Artist brings Titanic movie dresses to life in miniature form

TODAY, April 15, the world observes Titanic Remembrance Day when the RMS Titanic luxury liner sank after striking an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City in 1912.

It is a day to remember and honour the more than 1 500 people who tragically lost their lives.

The historic incident has inspired songs, books, and an Oscar-winning film.

That film, and in particular its period outfits, has inspired former Durban resident, Dale McCarty.

McCarthy, an artist and bridal gown designer, now lives in the UK and has used his love for the movie and period dresses to beautifully craft and recreate miniature, Barbie-sized replicas of movie costumes and dresses.

“I absolutely loved Titanic. Even more so because I thought the costume designer for the film, Deborah Scott, did such an incredible job. The first time I saw it was back in December 1997 down at the La Lucia Mall when the movies were still there. I remember staring up at that poster while my mom was getting the tickets. That whole experience was just so big, it was actually overwhelming, but in the best possible way. Everything about that day and the costumes worn has really left an indelible impression on me,” he said.

“I remember, after the movie was released, there was a companion ‘making-of’ book for the movie – it was filled with production stills, behind-the-scenes photographs, illustrations and so many details about how the film was brought to life. There were also a few costume design illustrations which really sparked my interest and inspired me to try my hand at making my own miniature versions, and that was the catalyst for my miniature Titanic movie costume journey … and I am still on this journey all these years later,” he said.

He also gave some insight into how each recreation unfolds, which involves working out how the ‘fabrics work’.

“I sit and find as many photographs and footage of the outfit as possible, so, production stills, high-resolution screen captures, behind-the-scenes footage and photographs, and exhibition pictures, if available. I absorb it all and then do loads of working drawings to fully immerse myself in the garment and get to grips with its construction and pattern.

“Then, once I feel like I have a solid understanding of what the sewing pattern looks like and how to actually put it together, I’ll source fabrics. Usually, in dealing with such a small scale, I opt for very lightweight fabrics like silk, satin, silk chiffons and georgettes – anything that will not add unnecessary bulk because every little millimetre adds up very quickly. After drafting the miniature sewing pattern with the fabrics in mind, I will sometimes make a little mock-up to test how the pattern is working. It’s not always easy or possible, since Barbie proportions are just different to human proportions, so it is always going to be a bit of a compromise. The time it takes differs wildly from garment to garment, depending on the specific details I need to include,” he said.

McCarthy added that there are more Titanic replicas in the pipeline.

“I’ve got a few Titanic miniatures in the pipeline next – I am dying to do the heaven dress – which is the white version of the dinner dress, worn at the very end of the film where Rose’s spirit reunites with Jack on the pristine ship. I also really want to make the breakfast gown, the one she wears the morning after the third-class party. It’s such a delicate yet detailed little number, and the challenge will be to make something really work with some extremely tiny flowers, vines and embroidery. But as always, I welcome the challenge,” he said.

To see more of his beautiful work, follow him on Instagram: @dale_mccarthy_art.

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