amanda

About amanda

Amanda Mujica has been stitching since she was a child. She has completed coursework in garment construction, pattern-making, costume design, and textile printing and design at Rhode Island School of Design, Massachusetts College of Art and the School of Fashion Design.
28 Jan

A Distressing Story… or Miss Havisham’s Odyssey

2019-06-26T07:42:14+00:00By |

As I was leaving an opera performance in Boston of Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night, someone asked me if the costume she wore, and that I created, was vintage? Part of me wanted to lie and say “Yes, so old, just so dreadfully old!” And part of me wanted to tell the truth, “Hell no!” (As I recall I said something polite like, “Well, no, it is a modern gown that I made look old.”)
Distressing costumes is a process. In the case of Miss Havisham… a long one. You basically have to take the costume to “another place or time.” In this case, from like the “Polyester 1980s” to 1850!
Quick background… jilted on her wedding day, Miss Havisham has been in her wedding clothes for 50 years. In the opera she recalls the terrible day and her life since. I designed the costumes for Odyssey Opera’s production at the Modern Theater in November 2014. The short opera played in a double-bill with “A Water Bird Talk” starring Aaron Engebreth.
Back to my distressing tale… I started by sanding the entire dress with sandpaper. Then I slowly started staining it with fabric dyes. I had three pots–light grey, light yellow and a tan/tea color. Using a wide brush and a rag I worked the dyes into the fabric paying particular attention to where stains might naturally occur–armpits, center front, center back, all along the hem!, etc.

But this polyester wedding gown that I started to think was manufactured by either a bullet-proof vest company or a sports bra manufacturer was not looking old. Not at all! Time for the rasp and the drommel.

Yup! I was takin’ this dress down–working both tools from top to bottom.

Miss Havisham does quite a bit of candle toting so I added some wax (in the form of hot glue). I also melted actual wax on her gloves.
No bridal gown is complete without a lovely string of pearls.

Finally, Boston wig designer Rachel Padula made her a fabulous wig. To which we added some cobwebs. I actually added cobwebs all over her gown and trailing from her veil.

All-in-all it took over 10 hours of dying, sanding, and ripping to get Miss Havisham just right.
Here she is in all her glory on her wedding night. Played by the beautiful Heather Buck, Miss Havisham looked like one sad, vintage bride from long-ago, but now you know the whole tale!

[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
24 Nov

Odyssey Opera Spring Festival Videos

2019-06-26T07:42:14+00:00By |

Odyssey Opera recently uploaded videos from their spring festival. I designed the costumes for these operas. It is wonderful to see them again. For those who missed it (or like me, like seeing it again!) check out these beautiful videos created by Kathy Wittman at Ball Square Films:
Un Giorno de Regno

Zanetto

Il Segreto di Susanna

25 Sep

Back to School… Back to Business

2014-09-25T10:38:46+00:00By |

I have to admit I am one of those people who are happiest when they are busy. It’s why I like Fall–I have my routine and my activities planned. (Plus cute sweaters and wool skirts just make me happy in general!)
But I also realized, after teaching sewing for the month of August, that back-to-school is also reconnecting and inspiring. I really enjoyed teaching. It made me want to sew more and I couldn’t wait to see what my students (creative 5-50+ year-olds, but mostly kids!) would create–A. made her mom a skirt; P. made herself one and her favorite doll one too; and C. & S. made me laugh with their mustache-inspired creations and super-fashionable bags.
Daily, while teaching, I thought about my first creations–the lime green apron I made my mom in Home Ec.; the triple pleated, high-waisted pants I made for myself in a class in the 80s; and the first costumes I ever made and saw on stage–tuxedo jackets for a production of “Follies.” Teaching reminded me of how frustrating and exciting making something of your own can be. And it reminded me daily how much more there is for me to learn.
So I too am back-to-school this Fall. I am enrolled in a Tailoring course at MassArt. While I do a lot of tailoring alterations and have made a jacket or two over the 10+ years that I have been in this crazy business, I thought honing my patternmaking and tailoring skills would be a good idea. I also decided to sew for myself which I almost never get to do these days. I’m making a wool jacket and skirt… well right now I’m making patterns for these future creations.
For work I am back-to-school too! I am at the Belmont Hill School designing the costumes for their fall production of Diary of Anne Frank.
Work and homework await me… better get busy! :)

