Zebra Freak

I designed this make-up but had it applied by a friend (first wearing) and my mum (second wearing), although I did the face myself each time. It was applied with a paint brush and took about 3 hours in total. The corset bra was a bought one and the skirt was just a voluminous satin affair I knocked together in an afternoon.

At the Carnival of Lost Souls the theme was 'circus freaks' and there was some amazing, creative and technically proficient makeup there... under closer inspection, there were many others who deserved the award more than I, I reckon. But the hall was dimly lit (for atmosphere) and under those conditions, I was like a flashing beacon, attracting much attention. It is a very good argument for designing costumes for stage presentation with a completely different mind-set.

AWARDS:

• "Best Female Make-up" Carnival of Lost Souls Gothic Ball (Melbourne, September 1995)