Addison Jett: Galactic Empress

Artist Statement

I believe apparel design gives everyone the ability to express themselves. Everyone wears clothes, but not everyone wears the same clothes. This is why designing an array of garments is so important to me. My goal for this project was to create a bodice and skirt that Padme Amidala would wear in the Star Wars films. I took elements from Chinese dress and film costume design to better articulate Queen Amidala’s wardrobe. When selecting the materials to create this ensemble, I took inspiration from past royalties. Red signifies new liberties and freedoms, while the gold embellishments in the sleeves indicates wealth. Star Wars Episode I shows Queen Amidala in a red robe with gold detailing for those very reasons. Royalty from past centuries are often seen wearing red, displaying their abundance of power. I emphasized the figure of the ensemble by adding additional gathering around the skirt side seams and by creating an asymmetric bodice design. The back design shows an open back with a metal closure for the mandarin collar. The skirt was designed with the intent for easy removal with button closures on the inside. I aimed to create something Queen Amidala of Naboo would be seen wearing in the film to please the Galaxy and the people of Naboo. This ensemble remained conservative by covering the chest, meeting to the mandarin collar. The Galactic Empress Ensemble encapsulates what Padme might wear to royal courts and appointments.

2023 VADS - People's Choice Voting

About the Project 

• Title of Work: Galactic Empress
• Medium: Woman's asymmetric bodice and skirt ensemble, 2'x2'
• Student's Name: Addison Jett
• Major: Textile and Apparel Management
• Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024
• Hometown: O'Fallon, MO
• Student's Mentor: Cheyenne Smith
• Mentor's Department: Textile & Apparel Management