How to Make Akasha Costumes

Akasha, Anne Rice's "Queen of the Damned," wears an intricately detailed and unique costume featuring beadwork and a bra-like top that seems to miraculously stay in place for the character in the film. Making a DIY Akasha costume that resembles this outfit requires patience and the ability to work with beads and other craft supplies to get the right look. The top can be made more secure by using a strapless bra or bikini top instead, which will save you from potential "wardrobe malfunctions" when out and about.

Sketch templates onto a piece of paper for the pieces of Akasha's crown headdress using a picture from the movie as a guide. These pieces should all be of the same shape, which resembles the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. with a long shape and triangular top. The sizes of the pieces vary, and descend in size from the center of the front of the headdress.

Also sketch a piece for the center of Akasha's headdress that will go over the center of the forehead, pointing downward. Cut out these templates.

Trace each paper template onto the cardboard, as well as onto the craft foam. Cut out the traced pieces with scissors.

Lay the cardboard pieces and the foam pieces on old newspapers in a well-ventilated area. Spray paint them gold, silver or brass color to resemble your choice of precious metal.

Allow all of the metal-look crown pieces to dry completely. Glue each cardboard piece to its corresponding foam piece, with the painted sides facing outward and the unpainted surfaces facing each other.

Assemble the headdress using the beading wire, alternating the jewelry coins and beads to make decorative pieces that will go between the painted metal-look pieces around the head.

Use the bead wire to connect the metal-look pieces to the headband, piercing the foam bases of the pieces as needed.

Use the needle and thread to stitch a beaded pattern onto the bra or bikini top.

Use fabric or craft glue to apply beads, coins, gemstones, or whatever you desire in a pattern that resembles the Akasha costume.

Cut the silver fabric to make the belt portion of the skirt. This should fit your hip-circumference snug, but not too tight. Stitch hook and eye closures to connect the belt.

Cut the dark purple skirt fabric in either two half-circles (for a full skirt) or two rectangles (for a narrow sheath skirt). Stitch the tops of the skirt pieces to the bottom of the belt. If desired, stitch down one or both sides of the skirt.

Cut silver fabric for an armband. Stitch the ends together to form a circle. Cut a piece of the purple fabric that is slightly longer than the length from the armband (when on) to the knuckles.

Stitch to the armband, leaving the side open so it drapes loosely and the arm can move freely.

Apply makeup as desired. A suggestion for eye makeup is to use black eyeliner and extend well-beyond the corners of the eyes on the top and bottom lash line, resembling Akasha's makeup from the movie. Put the contacts in, if you're using them.

Pin up hair, if necessary, and put the wig and costume on. Carefully put the headdress on, slipping the headband over the wig and adjusting to center the forehead piece. Finish with the vampire teeth to complete your Queen Akasha costume.