Delusion Studio is based in Fairbanks, Alaska and specializes in hand dyed, hand crafted dance costumes and exercise wear. Perfect for bellydance, yoga, pilates, or whenever you wish to feel luxuriously comfortable and artistically expressive.

Welcome to my tribe! I figure this is the most convenient way to keep the dance community informed about current products, upcoming products, sneak peeks, vending appearances and more. I am an artist, bellydancer and sewer. I currently dance with Cold Fusion, Fairbanks' first and only Tribal Fusion troupe. I've been sewing since I was a kid, worked in a fabric store for 3 years, then recently began sewing costume pieces for my troupemates to save money (and it gives me an excuse to buy lots of fabric). Making dance wear is something I enjoy and combines several of my long time hobbies into one passion: creating comfortable, versatile, beautiful garments that are wearable works of art.

GARMENT LINE:

I create each item using the finest quality materials I can get my grubby hands on, and my own designs. All artwork is original, screenprinted by myself with care. I dye each item individually. I mix the dye colors myself.

2008 Season - Avian Arabesque

Each season (which is not a set length of time but probably every 6-9 months, or whenever I get bored) I will pick a color palette and create a portfolio of art centered on a theme. Each garment I make is like a blank canvas, and through dye and screenprinting I transform it into something unique. Shifting colors and art from one season to the next means there will always be something new and fresh here, and when you buy something from me, you could be purchasing the only combination of that garment, color(s) and artwork that will ever be made. There are plenty of places where you can get plain black pants and a plain black choli. I make art you can dance in.

Avian Arabesque is inspired by birds of legend and myth. The crane, from Japanese and Chinese stories. The raven, from Nordic and Native American myth. The owl, symbol of wisdom and the goddess Athena. The nightingale, from Turkish and Persian literature.

Look for final designs and color palette to be posted soon.

Pants -

Backseam flares - my twist on the ubiquitous stretchy cotton flare bottom dance pant. With five different looks including the halfback, fullback, tease, stalker and slasher, laced with dyed silk ribbon, they might be the sexiest flare pants that will ever hug your curves. Add in some eye-popping dye effects and say hello to pants that will stand out even in the most glitzed-up crowd. Features a wide foldover waistband that minimizes muffin top and is adjustable to reveal only as much skin as you are comfortable showing. I cut my pants in three basic lengths (petite, average and tall), but I also hem them to your exact inseam at no extra charge before I ship them to you.

License to lounge pants - bamboo jersey is extremely soft and luxurious. So luxurious, I imagined a wide legged pant made from it would be like the 007 of lounge pants. A license to lounge, if you will. Loose, flowing cut with ties at the cuff. Tie them for a gathered harem pant look, or leave them loose. Features my wide foldover waistband that minimizes muffin top. For practice or performance, their comfort is lethal.

Tops -

Strap n' wrap top - a one of a kind design, and you can wear it multiple ways. Looks great no matter how large or small your bustline. Simple but elegant urban tribal inspired design.

Cropped corset top and underbust corset vest - available in three fabric options: silky reversible brocades and rich taffetas, reversible dyed stretchy cotton with detachable sleeves, or dyed silk dupioni or velvet. Dyed cotton lacing adds a special touch.

Cap-sleeved choli top - in stretchy cotton, perfectly cut to wear underneath my cropped corset tops and underbust corset vests.

Bolero shrug - super soft, lightweight bamboo jersey is perfect for warming up, but mixes happily with your street wardrobe. You won't want to take it off.

Classic cami tank - in lightweight bamboo jersey or stretchy cotton, it's a wardrobe basic. Add some dye and silkscreening, and watch out.

Other -

Panel skirts - available in several fabric choices from reversible brocades and taffetas to match my cropped corset tops, to dyed silk and velvet. I love to decorate these with vintage sari trims. All have a comfortable stretchy cotton waistband.

Dyed triangular fringed hip scarf - in silk or velvet adds a touch of luxury to any practice or performance.

Leg and arm flirts - lightweight dyed silk offers a unique and inexpensive way to add colorful accents to your current wardrobe.

Extra lacing sets - available for corset tops and backseam flares in various colors. An easy, inexpensive jolt of color to switch up the look of one garment.

Hooded scarves - dyed velvet and silk combine to make a lovely alternative to boring hats.

GOALS:

My goal is to use profits to fund a trip to Tribal Fest in May, 2009, as a vendor. If all goes well, I'd love to visit other L48 dance events!

VENDING:

- Mira Betz workshop, Fairbanks, June 2008
- Hadia workshop, Fairbanks, September 2008

ONLINE:

I have an Etsy shop: delusionstudio.etsy.com

DIBS:

Occasionally I may offer sneak peeks and chances for tribe members to call "dibs" before I post items for sale on Etsy, often at a discount and with some customization perks (you pick the color, size, etc.). Maybe I have a limited quantity of a particular fabric, or I just want to share the first of a new design. Keep an eye on this tribe for opportunities to call "dibs". I would suggest subscribing to posts to make sure you don't miss out.

CUSTOM ORDERS / SUGGESTIONS:

Regretfully, I cannot accept custom orders. Due to my full time job and other responsibilities I can't guarantee completion dates and I would not want to risk unhappy customers. I list items when they are finished and ready to ship (with the exception of some "dibs" listings). As an alternative I take suggestions. More info will be posted shortly.

RETURNS:

I accept returns gladly. Returns may be subject to a 20% restocking fee, and shipping is not refundable. If there is a problem with your item, please contact me.

LIMITED TIME OFFERS:

Since I'm just getting things started I'd like to treat my first customers right.

My first 10 customers will get a special surprise in their order worth $15.

Also, spend more than $50, get $5 back on every $100 you spend! It's easy. Take a photo of yourself gussied up in your new Delusion Studio gear. Make sure the picture is at least 1200x900 pixels. Email it to me. By doing so you give me permission to use as I see fit (for example, in an online customer gallery or in advertisements). In return I will give you back $5. If you spent more than $100 (not including shipping), send me a photo for each $100 increment and you will get $5 for each! Hurry, this won't last forever.

http://tribes.tribe.net/delusionstudio