Perhaps one of the most memorable looks of Classic Doctor Who is the Sixth Doctor’s striking frock coat ensemble. Described as “an explosion in a rainbow factory”, the coat is an eyesore of vivid colors, mis-matched prints, unrelated textures, and unusual layout. Combined with yellow and black striped trousers, equally bright vests, red spats, and a rainbow umbrella, it’s a garish visual representation of the Sixth Doctor’s chaotic and unstable nature.
It’s precisely why I love it.
This year, through a series of whirlwind events, I’m part of a themed cosplay group for Dragon*con. We’re doing genderswapped Doctor Who. Eleven female Doctors and a handful of male Companions. Let the double takes, the commentary, the hilarity begin. I had already promised a friend that I would make her a Tenth Doctor suit (see related post) so that was that locked in. I had originally planned to make myself Donna’s lovely purple dress from “The Fires of Pompeii” to coordinate, but when the massive genderswap!Who project began, it didn’t take much persuasion to convince me to leave that for another time.
I, of course, placed dibs on Six.
How, thought I, could I do an interpretation of the Sixth Doctor’s look that was female but not too difficult to create? (I have seen the Sixth Doctor’s outfit done as an 18th century court gown complete with pocket panniers. I <3 cosplayers.)
I don’t remember how or when the idea came to me, but soon after I was designing, of all things, a lolita-eque version of Six. Ruffles! Poofy skirt! Not the most original, but fun. I would be the eyesore you wanted to hug. Or run away from. Either works.
Then I began to search for the right fabrics. And searched. And searched.
Tags: sixth doctor costume