Jessie Blue Elliott

Project: Red Wolf, Blue Demon (Costume Design)

About: 

In this project I designed two costumes inspired by the legendary warriors of feudal Japan.

Drawing ideas from historical Japanese woodprints of shinobi assassins (ninja), I designed the ‘Blue Demon’ costume, consisting of a two piece ninja-yoroi (a loose-fitting navy blue jacket with a white underlayer) with a faux leather obi belt and scabbard, complete with lightweight armour,such as faux leather shinpads, and a mythology-inspired Yokai (demon) mask, sculpted from wire and plaster. 

The second costume, ‘Red Wolf’ is based on 17th century samurai, albeit with a slightly more fantastical twist of the mismatched sleeves to reveal some faux irezumi tattoos. The faux leather shinpads in this costume are more decorative and a detailed forearm guard completes the look. 

Both costumes served as the inspiration for the short film, ‘負けるが勝ち’ (makeru ga kachi)  aka “To lose is to win”, that I have directed and produced, as well as designed all the costumes for.  The film is to premiere at The Forum cinema very soon.