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The Costumer • December 2013
The Costumer • December 2013
The official publication of the National Costumers Association, Inc.
December 2013
Volume 89, Issue 4
Serving the Business of Costuming
Since 1923
Educating • Energizing • Enriching
P ublic
atio
ns Manag
er
ublicatio
ations
Manager
The Costumer
Diane Sheibley
31 Bramblewood St.
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Fax 508-819-3013
[email protected]
P ublic
atio
ns Associate & A
dS
ales
ublicatio
ations
Ad
Sales
The Costumer
Debbie Lyn Owens
800-NCA-1889 • 408-470-8098
Fax 508-819-3013
[email protected]
Ex
ecutiv
ector
Executiv
ecutivee Dir
Director
Dorothy Shadrick
6000 E. Evans Ave. 3-205
Denver, CO 80222
800-NCA-1321 • Fax 303-758-9616
[email protected]
© 2013, National Costumers Association.
The Costumer is published by the National
Costumers Association, Inc., with headquarters
located at the above address, a nonprofit and
incorporated association of costumers located
in the United States, Australia, Bahamas,
Canada, India, Ireland, Mexico, and Great
Britain.
No responsibility is assumed for the opinions
expressed or claims made by the authors of
articles or by advertisers. Appearance in the
magazine does not constitute endorsement by
the National Costumers Association, nor its
officers or representatives.
2
NCA Administration
5
This Issue’s Advertisers
5
President’s Letter
6
Organization, Member, and Industry News
32
NCA Marketplace
Features
10
Member Profile: Junk for Joy
12
Why Blogging Helps Your Business
16
Come Out and Cosplay
18
Costuming Theater – Is It for You?
20
50 Years of “Doctor Who” Costuming
25
2014 Buyers Guide!
About the Cover
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - Disney Musical “The
Beauty and the Beast” in Opera Theater.
Photography by ©Edurivero
Graphic design & typography by Rob Lehr.
www
.costumers.org
www.costumers.org
The Costumer • December 2013
1
NCA Administration
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Linda Adams-Foat
Camelot Costumes
1321 S. Demeter Dr.
Freeport, IL 61032
815-233-1861
[email protected]
TREASURER
Jane Powell
Costumes Etc.
2138 Faulkner Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-728-4598
Fax 404-728-4599
[email protected]
DIRECTOR
Marion Bradley 2014*
The Costume Shop
1300 Watson Blvd.
Warner Robins, GA 31093
478-328-1414
[email protected]
DIRECTOR
Janine Caufield 2015*
Caufield’s
1006 West Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
502-583-0636
Fax 502-583-2002
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Karen Grizzard
Main Street Party Station
10749 Jefferson Ave
Newport News, VA 23601
757-597-7069 • Fax 757-591-0692
[email protected]
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Janie Westendorf
Curtains Up Costumes
100 Kramer St.
Sigourney, IA 52591
641-622-3991 • Fax 641-622-3992
[email protected]
DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Galbraith 2014*
Costume Gallery-Newport, LLC
638 Monmouth St.
Newport, KY 41071
859-655-9419
Fax 859-655-9277
[email protected]
DIRECTOR
Terri Greenberg 2014*
Halco
723 E. Railroad Ave
Verona, PA 15147
724-929-7300
Fax 724-929-7301
[email protected]
DIRECTOR
Ron Ferraro 2015*
Fantasy Festival Costume/Magic Centre
901 Cary Rd.
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-2000
Fax 847-658-2002
[email protected]
2013-14 Standing Committee Chairs
Buyers Group
The Costumer
Disaster & Grievance
Executive Director Liaison
Historian
Membership
Memorial Fund
National Awards
Nominations
Parliamentarian
Plot Service
Policy & Procedures
Publications
Publications Liaison
Roster
Source List
Time & Place
Website
Website Liaison
Gary Broadrick and Glenn Alexander,
Performance Studios
Diane Sheibley, Publications Manager
Karen Grizzard, Main Street Party Station
Linda Adams-Foat, Camelot Costumes, President
Barb Lochner, Once Upon A Fantasy & Rachel
Godollei-Johnson, Landes Costumes by Rachel
Marion Bradley, The Costume Shop
Janie Westendorf, Curtains Up Costumes, Immediate
Past President
Janie Westendorf, Curtains Up Costumes, Immediate
Past President
Janie Westendorf, Curtains Up Costumes, Immediate
Past President
Debbie Lyn Owens, Debbie Lyn’s Costumes
Ken Epperly & Ken Fox, Magic Makers Costumes
Ron & Bernice Ferraro, Fantasy Festival Costume/
Magic Centre
Diane Sheibley, Publications Manager
Karen Grizzard, Main Street Party Station
Diane Sheibley, Publications Manager
Joy Galbraith, Costume Gallery-Newport
Karen Grizzard, Main Street Party Station
Dorothy Shadrick, NCA Executive Director
Karen Grizzard, Main Street Party Station
2013-14 Event Committee Chairs
National Convention
Awards
Convention Chair
Convention Host
Convention Program
Creative Style Show
Education/Shop Talk
Hospitality
Membership Forum
Market
Newcomers Orientation
Opening Night Party
President’s Banquet
Registration
Show and Share
Student Creative Event
Janie Westendorf, Curtains Up Costumes, Immediate
Past President
Linda Adams-Foat, Camelot Costumes, President
Jacob and Crystal Locklar, Josette’s
Diane Sheibley, Publications Manager
Pat Coppock, Retired, and Lorraine Brown, Retired
Kathy Dowd, Costume Holiday House
Janine Caufield, Caufield’s
Terri Greenberg, Halco
Karen Grizzard, Main Street Party Station and
Lorraine Brown, Retired
TBA
Jacob and Crystal Locklar, Josette’s
Janie Westendorf, Curtains Up Costumes, Immediate
Past President
Dorothy Shadrick, Executive Director
Kathy Dowd, Costume Holiday House
Elizabeth Galbraith, Costume Gallery-Newport
*indicates end of current term
NCA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Visit www.costumers.org and click on the link!
