Hi there! Getting to a very late start but I am very excited to start crunching this project!
This is The Mother, my project for the 2026 Reallusion Character Competition. Clearly, I have taken a lot of inspiration from Mary Magdalene and Catholicism. Symbolism, intricate detailing and overall splendor are a staple of Catholic tradition, and this is something I aim to inject into my own character. The Mother is intended to be a symbol of a matriarchy, and while I intend to draw inspiration from religious idols, she is not intended as a reflection or interpretation of any existing religious figures.
I absolutely love the consideration of power, especially when carried by a woman, in both fiction and history- and I have looked to Princess Irulean from Dune as a study. I am especially interested in the costume design from Dune: Part 2, where the Princess has been dressed in heavy metal outfits and carefully beaded, intricate designs. The idea that she is hidden from the world around her behind masks and delicate headwear, held separate and shrouded by her clothing is something I would like to consider in my own work. This is paired with the restrictive nature of the garments, not only is she hidden and disguised, she is trapped within heavy, complicated garments that inevitably will restrict her vision, movements, etc. She is trapped by the very power and influence she is supposed to command.
Another source I am drawing influence from is Alexander McQueen’s revolutionary work, specifically his metallic chain linked piece from Fall/Winter 2009.
Below I have included the beginnings of my character creation within Reallusion’s Character Creator.
