Thoughts:

Well, this is my version of Columbia, the tapdancing groupie from the movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show. ^_^ Although I prefer playing as Janet, I decided to try out Columbia for a change. The cast asked me to create a new Columbia jacket for them, which I did at no charge other than materials. I only asked that I could wear it for it's debut. ^_^ Sadly the jacket was made of a flimsy material and ripped up the first few times it was worn. I had to repair it and strengthen the sequin threads with spray-on adhesive. Now it's very strong and able to probably endure years of Rocky Horror use and abuse! ^_^

When I first saw the movie, I thought that Columbia looked kinda tacky. Several months later I grew to love Columbia and her unique look. ^_^

Construction:

Hat: I bought a top hat at Party City and covered it with gold sequin fabric and added a black band. All done with hot glue.

Bowtie: I couldn't find pink sequin fabric and had to settle with left over metallic pink fabric. Hopefully I can replace it one day.

Tailcoat: I couldn't find a tailcoat pattern at first and used a lady's jacket pattern. It required a lot of modifying and took a long time because of this. I made my own pattern for the tails and lined them in black fabric. I glued on black buttons in the appropriate places.

Collar: Bought at Hot Topic and altered slightly.

Top: I was very lucky with this top and found a steel sequin tube top on eBay for $8. I say lucky because the steel sequin fabric at the fabric store runs for $35 a yard. ^^ It had a ruffled look at the bottom that I cut off. Then I individually glued multi-colored sequins all over it with a hot glue gun. Yes, it took a long time. About 5-6 hours. ^^ I bought a strapless corset bra and glued it into the tube top and used the cut off fabric to cover the cups of the bra. I applied more colored sequins to the cups.

Shorts: This was a pair of exercize shorts that I owned. I cut metallic fabric into strips and hemmed them into ribbons. Then I sewed them on in the same pattern as Columbia's using lots of reference stills.

Fishnets: Bought at JC Penny.

Socks: Bought at Walmart.

Shoes: I bought these at the Goodwill and added silver dots all over them.