2
Dorothy Shadrick, Executive Director
6000 E. Evans Ave. 3-205
Denver, CO 80222
800-NCA-1321 • Fax 303-758-9616
[email protected] • [email protected]
The Costumer • December 2013
The Costumer • December 2013
The Costumer • December 2013
I T’ S AL
L ABO
U T PERSP
ECT
IVE
ALL
ABOU
SPECT
ECTIVE
We have survived another Halloween season. I hope
you did well but, I have heard from many members that the
numbers were not good. I read an article in a national
newspaper that national Halloween sales revenue has fallen
from $8 billion in 2012 to $7 billion in 2013. I can only
guess at the reasons. Some blame it on the economy.
Economic recovery varies greatly across the nation. Some
blame the government and the recent shut down. Some
credit the fact that Halloween was on a Thursday while still
others blame the internet and temporary stores. I think all
of these reasons have some validity to them. What can we
do with this information? We have to put it into
perspective.
Several years ago my daughter lived in San Diego. I was
relating an incident to her over the phone. My husband,
Merlyn, had hit a deer and totaled his van. He was not hurt,
but he was 40 miles away from home. I ended with, “Well,
at least I got to go to Wisconsin and he will get a new
vehicle out of it.” She just laughed and said, “Oh Mom, you
and your Midwest Tragic Optimism.” I look back on this
statement and I realize that I often try to find something
good that comes out of every situation. This, too, is a form
of perspective.
We as business owners need to stop and take a look at
what is really important. Can we pay our vendors and
employees? Can we pay our rent or mortgage? Can we feed
our family? Can we pay our utilities and insurance? Can we
save something this year? Can we set aside something for
retirement? These are all very important things that need
our attention. How can we do this in the economic climate
that surrounds so many of us? The answer may be
This Issue’s Advertisers
Alan Sloane & Co. ............................................................... 20
Bauer Pacific........................................................................... 11
Caufield’s ................................................................................ 23
Dharma Trading .................................................................... 4
Disguise .................................................................................. 6
Forum Novelties .................................................................... 15
Fun World ................................ Inside Front & Back Covers
Halco ...................................................................................... 3
Halloween & Party Expo ..................................................... 9
Junk for Joy ......................................................................... 23
Peter Alan .............................................................................. 14
Rubies ........................................................ Outside Back Cover
Smiffy’s ................................................................................... 13
Such-a-Deal ........................................................................... 11
Sunnywood ............................................................................ 23
Tabi’s Characters ................................................................... 22
President’s Letter
diversification. Look into different aspects of your business
that may mesh well with something else. Maybe you could
add balloons or party supplies. If you don’t do theater,
maybe you should look into adding that avenue to increase
your sales year round. You could look into adding tuxedo
and bridal event rentals. Event planning may be a perfect fit
for your store. You could include dancewear in your
inventory. Some can add custom sewing and alterations.
The possibilities are out there and now may be the time to
look into ways of diversifying your business.
We need to put all this information into perspective.
We need to focus on what is really important. Yes, running
a successful business is important, but is it more important
than your family, your health, your peace of mind? Look
around you and focus on the laughter of children, the
vastness of the ocean, and the tranquility of a lush forest.
Take a good long look at what you will leave behind as a
legacy. We are building that legacy right now by how we are
handling this downturn in our industry. Our children and
grandchildren are watching us. Will they see us fall apart or
take the bull by the horns and hang on until the economic
tide turns? Will they see us as an anything-for-a-buck type
of person, or someone that will take lemons and make
lemonade? The choice is yours; it is a matter of perspective.
Linda Adams-Foat
National Costumers Association
Camelot Costumes, Freeport, Illinois
The Costumer • December 2013
5
Organization, Member, Industry News
Some of these items have appeared in the weekly e-contact, but bear republishing here for the benefit of the
entire membership.
WI TH HAL
LOWE
EN A SUC
CE
SS, H&P
ALL
WEE
UCCE
CESS
E XPO PREPAR
ES FOR ANO
TH E R
ARE
NOT
G REA
T SHO
W
EAT
HOW
(Houston) – Halloween may celebrate
the undead, like zombies and ghosts. But
sales related to the popular holiday are
very much alive. In 2013, more than 158
million people celebrated Halloween, with
the average reveler spending more than
$75 on their festivities. Total Halloween
spending in the United States alone
topped out just under $7 billion, with
considerable growth in other countries,
such as the United Kingdom, which saw a
12 percent increase in spending over the
previous year. The party mood doesn’t stop
at Halloween either; it is gaining growth
year round, with costumed obstacle runs
and themed parties more popular than ever.
