- Southsea -
About Society Belle
The seeds of Society Belle took root when a costume and dolly-loving child decided that she would train her life in an artistic direction. Achievable, thanks to the efforts of the creative family she grew up in.
Society Belle is primarily a costume design and production service for bespoke stage costumes.
The business began in earnest in June 2009, after gathering experience as a bridal store manager. The shop was closing, so all outstanding clientele were transferred to Society Belle, to see through clients until each one's big day. Each year, Society Belle has extended services to provide unique, bespoke garments for theatrical stage costumes, formal wear and individual style.
The business is located in the beautiful historic setting of the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, where Naomi is resident costume designer.
Naomi Gibbs
Growing up, I was fortunate to have a very creative and resourceful mother, to whom I attribute a great deal of the learning that I have experienced and am continually taking in. She's an artist that inspires me, especially to continue trying techniques that I don't already know. She'd always encourage me to be curious, to push myself and still sends me new inspiration via Pinterest to this day! My mother and grandmother taught me to sew. They furnished me with my livelihood and the passion for art to enjoy said livelihood.
If you will forgive my sentimentality, I grew up with a house full of craft materials, fabrics and books. Thumbing through them whilst draped over a dining chair awkwardly (and being too engrossed to care that that a limb was going numb) is a prominent childhood memory.
Other continual inspirations are some of the most prolific artists in fashion, film, literature and music. Fashion designers; Vivienne Westwood, Thierry Muggler, Alexander Mcqueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Costume designers; Sandy Powell, Joan Bergin, Jenny Bevan, Colleen Atwood, Alexandra Byrne, Jany Temime, Janie Bryant, and Howard Burden are all designers that I love to follow and research, as well as current independant designers and fashion houses that I follow on Instagram. In terms of historic famous designers, Charles Frederick Worth, Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli are among my favourites.
Take a look at my sketchbook or my moodboards on Pinterest to discover more about my inspirations !
There would not be much to show without the great work of our collaborators, photographers and make up artists alike. Check out their work!
Credentials
To see my full CV, please refer to my LinkedIn or Stagejobspro profile.
Proud 'Associate Artist' of the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth.
Theatre industry credits include;
2018
Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor
Peter Pan
Scott Ramsay
2018
Head of Wardrobe
Goodwood Revival Fashion Emporium
Eunice Deny, Fashion Live Events
Goodwood Estate
2018
Costume Designer and maker
Sherlock Holmes, The Sign of Four
Adrian McDougall, Blackeyed Theatre
2017 - 2018
Teechers
Adrian McDougall, Blackeyed Theatre
South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre
2017 - 2018
Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor
Beauty and the Beast
Scott Ramsay
New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2017 - 2018
Costume designer and maker, prop buyer and maker
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Nick Lane, Blackeyed Theatre
2017
Head of Wardrobe
Goodwood Revival Fashion Emporium
Eunice Deny, Fashion Live
Goodwood Estate
2017
Costume designer and maker
The Great Big Beautiful Sky
Evi Stamatiou, Bernie Byrnes
St Columba's by the castle
2017
Costume designer and maker
Hypozeuxsis at Victorious Festival
Sasha Biloshisky, Funk Format
Southsea Common, Victorious Festival
2017
Costume designer and maker
When Angels Cry
Donna Bish, New Theatre Royal
St Thomas's Cathedral
2016
Costume Designer and maker
Roses and Castles
Bernie Byrnes, New Theatre Royal
New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2016
Costume Designer and maker
Moon Language
Charlotte Mackie, Stopgap Dance Company
The Lights Andover
2016
Costume Designer and Maker
In Service to Our True God
Bernie Byrnes,
New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2016
Costume designer/maker
Kings of the Wild Frontier Tour
Adam Ant
Portsmouth Guildhall
2013
Costume designer and maker
Jack Frost's Christmas Adventure
Bernie Byrnes, St John's Smith Square
St John Smith's Square, Westminster
2011
Costume designer/Wardrobe mistress
The Missing Years
New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2010
Assistant costume designer, supervisor and maker
Treasure Island
Caroline Sharman
New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2010
Costume designer and maker
Adam Ant's Pirate Metal Extravaganza
Adam Ant
The Scala, London
2019 ~ Currently designing and building costumes and props for various very different stage shows; a tour, an extravaganza, dance pieces and many private commissions. Watch this space for new creations! Client Emily Diapre, (pictured) August 2017, was crowned 'Miss British Beauty Curve' and 'Miss United Kingdom Curve' winning 'Best Eveningwear' category in the pageant final wearing her Society Belle gown. Congratulations Emily!
