Dinotopian Explorer Costume Build
Ah Dinotopia, land of sentient dinosaurs, peaceful humans, and an eclectic sartorial tastes. I love Dinotopia as a fantasy world for several reasons, but most of it what makes it distinct and memorable is through the art of the original books. The world of Dinotopia is colorful and diverse, and the clothing throws together aesthetics from a wide variety of cultures and historical periods. And yet, at least in the original books, it also has a focus on 19th century European/Victorian era explorers. Which makes sense since that's where the point-of-view characters (namely Arthur and Will Denison) come from. With that in mind, here's my spin on a Victorian-esque explorer with a Dinotopian spin.
To create this costume I pulled from depictions of the Denisons from the James Gurney books and wily Cyrus Crabb from the Dinotopia miniseries. Perhaps a little more from Cyrus Crabb, as he has a penchant for elaborate tapestry-style coats with some practicality.
Inspirations
1. Long coat
Using the McCall's pattern M6819 and about 4 yards of upholstery fabric, I sewed a long overcoat matching the "A" variation. You can tell in this shot that I still haven't finished hemming it, but it's still awesome. In this version I left out the high collar and divided the skirt panels along the side seams to give more freedom of movement.
2. Shirt
This is a cream-colored silk shirt I picked up from a thrift store for about $3. It goes as a good base to contrast the bright patterns of the coat.
3. High-waisted slacks
Like the shirt, the aim was to contrast the loud coat. This has the texture of something like wool or tweed, which gives it the depth and look of something from a few centuries back. Most modern slacks are monochromatic with a little shine from the synthetic materials, which doesn't really read as something that belongs in Dinotopia.
4. Hat
A truly ridiculous four-cornered hat inspired by bicorns and tricorns from the 1800s. To learn more about my adventures in hat-making, see the tutorial.
5. Belt
I picked up this adjustable waist belt in a thrift store for about $3. The design is reminiscent of a paisley/organic look, and it doesn't clearly come from any particular culture, which makes it flexible for a lost world like Dinotopia.
6. Belt purse
I made this belt purse from a Butterick pattern, choosing remnants of a textured green upholstery fabric and purple linen to pick up those colors in the coat. Written in footprint alphabet is the word "notes". For more information about making something similar see the tutorial.
7. Journal
For this I re-covered a cheap notebook to make it much more in keeping with a Dinotopian theme, which you can read more about in this tutorial.
8. Spyglass
I picked up this basic spyglass from an online vendor for about $10. Important for finding lost persons and mysterious artifacts.
9. Dinosaur hatchling
Every Dinotopian needs a dinosaur companion, so I made myself a Parasaurolophus hatchling to care for. To see how I made this see the tutorial.
10. Prop pistol
Dinotopians might not approve of weaponry, but all the same some shipwrecked folk brought them with them. Although unscrupulous people like Lee and Cyrus Crabb may use the pistol to harm or threaten, a more mild-mannered descendent inheriting the antique might decide to use it as a device to scare off carnivores. I got this basic pirate's pistol as a gift, but you could easily find more like in Halloween costume stores.
11. Adventurer wrist band
This is another reused item from my post-apocalyptic craft projects, a wrist cuff with a sleeve for a folding knife and a hidden pocket for paper items. This was made from a worn out leather purse, as you can see in this tutorial.
12. Boots
Some stylish but pragmatic leather boots to finish off the costume. These were already in my wardrobe.
And here are some extra shots....
To create this costume I pulled from depictions of the Denisons from the James Gurney books and wily Cyrus Crabb from the Dinotopia miniseries. Perhaps a little more from Cyrus Crabb, as he has a penchant for elaborate tapestry-style coats with some practicality.
Inspirations
1. Long coat
Using the McCall's pattern M6819 and about 4 yards of upholstery fabric, I sewed a long overcoat matching the "A" variation. You can tell in this shot that I still haven't finished hemming it, but it's still awesome. In this version I left out the high collar and divided the skirt panels along the side seams to give more freedom of movement.
This is a cream-colored silk shirt I picked up from a thrift store for about $3. It goes as a good base to contrast the bright patterns of the coat.
3. High-waisted slacks
Like the shirt, the aim was to contrast the loud coat. This has the texture of something like wool or tweed, which gives it the depth and look of something from a few centuries back. Most modern slacks are monochromatic with a little shine from the synthetic materials, which doesn't really read as something that belongs in Dinotopia.
4. Hat
A truly ridiculous four-cornered hat inspired by bicorns and tricorns from the 1800s. To learn more about my adventures in hat-making, see the tutorial.
5. Belt
I picked up this adjustable waist belt in a thrift store for about $3. The design is reminiscent of a paisley/organic look, and it doesn't clearly come from any particular culture, which makes it flexible for a lost world like Dinotopia.
6. Belt purse
I made this belt purse from a Butterick pattern, choosing remnants of a textured green upholstery fabric and purple linen to pick up those colors in the coat. Written in footprint alphabet is the word "notes". For more information about making something similar see the tutorial.
7. Journal
For this I re-covered a cheap notebook to make it much more in keeping with a Dinotopian theme, which you can read more about in this tutorial.
8. Spyglass
I picked up this basic spyglass from an online vendor for about $10. Important for finding lost persons and mysterious artifacts.
9. Dinosaur hatchling
Every Dinotopian needs a dinosaur companion, so I made myself a Parasaurolophus hatchling to care for. To see how I made this see the tutorial.
10. Prop pistol
Dinotopians might not approve of weaponry, but all the same some shipwrecked folk brought them with them. Although unscrupulous people like Lee and Cyrus Crabb may use the pistol to harm or threaten, a more mild-mannered descendent inheriting the antique might decide to use it as a device to scare off carnivores. I got this basic pirate's pistol as a gift, but you could easily find more like in Halloween costume stores.
11. Adventurer wrist band
This is another reused item from my post-apocalyptic craft projects, a wrist cuff with a sleeve for a folding knife and a hidden pocket for paper items. This was made from a worn out leather purse, as you can see in this tutorial.
12. Boots
Some stylish but pragmatic leather boots to finish off the costume. These were already in my wardrobe.
And here are some extra shots....
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| Searching the jungle for thrilling discoveries |
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| An orphaned juvenile of a new subspecies! I must become your new friend! |
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| And I shall call you... Bertram |
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| In which two rival adventurers cordially discuss whose tiny dinosaur friend is the most remarkable |
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| An alliance is made in the service of Science and Truth! |
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