The number-one global show for the
Halloween, Costume and Party Industry is
also very much alive. Thousands of
attendees from more than 63 countries
worldwide will descend on the George R.
Brown Convention Center for the
Halloween & Party Expo, which will be in
Houston for a sixth year in 2014 before
heading to New Orleans in 2015. Eightyfive percent of the 600,000 square foot
show floor is currently reserved by
hundreds of eager exhibitors. “If you’re in
the party business, or if you’re in the
Halloween business, you must attend this
show,” says exhibitor Marie LaCentra with
Forum Novelties/Creative Products.
Manufacturers of Halloween products
in particular have an extra incentive to
attend the 2014 show: HAuNTcon, a
Haunted Attractions tradeshow and
conference created by Haunters, for
Haunters, is co-locating within the
George R. Brown Convention Center
during the same dates as the Expo. “It’s
not Halloween without a little haunting;
6
8
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TheCostumer
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Costumer •
•• December
December
February 2013
2013
2013
we think that’s a vital segment to support,”
said Jonathan Erwin of the Halloween &
Party Expo.
“The H&P Expo is the international
event for Halloween, Costume and Party
vendors,” explained Leonard Pickel,
HAuNTcon coordinator and Haunt
industry expert. “It was a natural move to
co-locate our show to the same city so we
could offer our attendees the opportunity
to see new products and services featured
only at this exhibition.” Each show will
operate separately with its own requirements, but attendees and exhibitors are
encouraged to attend both for a richer
experience.
But the Halloween & Party Expo and
HAuNTcon are well-known for far more
than simply their show floors. Both shows
offer a variety of events and activities
designed to educate and entertain attendees, including more than 20 hours of
educational seminars at the Expo and
more than 40 hours at HAuNTcon.
The Expo’s famous Halloween
Costume Style Show also returns in 2014
with 100 costumes presented in an
extravagant runway production at the close
of the first evening. Attendance is free to
all Expo attendees and includes free beer
and wine throughout the show.
HAuNTcon takes over afterwards, with
their annual Costume Ball. Attendees
won’t want to miss this lavish event, with
barbecue buffet, complimentary beer,
prizes, photos and all-night entertainment,
all while dressed to the nines in costumed
regalia or evening attire. Visit
www.HalloweenPartyExpo.com or
www.HAuNTcon.com for ticket information, schedules and more, such as details
on the Pet Costume Shows presented by
the Expo and Haunt Tours presented by
HAuNTcon.
As always, registration for the
Halloween & Party Expo is free, but
documentation of industry involvement is
required. Don’t miss THE show for the
industry, January 25-28, 2014 in Houston,
Texas. Visit
www.HalloweenPartyExpo.com to view
the floorplan, create a customized expo
schedule, request appointments, book
hotels/travel and register to attend.
C OST
UME GAL
LERY-NEWPOR
T
OSTUME
ALL
WPORT
S PONSOR
S A FIRST PLA CE W INNE
R
PONSORS
NNER
A T T HE W OR
LD BEAR
D AND
ORL
EARD
M OUST
A CH
E C HAMP
IONSH
USTA
CHE
HAMPIONSH
IONSHIIPS, 2013
Beard team USA brought home 9
trophies at the World Beard and Moustache Championships held in LeinfeldenEchterdingen, Germany on November 2 nd.
Costume Gallery-Newport is the
costume sponsor for Patrick Fette, a young
Louisville, Kentucky, man. Patrick won
first place in the English Moustache
division.
Patrick is a graduate of St. Henry
District High School and a native of
Erlanger, Kentucky. He began competing
in 2012 after taking 15 months to grow
his foot-long moustache. Patrick was
inspired by his love of Civil War history.
That love of history led him to
Costume Gallery-Newport where Patrick
has chosen period costumes created to
enhance his look for the various beard and
moustache contests in which he has
competed.
Patrick is a member of the Derby City
Whisker Club as well as Beard Team
USA. His first competition was the 2012
East Coast Beard and Moustache Championship in Philadelphia. That was also
the first time he appeared wearing period
attire created by the Costume GalleryNewport. He has since competed in more
than 12 local and national competitions
continued
...
continued...
Invest in your Profession!
As business owners, you all analyze very carefully your expenses and the “bang” you get for your buck. As NCA
members, you are currently receiving your dues renewal statements, and we encourage each of you not to hesitate in
sending in your 2014 dues. The costume industry is a viable, energetic, enthusiastic profession – let’s keep it moving
forward!
Here is a list of the benefits identified in your dues renewal notice:
· Buyers Group Discounts – Receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars in discounts from purchasing from
NCA Buyers Group members;
· Nationwide website store location services;
· Networking with your peers to acquire new techniques to save you time and money;
· Weekly eContact – tips and information for your business in your email box every week;
· Opportunity for sub-renting from other members to assure your customers that you can satisfy all their costuming
needs;
· Listing in the annual Membership Directory, distributed to all NCA members;
· The Costumer magazine subscription.
