Gabrielle Hero Screenused S6 Bodice

Here is a very special entry for me. Since I watched the latest season from the Xena tv series, I always had an eye on the Gabrielle velvet costume. It is always been one of my favourite ones of all the show. 

Front general view.

The complete Gabrielle Hero signature velvet costume from season 6 comes with the It's a Wrap COA with the original buyer's name and date: 02/18/02.

This photo is from the It's A Wrap auction when this wardrobe was sold. 

Probably this could be the one I purchased.

Front close-up.

The bodice is in mint condition. It's made of an orange reddish velvet fabric,4 different coloured ribbons and the same green leather that was used to make the sai straps braiding and the skirt. Something that surprised be is that there is an authentic real padded bra inside that helps to be perfectly shaped to the breasts.

Left side close-up.

Right side close-up.

Years ago, I've found a velvet skirt from a UK collector that was made from a set of a few cut-off pieces of an unfinished skirt from that wardrobe, the pieces were sewn together to finish the skirt after the show ended.

So, after I've acquired that skirt the search of the top/ bodice that combines with it started. I have made a few of reproductions/replicas of that top but I never have been enough satisfied with them. And finally, this opportunity appeared, finally I have got the chance to purchase a complete velvet costume worn by Renée O'Connor herself.

The bodice has a label inside that is written "12B Renée #3", just a few of this costumes were made, maybe just 3.

A close-up from the inner velvet bra label.

Detailed view of the inner part.

During these years I have only seen two of those costumes. One labeled with "12B Renée #1",nowadays belongs to a UK collector that was purchased in eBay years ago from shed11costumehouse, a relivate collection of Jane Holland who was the Xena: Warrior Princess costume designer for seasons 5-6 after Ngila Dickson left to work on The Lord of the Rings. And the second one, that was given to the Te Papa museum from New Zealand that was worn by the body double, Jo Staverly.

This is the other Gabrielle bodice worn by Renée herself sold by shed11costumehouse. In this case the bodice has a light orange tone, that may have faded from being used in the water scenes in the episodes of "The Abyss" when the cannibals throw her into the water or in "A friend in need I" when Gabrielle appears next to Xena in the water of Higuchi city.

A close-up from the inner label of this bodice.

General back view of this other bodice/bra.

Here is the other bodice/bra from this complete costume of the Te Papa Museum worn by the body double, Jo Staverly and the original hanger.

 

Gabrielle season 6 wardrobe photoshoot.

 

Episode still from "Many happy returns".

 

Solaris Costume

 And finally arrived home, this screenused Solaris costume wardrobe. The character of Solaris was played by Jodie Dorday, a New Zealand actress seen in Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The leyendary journeys in several episodes playing different roles. Solaris was a member of the Telaquire Amazon tribe and a loyal friend of Gabrielle and Ephiny during Velasca's betrayal. Her appearences were mostly during season 2 in the episodes of "The Quest", "A neccesary evil" and in the beginning of the episode "Endgame" from season 4 when Ephiny found her dead body.

Solaris complete main costume view

Solaris costume was originally purchased in Turners Auction in New Zealand in 2001, this auction was the very first time that where sold off all kind of props and costumes used in Hercules, Xena, Young Hercules, Cleopatra 2525 and Jack of All Trades (all series produced by Renaissance Pictures). 

Solaris costume with screenused leather amazon scabbard and sword.

The costume includes several pieces: amazon leather bra, leather skirt, belt, gaunlets, upper armbands, boots and necklace. After comparing the costume with some Solaris screencaps I have realized that the belt and upper armbands weren't originally used by Solaris, however is a great addition to the costume, it looks good together and they were used by amazons also. 

Solaris leather top made over a real woman bra, very detailed with a metal spiral on one breast, some feathers over the shoulders and plenty of beads arround.

Solaris skirt is made of brown reddish leather, with some large feathers in the front part. The belt wasnt originally used by Solaris, although its an awesome piece, very detailed with some metal ornaments and feathers.

Right gaunlet close-up.

Left gaunlet close-up.

Right and left shoulder pads close-up. This upper armbands were used by amazons in the episode "Endgame" from season 4.

Leather boots, these pair of boots are from Varia costume and they have a tag inside that its written: "Varia Double".

Solaris costume back view.

Here I include a few screencaps from Solaris appearences.

Do you know that this wardrobe was also used in the episode "Prodigal sister",from season 4 of Hercules tv series, by the blond amazon.