THE COSTUME GODDESS SERIES |
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In this segment we take a look at . . .
If you have seen any of Leela’s* production numbers like "Alice
in Leelaland" at this year’s Cairo Caravan, or "Shakin’ Not
Stirred" at last year’s Cairo Carnival and "Arabia Exotica," you
have seen Lori’s amazing costume designs. We asked her to
tell us about her experience, design philosophy and more.
Here is what she told us:
Do you meet with customers at your home?
I meet with my customers in their home or at my home,
whichever is most convenient.
How long have you been sewing and designing belly dance
costumes?
I have been sewing since I was in high school. I started
designing and constructing costumes for school productions...
"Guys and Dolls" was my first. Then I sewed for my children,
who are all grown up now. Later, I created costumes for my tap
dance group. Next thing I knew, I fell into the belly dance realm
about 3 years ago.
Do you have ready made costumes or are all costumes custom
made?
Most of what I make is custom made; however, Leela and
I have a line of clothes (Leelawear by Lori) that can be used
as costumes and great dancewear.
Check out Leelawear by Lori.
by Melia
Lori Flagg Los Angeles, CA
| This is the fourth part in our series about the wonderful and super talented Southern California belly dance costume designers. . |
How long have you been dancing? And, where do you
perform ?
I have been dancing for about 4 years. I am lucky
enough to dance with Leela and SalomeJihad in many
productions throughout Los Angeles. I also dance at
restaurants, parties and showcases . . . much of the time
with my lovely daughter Amanda. In fact we are dancing
at Moun of Tunis on July 8.
How did you learn to design costumes?
My Mom was an excellent seamstress and pattern maker,
and I learned many skills from her.
Why did you start designing belly dance costumes?
I started making costumes sort of by accident. I had just
started dancing with Leela and she asked if anyone
could sew. I raised my hand and the rest is history. Since
then I have done a number of shows for Leela, costumes
for Aubre with Lumina, plus other renowned artists.
What is the average price range for your costumes?
My costumes run about $50 to $300 depending on the
complexity and design.
How long does it generally take for a customer to get her
costume?
A costume can usually take anywhere from a week to a
month depending on the costume and how busy I am.
perform ?
I have been dancing for about 4 years. I am lucky
enough to dance with Leela and SalomeJihad in many
productions throughout Los Angeles. I also dance at
restaurants, parties and showcases . . . much of the time
with my lovely daughter Amanda. In fact we are dancing
at Moun of Tunis on July 8.
How did you learn to design costumes?
My Mom was an excellent seamstress and pattern maker,
and I learned many skills from her.
Why did you start designing belly dance costumes?
I started making costumes sort of by accident. I had just
started dancing with Leela and she asked if anyone
could sew. I raised my hand and the rest is history. Since
then I have done a number of shows for Leela, costumes
for Aubre with Lumina, plus other renowned artists.
What is the average price range for your costumes?
My costumes run about $50 to $300 depending on the
complexity and design.
How long does it generally take for a customer to get her
costume?
A costume can usually take anywhere from a week to a
month depending on the costume and how busy I am.
What type of costumes and accessories do you
make?
I make dresses, folkloric, gypsy, simple cabaret
and wild visions . . . alien fem bots to Kittie Kats. I
just finished a lovely henna ceremony costume . . .
simple, beautiful, and reasonable. I also make lots
of accessories and costume pieces, including
trumpet skirts, gauntlets, cholis, veils, covered
bras and belts, and hip wraps. I don't do a lot of
beading, but I can add almost any trim my
customer wants.
What is your design philosophy?
My design philosophy is to translate the
customer’s vision into reality and incorporate
movement, beauty and comfort.
make?
I make dresses, folkloric, gypsy, simple cabaret
and wild visions . . . alien fem bots to Kittie Kats. I
just finished a lovely henna ceremony costume . . .
simple, beautiful, and reasonable. I also make lots
of accessories and costume pieces, including
trumpet skirts, gauntlets, cholis, veils, covered
bras and belts, and hip wraps. I don't do a lot of
beading, but I can add almost any trim my
customer wants.
What is your design philosophy?
My design philosophy is to translate the
customer’s vision into reality and incorporate
movement, beauty and comfort.
Contact Lori for a consultation at lori.flagg (at) gmail.com If you missed any other parts of the Costume Goddess series, and would like to read them, click here. |
Designs by Lori
* Leela is a dancer, teacher and producer in Los Angeles, and was our Featured Teacher for October 2007.