Here are some thoughts on the intangible benefits to being a part of this dynamic organization:
· Showcasing the creativity of members and utilizing others’ designs in y our market;
· Disseminating information into the marketplace about the benefits of year-round shops that provide outstanding
individualism in their costume designs;
· Learning how other stores just like yours are handling current topics that affect your business, too, such as social
media, marketing, temporary hiring, disaster planning and coping, and so much more;
· Utilizing members’ creativity to enhance the arts throughout the world;
· Helping students be true professionals in costume design.
Let’s keep growing these lists to assure a vibrant future for the costume industry and the association that carries
the voice of the professional costumer to the marketplace. RENEW TODAY! (2014 member renewals are due
December 31.) Contact the NCA office with questions, or if you don’t receive your renewal packet, by phone at 800NCA-1321, or by email at [email protected].
Since
CA H
ome O
ff
ice St
aff
Sincerr ely
ly,, The N
NC
Home
Off
ffice
Staff
The
The Costumer
Costumer •
• December
December 2013
2013
7
Organization, Member, Industry News
continued
...
continued...
and served as a guest judge in Cincinnati.
Patrick wore Costume GalleryNewport costumes in the National Beard
and Moustache Championships in Las
Vegas in 2012 and New Orleans in 2013.
He placed first in Las Vegas in the
English Moustache division. The English
style moustache is pulled out tight and
straight f rom the face to full length. He
tied for first place in New Orleans and
took second in a runoff.
Patrick has been costumed in an oldfashioned swimsuit, an 1800s cutaway, and
a variety of other period fashions chosen
from Costume Galler y-Newport.
For his first international competition
in Germany, Patrick chose to wear an
English morning suit. Joy and Elizabeth
SAVE THE DATES
Winter Board Meeting
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
February 21-22, 2014
National Convention
Hollywood Casino
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
July 11-15, 2014
Galbraith, owners of Costume Galler yNewport, supplied his costume as a
sponsorship.
Costume Gallery-Newport would like
to congratulate Patrick Fette on his first
place international win. They look forward
to helping him with appropriate attire for
any upcoming contests.
LANDE
S COST
UME
S BY RACH
EL
ANDES
OSTUME
UMES
CHE
C L OSI
NG
OSING
After 103 years of providing quality
costumes to Indianapolis and the world,
Landes Costumes by Rachel was sad to
announce they closed their doors on
November 30, 2013. They have had many
wonderful customers and made many
friends over the years, and they will miss
them all, but retirement beckons. “We’ve
always said, ‘No one gets a costume for a
depressing reason.’ We want to thank
everyone who has come through our doors
looking for fun. This has been the most
enjoyable business to be in and a part of us
will miss it, but part of us will NOT miss
doing 8 loads of laundry a day!”
They wish to thank everyone in the
NCA for all of the support, the stories,
and for sharing their fun with them.
“To the people we’ve costumed for
stage and screen, for our Santa and North
Pole friends, the Easter Bunnies, Leprechauns, the wedding parties, masqueraders,
mascots, living history providers, revelers,
fund raisers, gamers, artists, clowns,
magicians and fun lovers…we will miss
seeing you. We will think of you fondly.”
-Everyone at LCBR
I N MEMOR
IAM
MORIAM
It is with great sorrow and a heavy
heart that we inform you of the passing of
Rosalie Abisgnio. As many of you know,
Rosalie was Howard Beige’s, (of Rubies
Costume Company) assistant for over 15
years. Rosalie will be missed by all of us
that knew her. Our hearts go out to fellow
NCA member, Rubies Costume Company and to Rosalie’s family.
I N MEMOR
IAM
MORIAM
Former NCA President Clay Yancy
passed away Saturday, November 9, 2013.
Condolences can be sent to his wife
Shelia at: 10625 Baton Rouge
Pl., Northridge, CA 91326. A formal
obituary will follow, watch your econtacts.
Like the NCA on Facebook!
Go to www.costumers.org and
look for the Facebook link at the
bottom of the page!
Summer on the Gulf!
Greetings to all fellow NCA members from the Locklar family! We hope you all had a profitable Halloween and
are recovering after the Halloween rush. For our family, the week after Halloween is when we begin thinking about
vacations for the following year. There is just something about two months of non-stop work that brings the
vacation bug around.
Allow me to take this time to personally invite you to the 2014 National Costumers Association Convention,
July 11-15, that will be held down here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our shop, Josette’s Inc., is located in Biloxi,
Mississippi, and our host resort, the Hollywood Casino and Resort in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi are equidistant from
the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT).
Situated only minutes away from the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the Hollywood Casino and
Resort offers unique amenities for you to enjoy. The resort itself is movie-themed, and the common areas in the
lobbies, casinos, buffet, and restaurants are all decorated as such. All rooms in the hotel are non-smoking and are
equipped with Wi-Fi. On the grounds, you will find a mammoth swimming pool as well as a golf course designed by
Arnold Palmer, himself. We are working diligently to ensure that this convention is family-friendly with a variety of
activities suitable for children of all ages. This will be a great opportunity for your entire family to enjoy the food,
fun, and ambience of the South. We look forward to seeing you at our opening night party, themed “Old South, New
South”.
