I’m still floating from the perfect movie that is Black Panther, and I want to make every outfit I saw on the screen. When Vanity Fair released their spread for Avengers last month, I started planning out Ramonda’s gown almost immediately. I absolutely love the combination of the base fabric, which looks to be a sort of spacer mesh, mixed with such a luxurious brocade. The result is a skirt full of body and a powerful silhouette. Plus, true to form, I added pockets. Because, pockets.
Fabrics & materials used:
- 2 yards Metallic Black and Navy Diamond Quilted Brocade
- 4 yards Black Novelty Spacer Mesh
- 1 yard Black Stretch Ponte Knit
- 24″ Black Invisible Zipper
- MDF036 – The Corvus Cosplay Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated.
So let’s break down this dress. It’s made up of a bodice, which is lined with a comfortable ponte; an underskirt, which is two half circles with pockets hidden in the seams, and a pleated brocade overskirt.
If you tried out the skirt in The Iris pattern, the underskirt for The Corvus is nearly the same (but with an even, floor-length hem). As such, it goes together the same way: connect the front and back panels of the underskirt with the pocket and then fold the pocket in half to sew along its bottom edge and down the remainder of the side skirt seam. Unlike with the Iris, you can skip French seams for this one. Set the underskirt aside for now.
Next, we’ll tackle the bodice. As you can see above, it has princess seams as well as side seams. Sew your side front panels to either side of the center front panel, matching up the lower edges.
Do the same with your back bodice panels, like below, and then connect your front and back at the shoulders and side seams. Your ponte lining will go together the same way.
Attach the lining to the main bodice at the neckline, placing the fabric faces together. Since the neckline is somewhat v-shaped, you’ll want to notch your seam allowance like you can see below. This will help it lay flatter while being worn, particularly if you’re using a bulky mesh.
Flip your bodice right side out, fold the raw edges of your armholes 1/2″ inward, and slip-stitch.
Next, take your brocade and give 3 of the 4 edges a basic rolled hem, leaving the top edge unfinished. Follow the pleat guide on your pattern to pin the pleats into place. The two most toward the center back will face towards the back of the garment, while the other 6 face forward.
Stay-stitch your pleats into place and then attach the overskirt to the bottom of the mesh of your bodice, like above. The front edges should align with the front princess seams of your bodice, leaving the center panel open. Next, attach your underskirt to the same spot, just beneath the brocade. Be sure to fold your pockets toward the front of your garment.
Cut a 6″-8″ slit at the center back of your skirts (both layers), and insert your invisible zipper. Don’t include your lining when sewing the zipper into place. Once the zipper is inserted, fold the raw edges of the ponte inward and slip-stitch along the zipper and waistline. For added ease, you could top-stitch along the zipper to reduce bulk.
With that, your gown is complete! Spacer mesh doesn’t fray, so I left the hem of the underskirt raw. I absolutely love the volume it has, and I’m absolutely in awe of how lovely it looks. A huge thank you to our Style Blogger, Shavonne Cruz for modeling this one! You can read her amazing posts here.
Do you know anyone who would be the perfect Ramonda cosplayer? Either way, this gown would look stunning on anyone. I can’t wait to make a version for myself! What fabrics might you try for your version?
20 comments
I love this dress! It is perfect for many dressed-up occasions. Thank you so much for sharing your magnificent patterns with us. I really appreciate it!
Wow this is stunning! I think it does the pattern a disservice to only have it tagged as cosplay, it should also show up in dresses (like when you click patterns > dresses). I adore this one! Would love to see it made as a formal gown
Thank you for this! I have been dying to recreate this look for Comic Con.
Cosplay? Everyday play! Love this! No idea how I got here, but I can’t thank you enough for the beautifull patterns and very detailed instructions. Thanks again! ❤
However you got here, I’m glad you made it! Thank you so much for reading 🙂
This dress makes me swoon!!
Does the waist of this dres fit at or above one’s natural waist. I like dresses to hit at the top of my hips, long torso.
This one should hit right at your natural waist.
Thank you so much for adding that dress to your line up!
I love it
Thank you sew much for the inspiration! I think this dress has the capacity to make ANYONE feel like a fairy princess! As for fabric choices, I can visualize this beauty with a topper of pastel embroidered sheer, possibly with iridescence, along with a base layer woven or lightweight knit that might not mind allowing the top layer to take center stage and receive all of the attention. This should be a prearranged marriage of 2 unlikely companions: avoiding next of kin relationships, any hints of codependency , etc. A peek-a-boo surprise would be welcomed, as long as the final product isn’t too busy . The design of this dress alone is enchanting. Evening gloves, just the right evening bag, feminine shoes, and a minimal amount carefully chosen statement jewelry will make one ready and confident for the ballroom!
*One of the biggest mistakes I see ladies make is choosing a dress such as this for that special evening out then accessorizing as if they were “Sweet Dixie Rose” darning every piece of karat jewelry they own until they run out of appendages with vacancies! Have fun, and unless your last name is Rockefeller, leave your fine jewelry secured and sport a few “pieces that pop”.
I would wear this to a wedding lol 🙂 I love it!
Love this dress. Can’t wait to make it up. I think a silk/ wool fabric in a beautiful color would be perfect for the overskirt, and a funky print for the underskirt would be stunning. Thinking like hostess pants and overskirt but making it up in reverse. Solid underneath and pattern on top. Thanks so much.
Not only for cosplay, but for prom, homecoming, or even everyday use. Your patterns are all wonderful. I will for sure be making many ensembles using your patterns in the hopefully near future
this is beautiful for ay formal occasion, thank you for the free pattern
A Dress Fit for a Queen!
do you think a hoopskirt could be put on underneath to add some extra princess like volume?
Absolutely, Shay! Great idea 🙂
this is a beautiful pattern, thank you for sharing. I am curious, what pattern did you use for the headpiece?
Hi Michelle! They just used a headwrap 🙂