Last week, my law professor sent me a frantic email - and nooo, it didn't have to do with my thesis or certain extracurricular activities at comic conventions. The fiasco had to do with fashion: her 12-year-old daughter wants to be a princess for the Medieval Faire, but instead must dress as Suleiman the Magnificent! Alas, her Hime Lolita dreams were dashed by a scruffy-chinned Ottoman ruler with a mutant onion on top of his head. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
I couldn’t put her in a ballgown and pass her off as a Sultan. But must she resign herself to unfabulous cross-dressing? Hayir! The joke amongst my friends is that I can take the manliness out of anything or anyone. So, I applied my special powers to this project.
I went to New York’s garment district and spent about $50 on fabric and trims. I don’t have a sewing machine right now, so the outfit took about twelve hours to construct. Basil added much-needed kawaii to the endeavor.
The concept: green and yellow are traditional Turkish colors, and nothing says Magnificent like peacock plumes, emerald, and gold. Suleiman’s turban is adorned with a half-moon and tasseled star, in reference to modern Turkey's flag.
A gold sash is dotted with a flower motif often seen in Turkish rugs and pottery. The dress zips up in the back, and can be worn over a puff-sleeved shirt and tights.
I made the turban by draping and sewing fabric over a cloth hat. The sheer gold piece can be worn as a cape or shawl.
Methinks I’ve taken the “man” out of Suleiman. My prof’s daughter agrees – and thinks her costume will be the prettier than any Guinevere’s!
