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[Dar'manda]

That breastplate is very similar to how I did my legacy armor.. I use little 'tabs' on the collar armor (like modern era armor) and just ran bolts through a vest (you could dow the flightsuit) and the armor, and then used an acorn nut to accent the heavy, riveted appearance of the armor.

However, you could easily JB weld or fiberglass a bolt onto the underside of the armor and do that. I've seen a few legionnaire/roman types 'cheat' at their lorica and do that to help it stay in place too.

[Ms. Lanna]

You can always try to use some kind of harness system to keep the plates in place.
Saw it first on Tomoe and loved the idea. Plates conencted so you can put them on independently of toerh clothing. If it gets heavy, I am sure there is a way to 'füttern' the straps.

[Dar'manda]

There are rferences for this kind of scaled chestplates in the early era:

more reference-pics

I really like the shape of the scales you drew, the arc and the small roundings on the end of each scale. It gives it an optical tension the roman legionair's armor is laking in my opinion. You might have to compromise between  the radius and flexibility of the scale system, because the upper arc presses into the scale above and could restict it's movement. Since you scale it, the scales should be functional... paper tests are your friend... And Tenshi seems to be interested in this roman kind of armor, too. Drop him a hint;)

The leather interconnection of the harness you posted should do that and would fit perfectly into the era. Maybe you can find rivets that are especially optically pleasing, cause you' can use a lot of those for all the leather straps and belts. Sides could be closed with leather straps and either hidden or especially archaic claps. Shoulder straps will be covered by the shoulder armor which will most likely turn out really big and detailed for early era. If you use the x-belt as a sword harness, I'd try to keep it seperate in case you have to take off sword and mantle... Maybe I see it too much as a real clothing item here, but it can give a costume a special air and since you'll wear it for hours, functionality is trump (think bathroom)

[Stormblade]

Tomorow and what will be left of the week I will visit my girlfriend, since recently we hadn't much time together. So to prevent the week from being totally unproductive, I made at least the one drawing showing my full body design frontal. Though my drawing skills really suck today. That's what I look like after a dozen Big Mäcs or so...

For the left shoulder I was inspired by a japanese Armor. Small plates are connected with band here, I think about to resemble them with leather-strip. I also think about to give this armour on both shoulders, and to add the one big shoulder pad above on the left side.

The "plates" on left forearm and legs are inpired by Mandalore the Indomitable on this picture (weapon on the Back included)

I imagine those plates scavenged from some natural armored animal. Don't ask - I already have a plan how to craft that. It includes a leather-looking texture...

[Dar'manda]

Hey, I actually like your mixed concept better than the all-leather-looking concept art for Mandalore the Indomitable. That spear is as iconic but more practical than a mythosaur axe. I can absolutely see the "metal" and padded "leather" items go hand in hand, but the cod-piece design doesn't convince me yet. It's diamond shape clashes with the organic lines and the pointed tip looks unhealthy, especially in that place. Probably won't help to convince your girlfriend that armor making is the most amazing hobby, either...

Yoroi uses an intricate interconnection of woven silk ribbon. I simplified it in my neck protection with pieces of chain and wire, in case you run into problems with leather straps worn thin by sharp edges, that coud be an alternative. But I guess that your fiberglass plates won't be that sharp nor clank as mine did before I backed them with leather - good deal.

For the one-piece shoulder plate, you will probably need a fixing concept that allows you to take it off because itc ould be too bulky if you try to fit into a car seat.

[Stormblade]

I can absolutely see the "metal" and padded "leather" items go hand in hand, but the cod-piece design doesn't convince me yet. It's diamond shape clashes with the organic lines and the pointed tip looks unhealthy, especially in that place. Probably won't help to convince your girlfriend that armor making is the most amazing hobby, either...

Yes, in fact the area around the belt is the one I'm not really sure about. First, the armour looked kind of unfinished without somthing to protect the waist, but I idn't want a  kama or something, but on the other hand a plate for my nuts isn't my favourite concept either xD

Last time I thought about this problem, I accidently found a picture of Sub Zero in my room, that inspired me to have some kind of huge belt-buckle with a Silk on the downside. But right now that I googled the picture, I recognize he used a chain-thingy, what makes much more sense and also looks awesome! I remember to have seen a tutorial for this made by you, Tomoe.
So I doesn't really like the diamond shape either. It was just my first idea and I got no other ideas yet. Maybe the same shape Sub Zero has would be the right thing, but it's protecting his belly also, where I already have my plates...

I'm pretty sure my girlfriend would help me if I asked her, since she's the one who made me begin costume-making, but I prefer to do the most work myself, so I can criticize every part of it just like I want without blaming somebody else. 

[Dar'manda]

I agree, there are really great examples for draping soft parts in early era. you can knock yourself out for real ... the kama of the later eras are just a poor reminder compared to the possibilities you have.

Maybe you can find the type of brick-work design in japanese silk in black and silver brokade. It's one of a handful of classic fill-patterns. I'll keep it in mind and PM you if I stumble over just the thing. That would be a light weight solution and doesn't take as long to make as chain mail. Alternatively, you could applicate lots of aluminum scraps on fabric.

The huge belt buckle- idea would probably kill the flexibility your scale system grants you. Because the waist line is where the body folds over while tying your boots. Bad idea to block that. If you really want such a big belt buckle, maybe you can create something with a joint along that horizontal axis and hide it with a thinner belt. You could use one for pouches anyway. Costume without pouches isn't practical when going out.

P.S.: Thumbs up to you GF, and give her my regards!

I saw a fabric you might like, here:http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/166107/

Synthetic material = doesn't age to ivory as silk would.
some darker color alternatives:
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list3/172015/
http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list3/175814/
The vendor is very reliable

[Stormblade]

Looks great! 
When I finished my arrangements for relocating, I will post more often again and start practical work on this project, I promise. 

[Stormblade]

Finally Darth RL settled down so I was able to begin working on that Outfit last weekend. I began with a softpart for I'm still not firm with finding fiberglas materials, but I want the armour to get shape soon, because I want it before Germany is white in snow.
I paint the ring later, same colour like the plates, something metaliic.
Anyway, heres my pelty thingy:

[Dar'manda]

This looks pretty real. Definitly needs a snow-photoshooting when done. Don't we all love our breath condensing inside of the visor, forming freezing lumps on the metal parts?

[Ne'tra Cuyan]

Looks awsome

[Jango Jet]

This looks very good! If I understand it, to the chest plates are mounted under the "vest", right?

Based on the samurai armor ... a promising concept. And here I am with Tomoe of one mind: The armor is made for photos in the snow!