– Crystal and Jacob Locklar
8
The
The Costumer
Costumer •
• December
December 2013
2013
The Costumer • December 2013
MEMBER PROFILE
Junk for Joy
Burbank, California • Joined NCA in 1982
By Debbie Lyn Owens
Editor’s note: I interviewed Ron on the phone and then sent
him some questions for him and Seabrook to answer.
Talking to Ron is always a pleasure and he tells great
stories. I asked him about beginning their business and how they
chose the name. He “pinched” the name Junk City from a shop in
London. Originally, in 1976, they sold knick knack and “rags”
in a shop on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles. People frequently
called him about odd things to sell. One person was cutting up
dresses and had about 150 of them. They were big and Ron paid
$1 each. He put them on a rack in the window for $3 each.
Another guy called him about some shoes he had in the loft
area of his front window. They were brand new ladies’ shoes,
still in their boxes, size 9 and up. He sold them to Ron “for a
song” and Ron put them in the window for $3 a pair.
Ron and Seabrook advertised in the local paper using “junk
for architects, baker dancers”, etc. through all the professions or
people they could think of to mention. Then they did a series of
“junk for
attics,
basements”,
etc. for places
people could
use their
product. Ron
told his father,
Les, about
this ad
campaign and
Les suggested
“junk” for
emotions and
when he got
to Joy, Ron knew he had the right name, and “Junk for Joy” was
born.
Ron moved to a new location in Burbank, California, and
opened on October 1st not too sure what Halloween might bring
for his business. He noticed a lot of guys buying shoes and dresses
to go to the bars to sing and dance. They had a really good
opening which Ron attributes to “dumb luck”.
Junk for Joy, and Ron and Seabrook Ede, are a fixture in
the NCA and we have all benefitted from knowing them and
doing business with them. After 37 years, they are now ready to
move on to another phase of their lives. I wish them the very
best in their retirement and hope to see them on one of their road
trips.
10
W hat ma
de yyour
our business successful?
made
“We started off with dumb luck in 1976. Waiting for
retail customers was unproductive, so we decided to try
wholesaling to help with cash flow. Our first trade show was
the 1980 ASD show in Las Vegas. Since we were
newcomers, we were stuck in the back where we met Larry,
from Cincinnati and fresh out of Business College, who was
selling dreck, schemata, and dead stock that filled a 5-6
story building. After years of rag house ragging and
warehouses and old boy networks and truck loads of zippers
at 2 cents each, we are still good friends with Larry today.”
W hat did yyou
ou br
ing to the business?
bring
“First it was kimonos directly imported from Japan
which we traded for vintage and dead stock with Japanese
buyers in the late 70s through the mid-80s. Helen Aune of
Phoenix got wind of them and came bounding into our
place pointing and ordering us around until she had quite a
pile of them – all the time touting the NCA and how we
should join. Our first experience was an area meeting aboard
the Queen Mary! Our first convention was in Wilmington,
Delaware, in 1982. After that it was clear that our vintage,
dead stock, and accessories would take us into the costume
industry, now that we also had 6-7 retail Halloweens under
our belts and ‘got the message’.”
Ho
w hav
ou oovver
co
me obsta
How
havee yyou
erco
come
obstacc les?
“The biggest and most sudden shock to the Junk for Joy
system occurred in Denver at the 2004 NCA convention
where Seabrook had a near fatal brain hemorrhage. Her
birthday was surgery day – what a gift by an extremely
confident and skilled medical team. Then as I’ve never
witnessed before or after, an amazing pull together by the
NCA members and Board members to create a “Seabrook
Fund” at the auction to raise enough funds for this haplessuninsured-yours-truly to use it specifically for the
ambulances – both land and air. So after all this, there was
yet another surprise – an anonymous (to this day) party paid
our hotel bill. Since then Seabrook has not driven, so our
being in two places at once – her at the store and me at the
barn – had to come to a virtual end and productivity slowed
down. We are used to it now, however, and having learnt not
to bust a gut, keep our cool, and plug along has been good
therapy for both of us.”
Discuss yyour
our lo
w tec
h appr
oa
keting
low
tech
approa
oacch to sales and mar
marketing
keting..
“I don’t remember approaching low tech – it was always
The Costumer • December 2013
there. Approaching high tech did not appeal. By the time I
might one finger type, buy, and learn the thing, put up
something that was going to sell out anyway and then do it
all again, I’d drown in my own dizziness!” [To this day, Ron
does not use e-mail. –Ed.]
W hat pr
o mpted the decisio
n to sel
decision
selll the business and
pro
building?
“Back in 1996 this bloke came into the store and said
the landlord wanted to sell and did we want to buy? What a
shock! As it happened it was just after a really good ASD
show and Chicago Halloween show. So I said, ‘these orders
will pay for the deposit’ – so he got to work – worked his
butt off –and got us the building. Fast forward to 2013 and
he shows up several times insisting he has a buyer for the
building. I retort ‘What am I going to do with all this stuff?
I’m not moving and I’m not giving it away!’ So he comes
back and says he has a buyer for both the business and the
building and do we know anyone who might want to buy in
too. So, some of our contacts wrote offers and the red tape is
still being unrolled.”
W hat ar
our plans ffor
or the next cchapter
hapter in yyour
our liv
es?
aree yyour
lives?
