Portsmouth Costumiers & Society Belle

Portsmouth Costumiers & Society Belle Theatrical costume design team in residence, at centrally located beautiful grade II listed Victoria

We are a costume design and production collective based at the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth. Working collaboratively to provide bespoke pieces for the arts and entertainment industries, formal wear, pageant gowns and all manner of spectacular garments. Designers/makers are Naomi Gibbs, Linda Canning and Sandra Reinolde. We can also provide trained and trusted wardrobe crew for productions.

Lovely Dawn, wearing one of ours! Created by Linda, Sandra and Naomi
12/01/2023

Lovely Dawn, wearing one of ours! Created by Linda, Sandra and Naomi

We didnt want to reignite the scone debate 'jam, or cream first?' And yet here we are. The juiciest afternoon tea sweeti...
27/11/2022

We didnt want to reignite the scone debate 'jam, or cream first?' And yet here we are. The juiciest afternoon tea sweetie I have ever seen.
So proud to have once again collaborated with on this delectable, decadent design for . We had so much fun creating it for her! Five specialists worked on this duchess satin, velour rhinestoned confection simultaneously in the studio.
Artist:
Edit: .alfie
Gown and millinery: (the team; , .rixon )
Wig:
Jewels:
Show:

The summer of 2021, I costumed-designed Sonar, for . It was fun working with , taking a little inspiration from Buster ...
24/06/2022

The summer of 2021, I costumed-designed Sonar, for . It was fun working with , taking a little inspiration from Buster Keaton's 'The Navigator' for its rakish, romantic, 1920s charm. My military tailoring/history scruples needed to flex a little to serve the narrative and character-but as a dear, respected mentor once put it to me: "You have to learn all the rules before you can break them." I think I've earned a little artistic licence by now. (Yes, he is supposed to be unkempt and in 'unexpected rig'.)
Many thanks to suppliers/contributors , and (more production stills and bts by to be revealed as the film makes its way around the world's film festivals!) On location at HMS Alliance, so fortunate to be able to film onboard a cold-war sub, thanks to
Make-up by .hmua

Gorgeous .l artfully captured by wearing our box pleat duchess ballgown skirt and ballet wrap shimmer blouse in seafoam...
18/06/2022

Gorgeous .l artfully captured by wearing our box pleat duchess ballgown skirt and ballet wrap shimmer blouse in seafoam and gold. These separates are perfect 'modular' attire for formal functions. They can individually be styled for so many occasions and tastes.
Venue

and I are at the Southwick Revival this week judging the 'Best Dressed' competition. We're both wearing 'Portsmouth Cos...
12/06/2022

and I are at the Southwick Revival this week judging the 'Best Dressed' competition. We're both wearing 'Portsmouth Costumiers' of course! Deborah's fitted 1940s style dress was designed especially around her Nanny Nora's RAF brooch, in a beautiful airforce blue suiting with a red vintage wool suiting contrast. There is a special brooch pad specifically for that brooch, made from self-fabric and sewn into the neckline. We created a matching turban too, which Deborah accessorised with orchids. Beautiful!
My outfit is a 1940s summer suit, with naval details. Featuring tortoiseshell/brass buttons (that read 'Royal Navy Corps-I've never discovered why those buttons exist, they aren't issue, nor is that a familir term). I've attached one of my WWII Royal Navy sweetheart swing brooches and styled with my ropework belt (available to order)
Suit has wide collar and cuff reveres.

Stunning is vivid and vivacious in our imperial purple brocade 'Paula' wiggle dress. I love how this rich, sophisticate...
08/06/2022

Stunning is vivid and vivacious in our imperial purple brocade 'Paula' wiggle dress. I love how this rich, sophisticated purple partners with her vibrant hair. They are complimentary colours, after all!
Photography by Amba Tremain.


Finally getting round to posting a selection of our latest designs, captured by This bold-stripe full-skirted, knife-p...
05/06/2022

Finally getting round to posting a selection of our latest designs, captured by
This bold-stripe full-skirted, knife-pleated dress comes with a little matching double-breasted jacket with a portrait collar. It's perfect for formal occasions, or the dress can be worn on its own more casually.
My version features gold officer's rope buttons with the classic Royal Navy anchor, to extend on the nautical theme. The original, unique Ocean Knot ropework belt, with gold fish-hook closure is optional and was designed and made in-house too.
It practically goes without saying at this point, but this can be made in any colour combination or fabric to suit your tastes.

Last night, and co-presented London's Rainbow Honours Awards wearing their bespoke, coordinating Portsmouth Costumiers...
02/06/2022

Last night, and co-presented London's Rainbow Honours Awards wearing their bespoke, coordinating Portsmouth Costumiers designs.
We were delighted to create this intricate tailoring for them both. Julian wears a rhinestone-studded richly textured brocade suit, with jet black glass beading. Victoria's ensemble playfully hybrids tailoring with a sheer ball-gown. A half-jacket and sheer rhinestone bodysuit is paired with tailored, tapered trousers and a frothy tulle skirt cascade.
Designed by:
Construction and embellishment: .rixon
Photography: pressimageuk

15/05/2022

We will be back at MoD Main Building Tuesday 24th May. All work dropped with us at our last visit will be returned on the day too, so please drop in to collect (or let us know if someone else is collecting on your behalf)

Address

New Theatre Royal 22-24 Guildhall Walk
Portsmouth
PO12DD

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+447899026110

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Portsmouth Costumiers & Society Belle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Portsmouth Costumiers & Society Belle:

Shortcuts

Share

Category