The theater stage at the heart of the Young V&A in East London is an exceptional space for kids to try out their performance skills and let their imagination run free on a red carpet. One of my flamingo capes has been available for kids to try on and play around in since last year and I was delighted when the Young V&A contacted me to commission more costumes.
More abstract shapes start conversations. Trigger children's imagination. Encourage them to play and explore.
And costumes are always also a sensory experience for a child. How does it feel? What does it do to my body wearing it? How can I move in it?
The crinkle cloud has a very soft cotton jersey beanie inside, that contrasts with the smooth, slightly metallic surface of the lycra that makes the clouds. Hidden between the soft stuffing of the cloud and the outer skin is a crinkle foil, which makes an unusual sound when you squeeze and touch the hat.
Why does the cloud crinkle?
Let's float away with the clouds.
The disc on the other hand is made from two stiffened, round flats and can easily be slipped over the head to wear as a full body shape. But what about wearing it as a turtle back or rolling yourself into it? Could it be worn as a hat? It’s a cumbersome piece of clothing that makes you think about how we view a wearable object.
Is it a pancake? A coin? A dot? The moon?
What does it feel like to wear it?
Or a piece of cheese?