“The next thing after all this - probably at the end of
the year, is to sleep in for a few days and then tackle the
barn. The barn has not been organized since 2004 and has
since had a lean-to added and after that a lean-to onto the
lean-to. When we ran out of lean-to area, we erected some
long term tents, so our yard (2/3 of an acre) is a cacophony
of tobacco road structures that has to be sorted out – thus
our retirement is really from retail and trade shows. We will
be in Biloxi for convention with plenty of odd lot stuff only
NCA members would find a use for and a road trip
thereafter.” Ron’s mother has just entered an aged care
facility so a trip or two to his native Australia will be a
must.
“As we are hoping our business will carry on to the next
plateau by new owners, we will encourage participation in
the Houston show. If that happens and if they insist on our
help, we will go there to point at stuff and to introduce –
but to set up and break down!? Humph!!”
The Costumer • December 2013
11
BUSINESS
Why Blogging Helps Your Costume
Business
By Shari McConahay
As costumers, we love to talk about our businesses and
to make it live on the internet for all to see. So that is the
our costumes, right? Blogging about your business and your first obstacle out of the way, it isn’t complicated, it is quite
an be a
costumes can be just as simple as that. Blogging ccan
simple. The second obstacle is consistency. I am giving you
big bo
nus ffor
or yyour
our business, helping yyou
ou gain exposur
exposuree
bonus
a pass on that right now. Do not let the pressure of keeping
for yyour
our stor
our w
ebsite
storee, yyour
website
ebsite,,
up a blog get in the way of
or both. I am a writer and it
blogging! That is probably one
A
CCORDING
TO
DICTIONARY
.
COM
:
comes pretty naturally to me,
of the major hurdles to
blog [blawg, blog]
so I understand it might be a
overcome – “do I have to do it
noun a website containing the writer’s or
struggle for some of you. That
every hour? Every day? Every
group of writers’ own experiences,
is why I am here to help you
week?”. Do not worry about
observations,
opinions,
etc.,
and
often
with ideas for blogging and to
blogging daily, weekly, or even
having images and links to other websites.
break it down and show you
monthly. We are all busy
how simple and easy it can be.
costumers, running businesses
verb (used without object) to maintain or
But why should you blog?
and keeping up with a million
add new entries to a blog.
Blogging is ffrree and yyour
our
other things. Write when you
business ccan
an rreap
eap the benef
its
benefits
can. Giving yourself that
that make the time yyou
ou spend w
el
or
th it.
wrriting w
wel
elll w
wor
orth
freedom will actually help you write more often. Instead of
making it a requirement, take a deep breath and try some of
SET TING UP YO UR BLO G
these ideas:
Write do
wn ideas, or eevven whole posts while
There are two main blogging platforms that are both
down
mobile
free and easy to use: Blogger.com from Google, and
mobile. Most of us have smartphones or tablets. If you are
WordPress.com. They both are easy to set up and have a
travelling (and not doing the driving) that is often a perfect
variety of different colors or themes available. You can also
opportunity to write. Both Blogger and Word Press both
have them customized by a professional if you wanted to
have mobile apps, so you can post right from your phone or
get fancy. Both Blogger and WordPress blogs can be
tablet/iPad, if you have one. At the very least, keep ideas for
integrated into your website as well so that instead of
posts on your phone, in a Word document on your
blogging under the blog domain, it can be something like
computer, or even in a spiral bound notebook in your
www.blog.yourwebsite.com. This is a great idea because it
briefcase.
Blog posts do not hav
ng
havee to be lo
long
ng. Most blog
means that each time you post a blog, you are adding new
posts should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 –
and fresh content to your website and the search engines
500 words. However, they do not all have to be that long at
really like that. Once you have your blog set up with the
all. Did you finish an amazing costume? Post a picture of it!
colors and the theme, you can always change it later or for
Have a customer in the store that tried something on and
the seasons. I would just suggest that if you do change it
seasonally, just keep your logo and the branding the same so doesn’t mind having it posted? Just do it! Your blog can be a
mix of micro blogs and longer posts. You can post just a
that your readers and customers still recognize it and they
picture and say a few sentences about it, and Voila! Post
don’t think they clicked over to the wrong place.
done!
G ETT ING STAR
Ask yyour
our staff to w
T ED WI
TH YO UR BLO G
ART
WIT
wrr ite posts
posts. Employees can
The actual writing of a blog post (compare it to writing contribute to your blog; you can even give them a weekly
a column in the newspaper) is just as simple and almost the column. Perhaps assign one employee each week to writing
same thing as writing a Word document. It has many of the the blog entries. If you have staff that is idle during times of
same features that Word does. It allows you to change the
the day in between customers, phone calls, or projects, have
color and fonts, use bold, italicize, or underline. They even
them write something.
G uest blogg
ers
bloggers
ers. Open your blog up to guest
have spell check. Once you are done writing, it is one click




12
The Costumer • December 2013
bloggers. Ask colleagues, thespians, or
even drama teachers if they would like
to contribute to your blog. Even local
business people or local celebrities could
blog about their favorite costuming
stories, should they have any. This adds
not only new content to your blog, but a
fresh perspective and new ideas. If you
do not know anyone that can guest blog,
putting an invitation for guest posts on your blog will help
you find leads. You can also ask bloggers that you like
reading for an article. Asking to re-publish content isn’t out
of the question either. Just be sure to ask permission and
post credit where credit is due.
