The director of the Broadway production Francesca Zambello didn't want to create a realistic undersea world but a more abstract vision with the help of projections and lighting and costumes that depend on physical movement and all of that was gonna be done by costume designer Tatiana Noginova the whole idea was to use a movement without using wires to give the illusion of them swimming for the mermaids they were given mermaid skirts however attach to the skirts is a moving puppet fish-tail to help create the action of a mermaid swimming and it did work out beautifully on stage. There was something about that awe-struck despite they were skating on heelys and I know I wasn't going to be the only one that's going to try to follow the Broadway costume design but I was still up for the ride.
I use three different blends of green and aqua to create the color patterns since there's always this large debate over the colors of Ariel's tail so in this case I choose to play around with those shades which I still do, the tail itself is made out of rod wires (the kind you use for cargo boxes) what made the shape of the tail and help out with the movement as well and the fabric was use layer upon layer for the main detail and of course to hide any flaws and it was hand painted with sequins added and a hint of glitter glue. And to top it all that I also have my own hand painted heelys.
The first time I actually attempt to make an earlier version back in 2009 and I debut it at a convention called JACON in Orlando and the reception was ratter lukewarm, and instead of crying over it, I went back and try again, and this at the Manor Masquerade event in my town back in 2011 and the reception did got better but it still was personally a let down for me, it wasn't until the Mer-Palooza event was announced I decided to go back and rework on it again, and this time I was able to shape the appearance I want. On the beginning of August the Mer-Palooza had begin and right then and there it was pure heaven, I met everyone that I admire were not only in the same room but they all admire the hard work I put into it, and after that the next thing I know I was the "talk about" among the guest who attended the event. I did what I said I would out to do and I do blame on this dry land tail for making everything that's going on for me happening.
Look! It's me with Traci Hines! One of the many people that I admire who said many wonderful things about my costume.
