Drawing inspiration from traditional circle skirts, I created a full 720-degree double circle skirt. My design process began in CLO3D, where I used digital patternmaking software to draft the pattern in an attempt to reduce fabric waste.

The completion of the dramatic skirt, layered over a cage skirt and crinoline petticoat, gives a dramatic flare that changed my body shape in a way that correlates with my inspiration for late 18th-early 19th century performative dress specifically cross-dressing. Artists like William Dorsey Swann were included in the research phase, specifically videos discussing his legacy as a former enslaved person of the United States. Swann being the first documented self-identified “queen” as well as one of the first people to pursue legal jurisdiction regarding gay rights has cemented his name into queer history.

After full assembly of all 8 skirt pieces, I used a 4” horsehair braid to give the bottom of the skirt body and structure, emphasizing the body transformation I desired.

The back of the skirt has two clasp closures and is designed to fit my body after corset cinching has occurred.