My Little Detectives

As mentioned, I've taken part in Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG)... And whats that? Basically it's a bit like Rhytmic Gymnastics (very flexible individual gymnasts with an apparatuses, like a ribbon, doing routines accompanied with music.. ringing any bells?) The difference is that AGG is solely done in groups of six to ten gymnasts, usually without apparatus, an there's more emphasis on the theme or story the routine is about.

Like here's a really good team if you're interested:

For the girls I was coaching (aged 11 to 12 years) we did a routine that had a spy / detective theme. The team was called Laurel. My personal preference is not to do costumes that are trying to mimic the exact thing that inspired the routine. Like if the theme is "Indians" you don't go all Disney Pocahontas, right..? There needs to be a little bit of a twist.

So my approach was a modern version of a spy. Black, sleek, James Bond-ish. These are pre-teens we're talking so not too adult. First I did some very VERY quick sketches with basic markers just to see what my ideas looked liked.

For the final design I used black as the primary colour contrasting it with ivory white and bright pink to bring something girly to the design. From the two final designs we went with the style A. There is also the pink detail on the shoulders and back imitating a gun holster.

After hours and hours of cutting and overlocking the costumes were finally finished (each one had about 25 pattern pieces so there were the total of approx. 200 pieces to be sewn!) The costumes were of course decorated with different rhinestones and sequins which the girls glued on by themselves. The skirts were also made very fitting to highlight the sleek look. The shirt collar was an unsual choice for these sorts of costumes but I think it worked well with the design.