Princess Peach Space Gown Build Log

Like many gamers, I was beyond excited when Nintendo released the Princess Peach Showtime game in 2024. One of the coolest aspects of the game was the ability to customize Peach's dress. So, when the "Special Mighty" dress crossed my path, I absolutely fell in love.

For ease, I call it the Space Dress. There is something about a purple galaxy design that harkens back to my 2010 Tumblr days. The best part was that I could put a massive dent in my bin of purple fabric left over from previous projects. As a result, I was able to spend very little money on this massive build.

This costume ended up being a scrapbook/homage to projects past. Fabrics from my Coronation Elsa, various Ever After High cosplays, and Elden Ring Beast were among many used. It was a lot of fun playing with textures and unique textiles to create this gown.

The Gown

To start, I created a petticoat to lay on top of the hoop skirt for the ballgown. It was my first time making a large one for a ballgown. Using spare cotton/bed sheets, cut in to rectangles/gathered for ruffles, I was able to add extra volume to Peach's skirts. Bed sheets are a great resource for large under pieces like these petticoats. Bonus picture above: adding some trim to the bottom of the ballgown.

The skirt itself is comprised of a circle skirt made from bridal satin (purchased from Fabric Wholesale Direct). When I initially made this costume, I chose an elastic waistband. It was later replaced with a standard waistband/invisible zipper combo. Copious mockups and sketches were made to determine placements of the planets, and shape of her side pieces before I even cut an inch of fabric. Enjoy my crazy notes/handwriting and top tier assistant: Calista!

The top was a hand drafted pattern and lined with cute galaxy fabric. I used my serger on the inside, in order to prevent fraying to keep this costume wearable for multiple cons in the future. Pillows were sewn into the puff sleeves to keep their volume all day. Small strips of spiral steel boning were sewn into the lining layer for extra structure. I love using spiral steel boning because of its flexibility.

Planets

The big pull for taking on this project, was to try different fabric manipulation and embellishment techniques with each "planet". I wanted this project to be filled with experimentation, and more fun to make than it would be to wear! I played with embroidery/hand stitching, bedazzling, beading, pleating, smocking, and more!

I also tried to vary approaches with each planet. One with smocking would have tight stitches, while another would have looser ones. The more texture and 3D elements the better! As a result, this was a very personal interpretation of this design.

Calista takes her job as inspector VERY SERIOUSLY

Additionally, I hand sewed trim chains of crystals and beads to create the extra "stars and constellations" on the dress. It ended up being very calming/therapeutic at the end of a long day to sit, hand stitch, and rewatch episodes of the Twilight Zone on my pink CRTV.

Wig

For the wig, I modified a ponytail wig from Epic Cosplay Wigs through teasing and hair spray. The bow is attached directly to the ponytail. Made from scrap satin from Joanns (rip)/leftover sequin fabric from my Legacy Day Raven Queen cosplay. Additional crystals were glued to the bow for extra sparkle!

Accessories

Peach's earrings and broach were made from foam clay that I had on hand. The gold trim itself was an extra attempt at more texture, and leftover from my Milady cosplay made in 2021. Yes, I am a crafting material hoarder ha ha.

As a bonus, for the makeup, I took the advice of many Princes Peach cosplayers in the past. Using foundation to cover the sides of my lips and eventuate her rounded lip shape with a specific shape drawn with lipstick.

Competing at Long Island Retro Video Game Expo 2026

When I initially made and competed with Peach last year in 2025 at Colossalcon East, I did not place. Which happens! Trust me when I say, the competition was filled with so much talent and those that did win, absolutely deserved it. The beauty of not placing in a competition means that you have the opportunity to make fixes and bring it back to another competition.

For Peach, I went back and adjusted the fit of the top and did some minor cleanups/repairs from her first con appearance. Additional trims, repairing the wig, better securing her side pieces, adding extra hand sewn pearls to one of the planets, and bedazzling some shoes were a week well spent.

This turned into an award! I adore Long Island Retro Gaming Expo. Especially since it takes place at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. After getting my costume craftmanship judged/speaking to the judges one on one for 5 minutes, I was able to enjoy playing games and taking pics with actual space craft!

I am beyond thankful to have taken the First Place award at this competition. Congrats to all of the other winners and thank you to the judges/hard working cosplay staff! I will be talking more about the con itself in an upcoming Youtube video

It never hurts to keep working on and improving on your cosplays. This project is truly near and dear to my heart. Thank you for checking out my first build blog!