Showcase

Cow Costume - V&A Performance Festival 2025

Sasha Agakova

Created for the V&A performance 'Spectacle of the Surreal,' this costume is designed and made for the cow from Jack and the Beanstalk. It explores the combination of a medieval fairytale and surrealist styles by contrasting an animal mask with human-like costume elements and an upright posture. Designed and embroidered vine and beanstalk motifs are incorporated throughout the piece as references to the original text. The costume features a mask made of a thermoplastic base and hand sculpted with lightweight clay, hand-stitched leather detailing, broken down and textured cloaks, and heavily altered slippers that reflect the costume's overall style.

Final work

A costume with a decorated cow headpiece, brown and blue embroidered cloaks, and felted shoes.
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  • Photograph of a cow costume mid-performance in a museum gallery.
  • Photograph of a cow costume mid-performance in a museum gallery.
  • Photograph of a cow costume mid-performance in a museum gallery.

Research and process

A curated design page with various interwoven plant designs and geometric trims.

Embroidery Design

A curated design page with various costume designs from Jack and the Beanstalk, including Jack – The Cow – The Giant – Jack’s Mother – and the Old Man

Jack and the Beanstalk Costume Designs

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Cow Costume - V&A Performance Festival 2025

Created for the V&A performance 'Spectacle of the Surreal,' this costume is designed and made for the cow from Jack and the Beanstalk. It explores the combination of a medieval fairytale and surrealist styles by contrasting an animal mask with human-like costume elements and a...

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