Watch Your Costumes Come to Life!

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting Dramatic Flair Costumes. My name is Marci Heiser. I’m a seamstress and costume designer, near Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, with over forty years of experience.

I enjoy making people (of whatever size, shape, or age) look fabulous, with perfectly fitted garments. I have an eye for color and interesting combinations, as well as an eye for detail.

I create one-of-a-kind costumes and wedding gowns. If you have patterns, that’s great. But, if not, I am trained to design from drawings and descriptions.

I specialize in Victorian fashion, but have also designed Edwardian, Steampunk, fantasy, theatrical, dance, and other historical costumes. Many costumes are made to be put on and taken off, easily. However, I can create costumes with underpinnings, so they are historically accurate, for the ultra history buffs out there!

Location

As mentioned above, I’m located near Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Custom-fitting must be done in-person. But, I can also do some design consultations and lessons, remotely. If you live in another area, you can send me garments that you’d like to have embellished. I’d be happy to help you in that way, too.

Marci's Background

Education & Work

I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Construction, from University of North Carolina School of the Arts. I worked with private clients in Colorado for twenty years. I recently moved to the Champaign-Urbana area and I’m working to get established, here. 

In addition to running my own business, I have designed costumes for the following theater companies: Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Opera Colorado, Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, Ballet Nouveau Colorado, Red Rocks Community College, Central City Opera, Piedmont Opera, and Toledo Opera (Ohio).

I have also done alterations at David’s Bridal and Priscilla of Boston.

Community Involvement

I am a member of the following organizations: Illini Country Stitchers Quilt Guild, Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP), Sewing Referral Network, American Sewing Guild, Victorian Society of Colorado, and Days Gone Bye.

Interests

I love to wear costumes, myself! Some of my hobbies are attending Victorian teas, performing in theater productions, contra dancing, and singing at my church.

Services

Designing & Sewing

Watch your visions come to life! I am both a seamstress and costume designer. I can make your costumes, hats, and wedding gowns, from conception-to-creation.

Learn more…

Restyling

Did you know that basic pieces can be transformed with Edwardian hemlines, Victorian frills & other modifications? Repurposing is fun and eco-friendly!

Learn more…

Teaching

Do you want to learn how to make your own costumes, hats, and gowns? Would you like to transform basic pieces that you already own? I’d be happy to teach you.

Learn more…

Tailoring

Gents, are you getting ready for a wedding or other special event? Is your tux too long in the sleeves, too big, etc? I can help!

Learn more…

Alterations

Ladies, have you found the perfect dress, but it needs some tweaks? Does your gown need to be taken in, due to weight loss? I can help!

Learn more…

Etsy

Etsy Screenshot - DramaticFlairbyMarci

Check Out My Etsy Shop  

You’ll find Victorian, Edwardian, Steampunk, and other historical costumes.  

There are original designs, as well as repurposed (embellished, transformed, upcycled) pieces.

I also have a selection of hats, other accessories, and vintage patterns for sale.

If you see something that you like, but it’s not quite right for you, let me know! I’d be happy to talk to you about custom orders.

Gallery

Click on an image, below, to go to the respective gallery page…

Contact Marci

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This