Here's the torso piece, just finished it yesterday.
A LOT of hand sewing went into this, as shown some minor details getting out of the way. I used some old faux fur laying around for the trim on the shoulders.
Buckles and velcro are the only ways to get in and out of the piece.

I also need to get a hold of some metal clasps of some kind for the rope. I don't want to constantly untie it to get out of it.