Character: Anna Valerious

Variation: vinylized/ main garb

From: Van Helsing

Completed: fall 2004

i'm not the biggest Van Helsing fan, but i really liked this costume when i saw it on screen. i wore it to DragonCon in 2004, and will likely never wear it again in total.

::the corset::

although the original one is leather, i didn't have the time or financial resources to make or buy one. i did, however, find in my stash, a heavyweight, leathery looking acetate fabric. after making the longline underbust corset, i added buckles in black vinyl, and studs, all around, as well as a black privacy panel. ditto for the tassels.

::the blouse::

back when my trusty brother sewing/embroidery machine worked, i used it to fully embroider this top. it's an off white cotton. i miss my machine....

::the accessories::

the sword was, sad to say, from the kids' aisle at k-mart, painted to look more authentic, the cross necklace i made from leather cord and a pendant from hobby lobby, and the sword sheath was made in the coordinating material for the corset. the boot tops were made from black vinyl pvc, with approx. 62 grommets on each leg.

sure, she dosen't have these, but i had no pleather and i wanted a twist on the costume. they ended up making my legs sweat like mad.

::the jacket::

i had a dreadful time finding enough velvet in the colour needed so i went with velour. i ran out of time to do the embroidery, so i painted it instead. stupid move. it looked like crap.

::the wig::

although i had no photos of it, i had the InstaBeau Hollywood wig. long, dark brown with highlights, and curly. perfecto.