Design.



Red Queen Dress Worn by Kayla. Photo by Ariane Garcia.


Clock Dress worn by Lucy. Photo by Ariane Garcia.


Siamese Peacock Twin Gown worn by Stephanie and Eva. Photo by Christine Creiger.


Rachel Singer wearing Papusza from the Origama Pink Collection, FW '09. Photo by Sarah Sparkles.


Ali Luminescent wearing The High Priestess from the upcoming collection Paramicha, dresses a la tarot. Photo by Sarah Sparkles.


Eugina in Neopolitan Cupcake dress from Origama Pink Collection. Photo by Mitchell Parsons.


YaY!!! More Red Queen and the party people. Photo by Mitchell Parsons.


Sandhi wearing Papusza fringed bustier and tutu on the lyra. Photo by Mitchell Parsons


FUNNNN!!! Photo by Mitchell Parsons.


Photo by Victoria Collier


Behind the scenes. Phot by Victoria Collier.


Basking in my tulle after weeks of creating with it. Photo by Victoria Coller.

Papusza Couture on Sale for Halloween on Smashing Darling!

Halloween for Papusza is what Christmas is for Santa! Every year I grow overwhelmed with excitement as October gets closer. Making Halloween costumes is one of my favorite things to do. Every year I enjoy creating magical costumes for others and myself to wear. This year I have a very extravagant costume I am creating for myself, and have also already started getting orders for fun custom costumes. From Peter Pan to the Birds of War, among many others, Papusza's house of birdland will be a fun factory of magic and spook this year!!!

In celebration of this magical holiday I am happy to be putting certain fine art costume couture items in my boutique on Smashing Darling on SALE for half of their original price! Please take a look-you might find something special and unique to make your costume this year really stand apart.

I am also still taking orders for special deals on Custom Halloween Costumes. Don't forget-it is, after all, October... don't wait until the last minute if you need something amazing to wear on the last eve of the month!!! I promise, I can make you something that you won't see anyone else wearing or find at a mass produced costume super store!

Happy Fall to all... and I am very excited to celebrate a extra spooky and magical Halloween this year!!!


Photo by Kat Bret. Neopolitan Cupcake dress for SALE in Smashing Darling Boutique!!!!!!!!!