I am working on the 30th-anniversary rewrite of my classic 1993 book, “Costuming From the Hip.” Wheee… This project was on my agenda for 2022, but life got a little out of hand, and here we are in 2023 setting other projects on the back burner. Our mission is to get this new edition done by the end of this year or in early ’24.
Part of this process involves working through my own archive and research collection. In this video, I share the six books that directly inspired the creation of my book way back in 1992. Costuming From the Hip grew from this inspiration with the help of my growing collection of class handouts and research notes.
I’m thrilled that editor Nancy Hay, and my co-author and photographer Alisha Westerfeld will join me on this adventure! We’re working together to update, modernize, and expand on the information, illustrations, and photos of the original version.
Yes, you read that. The new edition of CFTH will feature photos of dancers in costumes!
It’s an exciting time here in Studio Davina. I look forward to sharing more progress reports in the coming weeks.
Amsterdam is a delightful period murder mystery set in the 1920s. It was released in the fall of 2022 and starred Margot Robbie. The costumes designed by J. R. Hawbaker perfectly capture the look and feel of how assiut was transformed into gowns during the 1920s.
I’ve found a pair of videos that have clips of this gown in action. Be sure to watch the film on your favorite movie streaming service and see the full scene with this luscious dress! Wanna see more assiut garments? Check out my Assiut Pinterest Boardwith thousands of images collected during my research for The Cloth of Egypt through to today.
Happy Costuming and Dance,
~ Dawn Devine ~ Davina March 2023
Toroz – Modern Egyptian Design
Traditional Assiut Details
I recently discovered an amazing young designer Lobna Zogheib, founder of the label Toroz. These lovely garments are modern and fashionable featuring accents of traditional embroidery from Sohag and Siwa oasis. Lobna strives for her garments to be, “a gateway between cultural iconic craftsmanship and modern-day fashion style.”
Toroz is making an impact in the Egyptian fashion scene, with key figures collecting and wearing her pieces. One of the most prestigious collectors of Toroz is the Egyptian Minister of Culture, Dr. Ines Abdeldaym.
If you’re interested in learning more about Toroz, or even picking up a piece for yourself, visit the company’s Instagram account follow, and DM them directly for more information.
I am working on the 30th-anniversary rewrite of my classic 1993 book, “Costuming From the Hip.” Wheee… This project was on my agenda for 2022, but life got a little out of hand, and here we are in 2023 setting other projects on the back burner. Our mission is to get this new edition done by the end of this year or in early ’24.
