Costume Play
A Collection of Theatrical Upcycling by Tata Christiane
Photography by Valquire Veljkovic
Step into the vivid, shimmering world of Costume Play, the latest collection by Tata Christiane, where sustainable fashion meets theatrical transformation. Inspired by the handmade creativity of cabaret and circus performers, this collection celebrates the magic of self-expression, upcycling, and the childlike joy of dressing up.
Costume Play… Fashion as Performance
Costume Play draws inspiration from the legacy of performers in the cabaret and circus traditions of Vienna and Berlin, where costume-making was often an extension of the performance itself. Historically, artists crafted their own outfits using leftover materials, stage curtains, sequins, and scraps—a tradition of DIY glamour and ingenuity.
This same spirit lives in Costume Play. The collection is built from vintage fabrics discovered in 2012 at one of Vienna’s oldest textile shops, including prints and textures from the 1950s to 1970s. These rare materials are revived through bold silhouettes and imaginative construction, breathing new life into forgotten histories.
Costume Play… Upcycled Techniques and Theatrical Details
Each piece is an ode to craftsmanship and creativity, featuring an eclectic mix of materials and surface design techniques:
Deadstock fabric: Rescued from the fashion industry, these unused fabrics are now transformed into luxurious, sustainable garments.
Mosaic Leatherwork: Offcuts of leather are reassembled into intricate mosaics—both sculptural and symbolic.
Crochet work: Handmade crochet inserts lend a soft, organic feel to the collection, recalling folk traditions and the intimacy of domestic craft.
Feathers and paillettes: Referencing the glamour of classic showgirls, these decorative elements shimmer and move with every step.
Upcycled vintage scarves: Reimagined as tops and kimono jackets, these pieces add fluidity, color, and one-of-a-kind charm.
Together, the garments evoke the spirit of two imaginative children playing in a costume trunk, reinventing themselves again and again through clothes. Humor, nostalgia, and play infuse every look.
Costume Play… Historical Influences and Artistic Heritage
🎭 Cabaret Fledermaus (Vienna, 1907) was one of the first avant-garde cabaret spaces where costume, performance, and modern design merged into a total work of art (Gesamtkunstwerk). The ethos of Fledermaus—playful, critical, and visual—is stitched into the heart of this collection.
🎪 Berlin’s contemporary circus and experimental cabaret scenes continue this legacy today, celebrating gender fluidity, humor, and radical self-expression. Groups highlighted by platforms like Circostrada show how fashion and performance are still closely intertwined in these artistic communities.
Costume Play reinterprets this tradition, inviting the wearer to become both performer and character, to move through the world with a sense of play and theatricality.
Costume Play… A Celebration of Sustainable Couture
This is slow fashion with a sparkle. Each piece reflects a commitment to eco-conscious design, using reclaimed textiles, deadstock materials, and hand-finished techniques. By mixing artisanal craft with stage-inspired aesthetics, the collection offers a glamorous alternative to fast fashion—proving that sustainability and spectacle can coexist beautifully.
Discover the Collection
🎟️ Browse Unique pieces by Tata Christiane
📚 What is Deadstock Fabric and Why It Matters
📸 Photography by Valquire Veljkovic
🎪 The Artistic Legacy of Contemporary Circus – Circostrada
