This bustle is based on a period Victorian design. It has seven arcs of hoop steel giving it shape and a pleated ruffle on the bottom to give it movement.  I added a draped skirt front, making it suitable for modern wear. I love the way the pleather makes it look organic.

Lobster Tail Bustle

When Christa approached me to create her wedding gown, I knew I had a high bar to reach. She has a finely developed aesthetic sense and is a talented artisan herself, as evidenced by her spectacular art car Syren.

She had definite priorities for her gown, one of which was to show off her knee-high platform buckled boots. We accomplished that with a full underskirt that is drawn up in front to reveal her boots and blue petticoat. Her other wish was to have a 6-foot train that bustles up to floor length. Her train is of silk jacquard and floats beautifully behind her.

The corset is pinstriped wool, sourced by Christa from New York’s garment district, with buckled straps to match the boots and a batwing flourish to echo the sleevelets, which are silk chiffon.

It was a real pleasure to work with Christa and create this gown, and it was an even bigger pleasure to see it in action on the day of her wedding!

See more at Funcrunch Photo and Offbeat Bride. All photos by the very talented Julie Bernstein.

I have a new project in the works and I thought I’d give a preview of what’s to come.

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Yes, this is exactly what you think it is. Rarity is a costume designer; how could I resist?

Up next: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack… and a surprise pony!

Heather’s one of a kind wedding gown is made of ivory silk taffeta. We worked together to arrive at a design that showcased her elegant Art Nouveau tattoo. The custom corset has a sturdy three-layer construction. The skirt drapes gracefully across the front and falls to a series of pleats at the back.

Heather was an absolute delight to work with, and I was pleased to be able to create something for her beautiful wedding!

All photos by Jessica Palopoli

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This cute little corset and skirt set was built from a secondhand men’s suit. The fabric is a light wool blend, and the pink godets in the skirt were taken from a thrifted women’s blouse. The godets match the pink lacing on the corset. The buttons on the front of the corset are also from the original suit.

This particular set is available for $275. If you would like a custom version, I’d be delighted to make one – please contact me at info@tulgeywooddesigns.com for details.

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I created this period outfit for the Museum of the Great Plains in Oklahoma. I’m a bit of a museum nerd, so I was very happy to take on this project!

The shirtwaist is Gibson style, popular in the early 1900s. It is made of fine cotton batiste, and has extensive pintucking and insets of antique lace. The shaped belt adds to the S-curve silhouette. The worsted wool skirt is lined, and the flared shape is typical of the Edwardian style.

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In partnership with Nifer Fahrion of NifNaks, I created this rugged work corset inspired by the Carhartt line of clothing.

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