MOLLY AKIN-MCKINLEY
COSTUME DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Mad Hatter Wig & Hat
Milliner/Craftsperson: Molly Akin-McKinley
Wig Process
Two layers of buckram pulled with contrasting graininess for maximum strength. Held in place until hardened. Wig crown then cut and wired, ready for application of wig wefts.
Millinery wire was dyed to match the color of the weft. The buckram wig crown was similarly painted to match the wig.
Finished wig. Materials for the hair included dyed moss (natural), and various foliage pieces of complimentary color (synthetic). These varied elements help provide the overall unique texture and whimsical non-human quality of this wig fitting for Lewis Carroll's "Mad Hatter".
Hat Process
This insulation foam was cut into appropriate shapes and taped into place for the steaming of the Fosshape hat. The pieces of the foam were taped in place with pull tabs in order to be removed once the Fosshape form was hardened.
A pattern was created for the general shape desired for the top hat. Typical of the "Mad Hatter" shape, this top hat is wider at the tip and narrower at the base. Once cut and sewn into this shape, the foam hat block was constructed in place inside of the hat, taped into place, and the hat was steamed until the Fosshape hardened as desired.
The hat brim for the Mad Hatter hat was shaped and steamed into form using a brim block.
Here is the top hat prior to painting treatments.
Acrylic paint and spray paints were then applied to give a fabric-like quality print to the hat. A stencil was used to achieve the filigree design.