Through the Looking Glass

FAQ

What is the Through the Looking Glass competition?

Through the Looking Glass is an opportunity for people across the Known World to challenge themselves to take a piece of Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) period artwork featuring an outfit, and recreate it to the best of their ability.  Your recreation could include the clothing depicted in the artwork, and also any accessories, jewelry, shoes, etc. 

What kind of artwork “counts”?

Any piece of visual art featuring an outfit and created prior to 1600CE. This could be a painting, drawing, sculpture, fresco, print, etc. You MUST be able to tell us where the art is currently held and displayed. For example, “Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York”.

How do I enter? 

To enter email clothiers_guild@aethelmearc.org: 

  • Provide your name (this is not a team competition) and a title for your entry.
  • Submit a completed photo release. Entries will be displayed on the Guild website and social media channels.
  • Submit a reference image with source information indicating it dates to the SCA period as well as information about where this piece is held in the modern day so our judges can follow-up. 
  • Submit a picture of your project on a model reenacting the original reference image.
  • Submit a project journal. This document should be a simple outline (preferably with images) of the process for assembling the entry. “How did you come by these pieces?” “Why did you choose them?” “How did you make them or how can others duplicate your process?”

What is the deadline to enter?

March 31, 2026

I don’t sew. Can I still participate? 

Yes! The purpose of the competition is to put together an ensemble that matches your chosen image – it’s not a sewing or tailoring competition. Think of this like a Project Runway or RuPaul Drag Race challenge. Be creative, work within your skills and means, and think outside of the box. You can assemble items that you purchased, or use supplies from your stash. You can use modern materials and methods. Break out the glue gun, if you need to! 

Can this be a team project?

This is an individual project, all work should be your own. However, you may use a model to display your creation. Think like Project Runway. You can be the one making the creation, but that doesn’t mean you have to be the one wearing the final look!

Is this an SCA competition?

Yes, this competition is sponsored by the Æthelmearc Clothier’s Guild, so it is considered an SCA competition. 

I’m not from Æthelmearc, can I participate?

Yes, absolutely! Members of all SCA Kingdoms are welcome to participate.  

Will there be an In-Person Display this year?

At this time we are not planning to hold an in-person display.  The pictures of the original artwork and your composition will be published via our social media channels. 

Where can I view the entries from previous years?

Through the Looking Glass Past Winners

What is your policy on photo editing and/or AI manipulation of the photographic entry?

AI art and photo-manipulations are not permitted. Unsure whether your reference image is A.I.? Consult this guide.

What Documentation do I need to provide? 

  • Provide your name (this is not a team competition). If you are an SCA registered member, please provide both your SCA name, including title and kingdom,  as well as modern name.
  • Provide a title for your entry.
  • A reference image with source information indicating it dates to the SCA period as well as information about where this piece is held in the modern day so our judges can follow-up. 
  • A picture of your project on a model reenacting the original reference image.
  • A project journal. This document should be a simple outline (preferably with images) of the process for assembling the entry. “How did you come by these pieces?” “Why did you choose them?” “How did you make them or how can others duplicate your process?”
  • A completed Photograph Grant of Use Form (https://www.sca.org/photo-video-release-form/)  from the photographer (the person who took the photo). These images will be displayed on the Guild website and social media channels. This form allows us to publish your photo on our social media channels.
  • From whoever is the model in your submitted photo, whether it is yourself or someone else..  Please include a SCA Model Release Form (https://www.sca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Model-Release-Fillable.pdf)  from them as well. This  form grants permission from the person who was photographed to have their image published on our social media channels.
  • A completed Creative Work Assignment / Grant of Use form (https://www.sca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Creative-Work-Release-Fillable.pdf). This form grants permission for us to publish your project documentation as part of the competition. 

What are some Keys to Success?

Remember that the goal is to create an evocative imitation of a garment found in a pre-1600CE piece of art, not necessarily historically accurate and fully, expertly tailored. Think like a costume you see in a theatre production, a cosplay or a Halloween costume you went a little nuts on with enthusiasm and details. Get that hot glue gun if you have to. Use velcro if it works! Are you using a cut up curtain to make the gown? Go for it, Scarlett O’Hara! For more inspiration, compare other pieces of art from the same region and time period. Don’t forget the treasure trove that is the thrift store if you don’t have/don’t want to use your private stock of materials. Look at curtains, the jewelry section, the craft section, etc. 

  • Materials
    • Do the colors match? (1-3pt)
      • If colors don’t match, what is the justification for the color that was used? Were you using things from the thrift store or your stash? Does the original color look awful on you and you want to wear this garment again? Was the color you chose more (or less) common? Tell us the story!
    • How well do the fabric and material selections capture the look of the inspiration? (1-3pt)
      • Does the fabric drape the same way? Does a flowy looking veil look flowy? Are the patterns similar? If the shoes are visible, are they similar in look to the artwork?
  • Construction
    • Does the silhouette of the garment match? (1-3 pt)
    • Do the accessories evoke the same style? (1-3pt)
      • Earrings? Necklace? RIngs? Pins? Broach? Gloves? Socks? Shoes? Veil? Hat? Etc!
      •  Does the hair style or head covering match? 
  • Presentation 
    • How closely does your image resemble the portion of the original artwork that you choose to replicate? (1-3pt)
      • Is it cropped similarly? Is the model’s pose the same? Is the color quality similar? Are there other aspects of the scene that you were able to include?
    • How detailed is your project journal? (1-3pt)
      • Do you show each step towards making each part of your project? 

When will winners be announced?

April 1, 2026

Are there prizes? 

Yes! The top 5 entries will receive a prize basket from the Æthelmearc Clothiers Guild. If you are interested in contributing to the prize basket, please contact The Honorable Lady Verena von Talhain at  vmartin2304@gmail.com.  Additionally, all entries will be featured on our social media channels.