Concept Art - Queen Agatha's Faire Dress

This is a concept drawing I drew back in December of 09. It's very much inspired by Persian clothing. One of the things I really like about this dress is how the aqua-colored top makes the rest of the gold tones actually pop and give this arm look. This is the Saérician Queen, Agatha wearing the dress she will be first seen in when she makes her entrance with her husband, and their delegation group.


When I first wrote the information for Saéricia, it was more of a Western European-styled country, with a bit of Russian mixed into it - hence why their names are more Western, when the newer version of this kingdom is more Middle-Eastern inspired. With that in mind, I designed a hijab on to her outfit. Unlike in the Middle-East, their hijab isn't religious law, more like social expectation. Once a woman becomes engaged and gets married, she's expected to cover herself up more as to drive away any one interested. Agatha, being the queen, is under much heavier expectations especially when there are foreigners involved, out of fear a foreign man will want to take the queen for himself.


Looking back on it now, almost a year later, I really want to make some changes to this dress. Saéricians have a love for gold, they love any chance they get to completely decorate themselves with it. Since Agatha's hijab looks far too simple for my tastes, I wanted to add more gold-colored trimmings and embroidery. Not only would this add to the beauty of Agatha's dress, but it would also be meant to lure gazes away from the queen's face and distract onlookers with the intricate designs. Another thing is Saéricians are huge showoffs - despite their religion, Eallism, teaching its followers to be more modest, they can't help but want to try to out do the other. Especially when it comes to foreigners; even in dress they want to seem interesting. mysterious and alluring to anyone who has never even seen a Saérician before. Another thing I want to change are the gloves. Their pink color blends in too much with her skin.

Other than that, I love this design, it flirts with the onlooker with its patterns and colors. I definitely want to refine it more before the final artwork of the comic.