Instea
d of being a salesman. . . . Your blog is not
Instead
necessarily a sales tool. There is no need for every post to be
about something you sell, that is what your website or store
front is for. However, there is nothing wrong with putting a
special blog reader’s coupon on your blog. Instead of strictly
selling your products on your blog, posts can be about
holidays, most popular costumes, interesting or unique
costume ideas, trends, theater, historical costuming, safety
tips, community events in your area, personal profiles or
“little known facts” about your employees and store owners,
or just about your business in general.

so just convert them into a blog post.
When you write about what interests
you, it flows easily and is done in a flash.
Combining other things you love with
costumes and writing about it will give
you a wealth of ideas. Regardless of the
size of your blog post, it should always
have at least one picture in it to make it
visually appealing and should be
something that your customers and readers are interested in.
W HY SHO
UL
D YO U H AVE A BLO G I N TH E
HOUL
ULD
FIRST PLACE?
Having a blog is not just another thing to do to take up
your precious time. The purpose for your blog is to add
fresh content to your website. Even if you do not sell online,
a website (and the blog on it) can help direct local
customers to your store, so don’t count yourself out if you
are not selling online. Why do you need fresh content to
your website? Nowadays the search engines rank websites
according to content that will help direct searchers to what
they are looking for. If you write about “ideas for couples’
costumes”, when someone searches that same or similar
continued
...
continued...
Tr y so
me of these blog ideas:
some
• W hat w
er
wer
eree the top 5 requests from customers this
week?
• Do yyou
ou see a ne
w costume or fashion trend
new
emerging?
•P
ost a sur
Post
survvey or trivia.
• Ask questio
ns
questions
ns; get readers to interact with you. Then
your next post can be the answers to the questions.
• Take a pictur
picturee of your window display and talk about
it. Ask customers what they would like to see next time.
• W h y rrenting
enting a costume is better than buying a
costume. (Or vice versa.)
•S
wap out posts with other local businesses, gain
Swap
exposure while making strong business connections.
• Pop Cultur
Culturee . I listed this as a separate category from
the list above because it is so broad, it is worthy of its own
listing. Our businesses and costumes really lend themselves
to a strong pop culture connection. What are the water
cooler topics? What is trending on Twitter? If they relate to
costumes, theater, makeup, or anything you sell, write about
it! What did you think of the Miley Cyrus twerking
incident? What costumes are featured in this month’s movie
releases? What are the top plays on Broadway right now?
What type of makeup tricks do the girls on Dancing with
the Stars use? Did you see Project Runway last night?
These are just a handful of the many ideas you see daily.
It is probably easy for you to talk about any of these ideas,
The Costumer • December 2013
13
Blogging, continued
Grim Reapers is proud to announce that
Peter-Alan, Inc. has reached an
agreement for the sale of its assets
to Grim Reapers as of October 31,
2013. Under new ownership, the
business will continue to
operate under the Peter
Alan trade name and bring you
the same quality costumes and
accessories at affordable
pricing.
The transitioning of all of Peter
Alan’s systems (phone, e-mail and
web site) continues, but we already have
100% of Peter Alan’s inventory and we
are prepared to accept orders at this
time. We have also moved
forward with putting
together a new catalog and
price list for 2014, which we
hope to have ready for the
Halloween & Party Expo in
Houston.
Peter Alan will continue to
offer many of the same
funny and quirky costume
designs, as well as ornate wings and high
quality wigs, which will all go into
production in early 2014. However, we
will also be putting together an extensive
closeout list of costumes, accessories and
party supplies via our
“Name Your Discount” offer.
All offers will be considered!
Offer good through 2013, or while
supplies last.
phrase on Google or Bing, your post is likely to come up
and direct people to your store. If you are not selling online,
then you might want to write about “things to do [in your
city] for Halloween”. Why else should you blog?
• Blogging helps increase your brand.
• The extra exposure from blogging can help potential
customers learn about your business and can increase sales.
• A blog establishes you as an authority. Just think of
the variety of topics you are an expert in. Let the search
engines and the general public know that you are an expert
in costuming, costume design, sewing, pattern making,
Blogging is free and your
business can reap the benefits
that make the time you spend
writing well worth it.
makeup, theater, retail, customer service, movies, history,
etc., etc., etc.!!
• Blogging creates word-of-mouth publicity. Picture
this: someone reads your blog and likes it. They tell a friend
about it. They like it. They tell a friend. That friend puts a
link on their Facebook page to it because they find it so
interesting….
• Blogging can drive traffic to your website, which can
lead people to your brick and mortar store. In the above
example, when friends and friends of friends read your blog,
or post it on Facebook, they are now on your website, and
might be interested in looking around the other pages on
the site while they’re there.
Shari McConahay grew up in the costume industry in her
family’s store, Annie’s Costume and Magic in Florida. In 1994
she started selling their products online and in 2000, they
launched Extreme Halloween. Since then, Shari and her
husband Myke launched the new generation of their business
and Metamorphic eCommerce, Inc. is the new home to their
websites including AnniesCostumes.com,
StageandTheaterMakeup.com, and SantaSuits.com. Shari is
also the founder of her own online marketing consulting
business, The Internet Fairy, Inc.