15 Jul

A Whale of a Time Even After All These Years

2019-06-26T07:42:14+00:00By |

In the summer of 1998 I went to a cookout in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood in Boston, and met Diane Edgecomb, a storyteller and performance artist. Wearing big sunglasses and her petite hands going in all directions, she began telling me about a project she was dreaming about–twin Greek goddesses, fully costumed, roaming the Boston subway system and perhaps meeting up with a Minataur and maybe Athena and there should be masks and the audience should be involved in the experience. “Is this ANYTHING you’d be interested in costuming???” Cue muzak and little floating hearts above my head! I made all those costumes we talked about that day and along the way, made a great friend and collaborator.

[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]

Over the years, I’ve made for Diane, Kurdish-inspired clothing; a costume that would “work” under a straightjacket and that she could hang upside down in; pants and belts… some with bug designs; and fun stuff for her audience (especially kids!) to “get in on the action”! From witches to wizards, a little Irishman (in a myriad of woolens) and countless others along the way, these characters have taught me about other cultures; they’ve reminded me that my work can be varied and fun; and they’ve allowed me to get to know this talented performer so well. This summer it was costume pieces to work with her Water Wizards show–whales, crabs and wizard-ry-ish stuff. It’s all been a whale of a time and I hope for more of it!

[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]

Learn more about Diane and her performances for adults and children at her website Diane Edgecomb’s Living Myth

[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
13 Jun

Stress and the Hilarity of Fittings

2019-06-26T07:42:14+00:00By |

I admit I find theatrical fittings stressful. Oftentimes it’s the first time you’ve seen the performer and the first time you’ve actually seen the garments on someone. Added to that, people are busy and you have limited time to get them in, dressed and their garments altered. As a designer, there can often be a disconnect between what you “thought” the character would look like and what he/she “actually” looks like! You need to make quick decisions and hopefully have options and of course try to avoid, “second” and “third” fittings.
And then sometimes, an actor steps out of the dressing room and you just swoon. The silhouette is perfect; the color sparkles; the fit is spot-on.
And then sometimes, a performer steps out of the dressing room and you just crack up! This was the case with the mute, comedic butler character in “il secreto di susannah.” I wanted him to look buttoned-up and proper. I wanted him standing straight when onstage overseeing the zaniness of the opera. What better way to do it than in a slightly too-tight, period vest?!

[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]

First fitting with Steven Goldstein
Photo: Kathy Wittman

Here’s hoping for more hilarity and less stress… unless of course I’m designing a tragedy, and then maybe no hilarity and NO STRESS!

5 Jun

Sweet Collaborations

2019-06-26T07:42:14+00:00By |

I have been in the Boston University Theater in Boston for the last few days getting the costumes ready for Odyssey Opera’s 3-opera-festival.

Three different time periods, three different sets of singers and one great costume crew! Having spent a lot of time with that crew, I am struck by how talented each and every one of them is and how each has added their own signature strength to the overall look. Sometimes when I talk about “costume design” I wonder if people know just how many hands touch one pretty costume? I can doodle and dream, but without a talented team of drapers, seamstresses, wardrobe crew and eventually performers, they are just doodles on a page.

[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#000000″ bordersize=”1px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]
[fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe]

It is really wonderful to watch costumes evolve from the page to fittings to the actual stage. But it is an evolution with many “hand-offs”.

And long before my costume crew joined the “Odyssey” I had the production’s design team –the directors and the set and lighting designers–to talk with and bounce ideas off of. Each of these conversations help round out an overall look for a production. (It’s like a big, layer cake that get’s yummier as you drop your fork down!)

To me, this is what makes theater a yummy treat for the eyes, ears and heart!

Go to Top