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What is your design philosophy?
I am not sure that I have a design philosophy.
I have a design passion.
When working with a client on a custom order we discuss her favorite 'looks', colors, and most importantly .
. . performance venues for the costume. In the beginning design process, we discuss ideas and
preferences to co-create her dream costume. Then, I begin to design and visualize the costume, cut and
create.
Why did you start designing belly dance costumes?
I started making my own belly dance costumes at age 12. Years later, a colleague said, "I love your
costume, can you make one for me?" and that is when I started my career in costume design . . . 1987.
These early costumes were Egyptian Style with long beaded fringe and hand sequined.
About 10 years ago, I started making Gypsy Style Belly Dance Costumes. These costumes were inspired by
Anaheed and Marguerite. They brought over yards and yards of colorful fabrics and trim with design
specifications for their new costumes.
Do you meet with customers at your home?
Sometimes. Most of my custom orders are handled through the mail. I design and sew for customers all
over the country and internationally, as well. For 'fittings', I mail a bra and belt base to the customer (with
instructions) for them to 'fit' the straps and mark for hooks. I have had 99.9% success in getting the perfect
fit the first time. For only one customer, have I had to send a 2nd fitting.
How long does it generally take for a customer to get her costume?
4 - 6 weeks
Do you have ready made costumes or are all costumes custom made?
I do all of the designing and creating myself.
Effective September 1st, I will have a new system for my Gypsy Costumes, so I can manage all of the orders
and continue to give my customers great service and fabulous costumes!
Each month I will have one Complete Gypsy Costume for sale on my website. Just one. Several times
throughout the year I will accept 5 - 10 custom orders for complete Gypsy Costumes. After that, I will have a
'waiting list' for custom orders.
by Melia
| Here in the Los Angeles area, we are fortunate to have some wonderful and talented belly dance costume designers. You have probably seen their work, but perhaps did not know that their beautiful creations were not from Egypt or Turkey, they were made right here. Over the next few months, we would like to introduce you to a few of these designers. |
Anja has been designing belly dance costumes for 20 years.
As a dancer since the age of 7, she has a unique and intimate
insight into what her customers want and need. We asked
Anja a few questions about herself and her costume designs.
Here is what she had to say:
What types of costumes do you make?
Complete Belly Dance Costumes (Egyptian Style) and
Complete Gypsy Costumes.
Do you have a specialty?
My specialty is designing Gypsy Costumes and my other
passion is designing Egyptian style beaded and hand
sequined costumes.
As a dancer since the age of 7, she has a unique and intimate
insight into what her customers want and need. We asked
Anja a few questions about herself and her costume designs.
Here is what she had to say:
What types of costumes do you make?
Complete Belly Dance Costumes (Egyptian Style) and
Complete Gypsy Costumes.
Do you have a specialty?
My specialty is designing Gypsy Costumes and my other
passion is designing Egyptian style beaded and hand
sequined costumes.
What is the average price range for your costumes?
These are averages; some are higher and some lower:
Complete Belly Dance Costumes- Egyptian Fringed and
Hand-Sequined (Bra, Belt, Skirt) $595 - $995
Complete Gypsy Costumes (Bra, Belt, Vest, Gypsy Skirt)
$495 - $895
Do you make accessories or other costume pieces?
I sometimes make accessories for specific costumes.
But, my business is about creating complete costumes,
not offering individual pieces.
Where do you perform?
I worked as a full time professional dancer in the LA area
for years and years. House dancer at Port of Athens in
Studio City, Taverna Tony's in Malibu, Zorbas in Costa
Mesa and occasional appearances in many, many other
restaurants and nightclubs.
I continue to perform occasionally; but, it is as an
instructor and choreographer that my true mission and
purpose is expressed.
These are averages; some are higher and some lower:
Complete Belly Dance Costumes- Egyptian Fringed and
Hand-Sequined (Bra, Belt, Skirt) $595 - $995
Complete Gypsy Costumes (Bra, Belt, Vest, Gypsy Skirt)
$495 - $895
Do you make accessories or other costume pieces?
I sometimes make accessories for specific costumes.
But, my business is about creating complete costumes,
not offering individual pieces.
Where do you perform?
I worked as a full time professional dancer in the LA area
for years and years. House dancer at Port of Athens in
Studio City, Taverna Tony's in Malibu, Zorbas in Costa
Mesa and occasional appearances in many, many other
restaurants and nightclubs.
I continue to perform occasionally; but, it is as an
instructor and choreographer that my true mission and
purpose is expressed.
| If you would like Anja to make your dream costume or for more information, contact her at AnjaDesigns@aol.com or through her web site www.GlitzyGypsy.com. |
ANJA (Woodland Hills, California)
August 2007
Our first Costume Goddess is ..