photo by sabrina wong
Saturday the 22nd of November will go down as one of the highlights of 2008 for me. It was the night of the annual PAniC Ball, an event that raises money for Perth’s only Anime convention, Wai-con, and this year it was organized by my good friend Mirai, who did a fabulous job because it was the best Ball I think I’ve ever been to!
I decided that this year I would cosplay, and chose a character that is very special to me, Lady Amalthea from the book/film The Last Unicorn. Amalthea is the human form of the Unicorn in the story, and she wears a lilac coloured gown which I have been busy sewing over the past two weeks! It is the second full length dress I’ve made, and I learnt a lot in its construction and was grateful for help from my talented housemate. If you have not seen the film, I highly recommend it. It was my favourite movie as a child, and the book has an even more special place in my heart.
photo by sabrina wong
The ball was held at The Melbourne Hotel, a gorgeous restored victorian era building in the heart of the city. When I arrived, with three lovely friends, we were greeted by a room full of glowing candelabras, bronze and copper balloons and shining silverware. At one end of the ballroom was a dance floor and stage where a string quartet were playing beautifully, and at the other end was a little raised dias with ornate railings, on which our table was situated, looking out over the dining area.
The three course meal was delicious, I had the vegetarian option which included soft pillows of ravioli stuffed with spinach and covered in a delicious tomato sauce, followed by a main of roasted vegetables and asparagus on a bed of spiced rice and finished with a rich little chocolate pudding, with cream fraiche. I was really impressed by the food, and enjoyed every bite, though it was quite filling!
photo by Chisa
As the night went on, the band was replaced by the DJ and we went down to the dance floor to have some fun. I got to dance with so many of my friends and made some new ones! The song list was an interesting mix of western and japanese songs, but all very fun to dance to. One of the highlights for me was getting to dance to Linda Linda by the Blue Hearts, with my friends who all love the song.
There were several competitions throughout the evening. The door prize and a game that involved us all popping the balloons to see if we had a secret prize inside, it was very loud for a few minutes there! We also got to vote for the Beau and Belle of the ball, which was announced just before midnight. To my shock, I was chosen for Belle! I felt really grateful that people had liked my outfit and appreciated all the work I put in to it. Congratulations to James who was chosen as Beau!
photo by Eugene
As the night wound down, and we had the last few dances I was filled with so much happiness just to be in a beautiful place like that, surrounded by so many of my friends. The Ball ended at Midnight and I escaped with both my Glass Slippers still on!
photo by Eugene
Special thanks to Mirai, Jeff & Emily, Jane Wong, Sab, Vanessa, Steph and everyone at Table 2 for making it a night to remember!
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Congratulations!
I think your dress is very nice, it must’ve taken a while to make!
Thank you Rosebud! I had a lot of help from my housemate, but it only really took a couple of weekends.
Princess Skye, you look lovely (and very like her!) The Last unicorn was one of my most loved films as a child as well, and I found my copy again recently what a coincidence!
Thank you so much Kara! It was one of my most loved films as well, I used to make my parents rent it for me all the time!
Oh, how wonderful!! I loved reading The Last Unicorn (haven’t seen the movie yet, though…), and I always wondered how The Lady Amalthea would appear. You portrayed her beautifully!! ^^
Congrats on winning the Belle of the Ball contest… I’m so glad that all of you had such a good time!!
Thank you! We had a lovely time. I hope you get a chance to watch the movie some day, its different to the book but the script was written by Mr. Beagle so it captures a good deal of it very well.
You did so great on your costume! That’s fantastic!
I love Peter S. Beagle’s work in the Last Unicorn (I have a very old copy of the book with an original cover that a friend tracked down for me). There is now a sequel, which I shamefully have forgotten the title of (I don’t own it and haven’t read it, but have been told it is equally lovely as the first book).
I believe the sequel is called Two Hearts, although I have not read it yet. The original is so dear to me I’m not sure if I want to. Let me know if you read it though and whether you enjoy it!
Oh my gosh! I loved that movie as a kid too! You looked BEAUTIFUL in that dress!
Thank you Josefine! It was really important to me to be able to cospay this character.
You look beautiful and your dress is wonderful! Congrats on winning Belle of the Ball!
Thank you Princess June!
You look stunning! Well done, and you have mad costuming skills XD Its beautiful ^_^
Thanks so much! I still think I need a lot of practise sewing, but I learnt some new things making this outfit.
You look amazing! Congratulations for winning the prize, you deserved it with such a beautiful outfit <3
I remember crying so much when I watched ‘The Last Unicorn’ as a kid, I loved the story but for some reason it made me sad. I should re-watch it again, because I can’t really remember why it made me so upset! Hehe.
The book makes me cry every time I read it, it so sad in a beautiful way.
Thank you L!
Soooooo cuuuuuuute > w <
You should definitely come next year Claire-bear!
That is some awesome cosplay. I may have said this before, but if you ever get the chance to meet Peter S Beagle, jump at it. I wasn’t even sure I was a fan of his until I did…he’s such a warm, humble, yet thoroughly interesting man.
I would love the chance to meet him, however I’m not sure if he ever comes to Australia. He seems like a really fascinating person, and I have read almost all of his books and short stories.
You look stunning
I remember being realy scared by the flaming bull in The Last Unicorn as a child. I loved the movie nonetheless
The Bull is scary! I used to be afraid of him too. I’m really happy so many Princess Portal readers have seen this film though.
Thank you!
That’s lovely! I always loved that movie when I was little, and didn’t discover the book until I was older. What a nice cosplay to do.
Thank you Korin! I think its one of my favourite costumes I’ve made, I hope I have the chance to wear it again.
You look beautiful. The last unicorn is one of my favorite movies, and I find myself singing the songs form it all of the time!The Lady Amalthea is such a beautiful yet haunted character. What a stunning choice
I love the songs too! Especially the theme song, its so sad and sweet.
Thank you!
Awww, you make such a beautiful Amalthea! Did you make the dress? It’s lovely ^.^
Thank you Crystal! Yes, I made the dress with help from my friend Mirai!
Hello, Princess!
I just found your site and I think its adorable! I’ve been reading it for a while but your costume made me want to speak up, it’s so beautiful! I wish I could go to the Ball, I live near to Perth but didn’t know it was on. Is it only once a year? Oh, something else that was cute, I always look at the stars but did you see the moon a few nights ago? It and two stars made a smiley face! I think you would’ve enjoyed that but it only happens every five years. Anyway, just before I go, I hate to be mean but “recommend” is spelt with one “c”. Sorry, I always notice it but I guess it’s nothing big. Anyway, I can’t wait for more posts! Keep up the good work, Princess Skye!!!
Hello Leaflock! Welcome to the Portal. I’m so glad you decided to join us here.
The ball is on once a year, it would be lovely if you could come to next year’s!
I did see the smiling moon, although the view from my home wasn’t as good, it was a charming sight.
Thank you for pointing that out, I must have missed it when I was spellchecking. I will correct it now!
Have a beautiful day!
Bonjour^-^
You’re really charming!
I can totally understand why you became the Belle. Your dress looks really beautiful and actually even better than the one in the movie.
Anyway, “the last unicorn” is a grat and very classic movie and it’s nice to see, that there are still people, who still appreciate it. ^^
you looks so pretty! I like a lot your lipstick, that colour looks perfect on you!
Amazing ! You really capture the look of Amalthea very well.
Two Hearts is pretty good - it made me cry. It’s not as good as the original story, though. But it won a Hugo award and it’s definitely worth reading if you’re a TLU and Beagle fan, I think.
I didn’t even have to see the title to know who you were. I squealed in delight. I own “The Last Unicorn” on DVD and I just ordered the book on Amazon (I may order the sequel too, the semester is almost over).
I’m also planning to go to a con as a white haired princess next year (not Amalthea). Unfortunately, my sewing skills are very limited, so I’m going to have to commission it. My goal is to be able to fully sew my own cosplay one year…
the last unicorn is my favourite movie ever!!! wonderful!