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The Costume Goddess Tells All
 See all 7 how-to costume books

NEW: Tribal Vibes for Bellydancers
 Latest Tribal/Fusion costume eye candy

Costume Goddess photo galleries
 My own designs for your inspiration

Goddesses must pay rent too! Donate to your hard-working Costume Goddess, Dina Lydia—
in appreciation of artistic performance photography offered to the NW bellydance community. See
Flickr performance galleries.

THANK YOU!

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent News

  • 8-30-09 TRIBAL BOOK: I am working on the long-promised update of Book #5, Tribal Toppings, which has been out of print for 2 years. Current Tribal costume trends will be highlighted: Goth, steampunk, many ethnic, historical, & fantasy influences. Many new photos and instructions.

  • 5-09 PHOTOS: I'm uploading a TON of photos onto Flickr, to be enjoyed by more viewers. View the sets here: Dina Lydia's photos

    My sets feature thousands of performance pics of local dancers, and also Seattle political and community events. I only post those I judge to be flattering photos. Recent sets include Folklife and MedFest Archives 05-09, plus recent shows at Seattle nightclubs.
    If you recognize a dancer who is not identified properly, or would prefer a photo of you not be displayed, or would like the high-res file, PLEASE contact dina@costumegoddess.com

  • 5-12-07: Costume Goddess mini-Fashion show with ArtsWest
  • 8/20/07: Dina produced UNCAGED CABARET, a theatrical fundraiser for Congressman Jim McDermott.
  • 7/20/06: Dina founded CITIZEN ARTISTE.ORG for politically-minded artists.
  • 7/20/06 Photos from Mediterranean Fantasy Festival 06.
  • 11/05 and 06: Role in Seven Dancing Sultanas

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE YOUR COSTUMES FOR SALE?
I'm flattered you like them, but the costumes on my galleries are my personal wardrobe, not for sale or rent at this time.

DO YOU DO CUSTOM DESIGN?
I no longer do custom sewing for either local or distant customers. Instead I teach design and sewing through my how-to books. I also do custom graphic design.

DO YOU DO DESIGN CONSULTATION?:
If you email me a full length photo and your preferences, I can design and sketch a costume ensemble with sewing details and samples of materials. A local costume-maker can do the construction. E-mail me to price a personal design consultation.

CAN YOU HELP ME FIND CLASSES?
Goddess or not, I couldn't possibly know where you can find a job, a seamstress or a teacher in your town thousands of miles from mine! Try Shira's Directory for local information.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HISTORICAL COSTUMES?
I am not an historian of Middle Eastern dress. I'm afraid I can't tell you how to wrap a turban, authentic 14th century Moroccan style for your SCA event. You may find useful articles at the historical sites on my links page.

I NEED SEWING and DESIGN ADVICE...
I AM known for dishing out free advice (time permitting) but when asking a stranger for a favor, a "please" and a "thank you" don't hurt, hm?
And if the question is "I know nothing, can you tell me everything?" don't be surprised if I refer you to my books, which have all the answers...

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