Hannibal dress inspired by the Hannibal number in Phantom of the Opera

MATERIALS

- Stretch velvet
- Cotton
- Satin
- Lace
- Glass beads
- Trims
 

PROCESS

I bought my ticket to go see Phantom of the Opera and immediately knew that I couldn't go without dressing up! I chose to do a cocktail version of the Hannibal outfits that we see in the opening act to be worn over a petticoat, almost in a cocktail-lolita style.

I stuck to inexpensive fabrics since this was supposed to be a fun, simple dress. I started with stretch velvet for the bodice and used my favorite sweetheart pattern. I bought ribbon trim in red and green that I could alternate along with the green and red velvet panels. The skirt was plain cotton and box pleated to the waist. The silky red apron is draped and pinned around itself. Since I was simplifying the grand stage outfit, I tried to keep what little texture I had interesting.

I found the gold lace bib on Etsy and fell in love instantly. I was so excited to glam up the costume that I ended up buying entirely too many shiny glass beads and had to get creative with the placement. The beaded drape straps were the scariest part for me, since the glass beads had some weight to them and my biggest fear was that the straps would snap and beads would comically fly everywhere, but everything has held up!

If I had a much bigger budget and more time, I'd love to go back in and add more details, beads, skirts, and trims!

The inspiration: