The Mashup Design Process
Character mashups — taking an established character and translating them through a different aesthetic lens — require a specific design process that differs from accuracy builds. The goal is not to reproduce what the character looks like, but to create a version that is simultaneously unmistakably that character and fully committed to the new aesthetic. For Steampunk Wonder Woman, this means retaining the visual elements that make Wonder Woman immediately recognisable — the star motif, the gold and red and blue palette, the eagle — while translating every single element through Victorian industrial steampunk aesthetics.
The design work happened before any construction: Heidi sketched the full costume concept, identifying which Wonder Woman elements to retain, which to translate, and which to replace with steampunk equivalents. Stars become brass gear motifs. The eagle breastplate becomes a mechanical eagle with articulated components. The lasso becomes a brass-chain version. The tiara becomes a clockwork headpiece.
Armour Construction
All armour pieces are constructed from Worbla thermoplastic over EVA foam cores. The construction sequence for each piece: foam carved to shape, Worbla applied and heat-formed over the foam, seams bonded, surface detail applied (additional Worbla elements for raised decoration, rivets added as individual beads before the final Worbla coat locks them in place), then multi-layer paint finishing — dark base, metallic dry-brush, dark wash into recesses, highlight, sealant.
The mechanical eagle breastplate required a specific approach for the articulated wing elements — these are individual wing feather shapes attached to a central spine on pivot points, so the wings can be posed differently for photography.
The Corset Foundation
The foundation of the costume is a fully structured boned corset in a deep cobalt blue dupioni silk, with brass decorative hardware applied by hand. The corset is constructed to Heidi's standard corset specifications — spiral and flat steel boning, coutil interlining, fully boned side seams. The brass decorative elements are sourced hardware pieces attached with industrial adhesive and then reinforced with stitching through the outer fabric.
Complete Look
The complete costume comprises: the corset foundation; pauldron armour pieces with integrated upper arm guards; the eagle breastplate; bracers with rivet detail; a layered skirt in complementary fabrics; the brass-chain lasso; the clockwork tiara; and leather boots with brass hardware. Build time: approximately 65 hours across design, armour construction, corset, and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 65 hours across design development, armour construction, the corset, and all accessories. It's one of the most complex single builds in the portfolio.
Yes — character mashups are one of the most creatively interesting commission categories. Contact with your character and aesthetic vision for a consultation.
The complete armour assembly (not including the corset and skirt) weighs approximately 1.8kg — light enough for all-day convention wear.
Yes — the wing feathers are individually mounted on pivot points so the wings can be positioned differently. This makes a significant difference in photography.
Heidi accepts commissions for this and similar pieces at $65/hr plus materials. Use the contact form with your reference images and event date to begin.