River Song's Zeeda Dress
Notes I've taken on the Zeeda for anyone attempting to make or find one
- It is the "Zeeda Dress", made by All Saints, and out of stock. There were only two colors: taupe and midnight. You need taupe.
- Occasionally, one comes up on Ebay, where they are go for anywhere between $200-500, though I heard one went for almost $600 recently. The only other place I know of to occasionally find them is LiveJournal dwcosplay_sales. If you are into Doctor Who cosplay at all, and aren't already on that site, I definitely recommend it. Lovely people :)
- The fabric is 100% lyocell, which is a material made from pulped tree fibers. It was only invented a few years ago, so though it is gaining popularity, it is still very hard to find.
- The dress style is called "deconstructed"
- The skirt is called a "parachute style skirt"
- The dress is supposed to be "adjustable", which means that there are all sorts of random flaps and buttons and drawstrings and zippers in strange places.
- The zipper is sewn to the outside of the dress, and goes all the way up to meet at the back of the neck.
- Running parallel to each side of the zipper is a strip of twill tape.
- For the fabric, linen would kind of work. It has a similar flow, and would be easier to find in the right color. The only thing is that it wouldn't have the same shiny effect. The other thing that I might try is crepe-back satin, or just regular satin, and use the back side of it. That way it would be a little shiny, but not shiny like a prom dress.
EDIT: I was planning on making one myself, but fortunately was able to get ahold of an SA dress. I've added my own pictures and notes for you to work off if you want.
I've counted 33 total panels in the dress, not counting the tabs and inside pocket pieces. I'm trying to number them as we go. Hopefully that will help you to keep them straight if making your own pattern. Also, please keep in mind that my dress is a UK size 10, and all measurements are based off that.
The strip going along side the zipper is one long piece cut on the bias. It starts at the base of the zipper and ends at an angle at the shoulder. There is no curve in the strip, but that is what allows it to zip up to different places (you know, different degrees of cleavage)
I've realized that pieces 1 and 7 are actually one piece, as are 2 and 8. The zipper is simply sewn to the center of the piece.
The zipper is 25" long from the base to where they meet at the neck.
The zipper in panel 14 is 5 inches long, though I'm assuming all zippers were originally measured in metric, so my measurements will be a little off.
The zipper in panel 24 is just under 7 inches long.
For color reference, my dress is not as light as it appears in these pictures, but it is also not as dark or as brown as it appears in most of the stock photos.
I've taken measurements of the different panels and pieces:
(all measurements are in inches and from a size UK 10)
(all measurements are in inches and from a size UK 10)
if you are attempting to make an Anina belt, here is a link to the correct type of brass rivets at a good price, though they are shipped from Hong Kong. https://www.etsy.com/listing/120866581/5pcs-8mm-antique-brass-round-screw-back?ref=favs_view_17
Good luck!