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I have a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin where I took several art classes and did a
lot of costume design work. I also graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Professional Certificate in
Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles.
lot of costume design work. I also graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Professional Certificate in
Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles.
- In this part, the spotlight is on . . .
Najah brings years of formal education and
apprenticeship in theatre, fashion design and beading,
as well as her spirit and passion for dancing, to her
creation of unique one of a kind belly dance costumes.
Recently, we asked Najah to tell us about her
background and work as a costume designer. Here is
what she shared with us:
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I try to make myself look like the goddess of belly dance -
- - and, I do the same for my customers! My designs
include everything from the tried and true to the really
edgy and way-out. I love "balanced asymmetry" and use
that concept often. It’s important that the costume suits
the dancer’s style and body. I see the costume as a
whole with all of the accessories as part of the design.
Do you also make costume pieces?
I am a thoroughly trained designer/patternmaker and I
make skirts, veils, harem pants, gauntlets and sleeves,
gypsy skirts and tops, all accessories, and my favorite
thing (to wear and to make), headpieces.
Please tell us more about your formal training.
by Melia
NAJAH Los Angeles, CA
| This is the second part of our series highlighting the rich and diverse talents of our local belly dance costume designers. |
How long have you been designing belly dance
costumes?
7 years
Why did you start designing costumes?
I have been sewing and designing clothes/costumes
since I was 9 years old . . . I couldn't NOT design belly
dance costumes once I began dancing!
How long have you been dancing, and where do you
perform?
I have been dancing for 7 years, perform at all of the
showcases in town, and at retirement homes, private
parties, etc., and also teach beginner classes.
What type of costumes do you make?
I make bedlahs, dresses . . . whatever. My specialty is
refurbishing, redesigning, refitting and altering
costumes . . . especially, the re-beading that is necessary
to accomplish those tasks. I can make a refurbished,
redesigned, refitted or altered costume look like it was
"born that way."
Do you have ready made costumes or are all costumes
custom made?
Almost all of the costumes I sell are custom made for a
particular client, although I sometimes will design and
make costumes for resale.
What is the average price range for your costumes?
Of course it depends on the amount of beading, etc., but
generally the prices are in the $250-$400 range, which if
you were buying from a vendor would be twice that!
costumes?
7 years
Why did you start designing costumes?
I have been sewing and designing clothes/costumes
since I was 9 years old . . . I couldn't NOT design belly
dance costumes once I began dancing!
How long have you been dancing, and where do you
perform?
I have been dancing for 7 years, perform at all of the
showcases in town, and at retirement homes, private
parties, etc., and also teach beginner classes.
What type of costumes do you make?
I make bedlahs, dresses . . . whatever. My specialty is
refurbishing, redesigning, refitting and altering
costumes . . . especially, the re-beading that is necessary
to accomplish those tasks. I can make a refurbished,
redesigned, refitted or altered costume look like it was
"born that way."
Do you have ready made costumes or are all costumes
custom made?
Almost all of the costumes I sell are custom made for a
particular client, although I sometimes will design and
make costumes for resale.
What is the average price range for your costumes?
Of course it depends on the amount of beading, etc., but
generally the prices are in the $250-$400 range, which if
you were buying from a vendor would be twice that!
Where do you usually work with your customers?
I prefer to meet at my home [in Mid-City, Los Angeles] where my tools & supplies are.
In general, how long does it take for a customer to get her costume?
Okay, I'm not fast (unless we're talking about alterations),
but I'm damn good! And, I do my best to meet any important
deadlines.
Any final words?
If I only had more time, or an assistant to do the actual
sewing once I created the design . . . well, then I'd be rich
and happy!! (Now I'm only happy!)
I prefer to meet at my home [in Mid-City, Los Angeles] where my tools & supplies are.
In general, how long does it take for a customer to get her costume?
Okay, I'm not fast (unless we're talking about alterations),
but I'm damn good! And, I do my best to meet any important
deadlines.
Any final words?
If I only had more time, or an assistant to do the actual
sewing once I created the design . . . well, then I'd be rich
and happy!! (Now I'm only happy!)
| To make an appointment with Najah for alterations or a one of kind design, call (323) 938-8983 (home) or (213) 503-6577 (cell), or contact her via email at najahbellydancer@aol.com. If you missed Part 1 of this series on Anja, and would like to read it, click here. |
Designs by Najah
