Ekaterina is inspired by the orchid bee (Euglossini). In my research I discovered that this bee came in myriad metallic colors and I had a hard time deciding which color to go with. Lucky for me, not all these bees were one color, but all colors of the rainbow, with their abdomens often shifting from deep red to bright gold.
The name Ekaterina was chosen as a reference to a very opulent period in Russia’s history. I love the elaborate designs in Russian art and the near over-the-top decor that was so common amongst the aristocracy. It was very important to me to carry the color shifting theme throughout her costume, and once I was done adding all the beads, her armor would be fit for no one other than royalty.
Originally Ekaterina’s skirt was going to be plain blue, but once I started dressing her, it was clear that she needed more sparkle. Her skirt is velvet and silk taffeta, and covered in glass beads, seed beads, and Swarovski crystals. The color’s mirror those in the abdomen section of her armor. Once the back of her skirt was done, I again realized that most of what made her shine was hidden unless viewing her from the back or side. I added some purple iridescent seed beads to the front facing side of her skirt to balance out her embellishments. The bottom hem of her skirt also conceals a wire, which can be bent to alter how her skirt falls.
The rest of her clothing is made of velvet and taffeta, embellished with seed beads and Swarovski crystals. Underneath the taffeta is a layer of iridescent metallic fabric which adds a subtle shimmer to the blue/ purple fabric.
Her armor has been 3D printed and painted with acrylic paint. I used multiple colors and thin layers of iridescent paint to achieve the color shifting effect. Overall, her armor is a teal color, but depending on the angle it can shift though all the colors of the rainbow.
Her body is sculpted by hand out of polymer clay and painted with acrylic paint. Her hair is made from wool locks, braided, and adorned with seed beads. Her eyes are made of glass.