Contact me with any questions:
Jon St. Onge
[email protected]
571-215-6539
14
The Costumer • December 2013
The Costumer • December 2013
15
TRENDS
Come Out and CosPlay
By Sheila S. Hudson
Photos by Tim Hudson
Every Labor Day weekend, cars, vans, trucks, and
vehicles of every ilk arrive in Atlanta bearing out-of-thisworld passengers to Dragon Con. Dragon Con, with some
57,000 attendees, is the biggest science fiction and fantasy
convention in the South. Like alien Beverly hillbillies, the
con-goers dominate five hotels, the AmericasMart,
Peachtree Street, as well as one night at the Georgia
Aquarium and one evening at the Atlanta Braves Stadium.
In a CNN review by Ann Hoevel (8/30/13), John
Mayes remarked, “You walk into a hotel, you see a Klingon
high fiving Spider-Man and talking to Poison Ivy. It’s a
great shock. It’s something you won’t see anywhere else in
the world.”
That, my friend, is CosPlay at its best. CosPlay – short
for “costume play” – is an activity in which participants wear
costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or
idea from a work of fiction. Participants role play or recreate
a personality from one of the many genres represented at
Dragon Con.
Dragon Con’s longevity attracts the top costumers of
the region. Lee Cox has lent his expertise in directing the
costume track for years. He includes not only fashion but
props, makeup, and tips on how to do it yourself. This year
Roy Wooley and R.J. Haddy from Face Off held workshops
on everything from fangs and dental distortions to make up
concepts.
Friday’s costume contest winners were judged by
professional costumers in their field. Frank Puricelli, as the
Steampunk Iron Gentleman (below), won “Best Use of Tech”
and “Best Journeyman” awards. Mr. Puricelli used LED
components, lightweight metals, and of course, steam, in his
creation that took six months to build.
Stephen Taylor won the “Best Prop” award with his
Sheila Hudson is a freelance journalist based in Athens, Georgia. Her primary areas of expertise include humor, travel, inspiration, and mentoring. Her
work has been featured in numerous publications from newspapers to anthologies, and her “Bright Ideas” columns are currently featured on the
Southeastern Writers Association website and on The Infinite Writer. Ms. Hudson has long been an admirer of the handiwork of costumers, at events such
as Comic*Con, Dragon*Con, and Renaissance festivals, and looks forward to continuing to contribute to The Costumer.
16
The Costumer • December 2013
portrayal of North, Rise of the
Guardians (left) complete
with “Naughty” and “Nice”
tattoos on his arms. His
costume consisted of an
authentic snow white beard
flowing over his burgundy
velvet tunic trimmed in black
fur. At his side was a
broadsword of his own
design.
But perhaps the most
overwhelming recreation was Tawnya Hicks-Letts’ entry,
Skeksil of the Skesis (below) from the Dark Crystal movie,
which won “Best Overall.”
She created the skeksis with a ruck sack frame draped
with foam. Next layer was made of latex cut into shellshaped pieces and carefully adhered.
“The detail on the front of the shell was the most
difficult,” Ms. Letts commented.
After fashioning the back, the skeksis shell was touched
up with paint and draped with robes fashioned from velvet
panels, brocade, and lace aged with staining methods.
Fingers, toes, and arms were hardened latex. Toe claws were
sculpted and adhered to Crocs©.
The skeksis race combined elements of avian and reptile
species. Their heads are vulture-like containing curved
fangs. They have two pairs of arms but only one pair is
functional. The second set is withered. Ms. Letts’ costume
ingeniously fashioned the wearer’s head within the hump of
the skeksis’ back enabling him to stand erect. And as an
added benefit, the complete costume weighs only 10
pounds.
Ms. Hicks-Letts is no costuming novice. Her
velociraptor creation for Dragon Con 2011 took home
awards for excellence.
The interest in CosPlay surged as workshop attendees
learned about molding, pattern making, wing crafting, and a
plethora of subjects related to the world of costume.
So ready or not, let’s CosPlay.
The Costumer • December 2013
17
theater
Costuming Theater – Is it for You?
By Debbie Lyn Owens
I sent an e-mail to some of our members that I knew costumed theater as a part of their business structure. Thank you
to those of you who were able to respond. If you received a survey and did not have time to respond, but still want to,
please do. If your business includes theater costuming, please respond to me to join the conversation. Send me an e-mail at
[email protected] or call me at 800-622-1889.
Most of the survey consisted of multiple choices and there were three other questions to answer. The results of the poll
questions are listed as a tally and I have included many of the other comments. Eight stores, including mine, are
represented in the results. Maybe this information can help you decide if you want to pursue a different direction in your
business. Perhaps we will continue this conversation in other issues and consider sharing the information in an education
session at convention.
What type of theater productions do you costume?
Community 75%; School 88%; Professional 63%; Opera 38%; Musical Theater 88%; Children 63%
Do you ship your shows?
Always 0; Never 13%; Some shows 75%
“Some shows, if the show is not in the area. We have
customers pick them up if they can.” – Cindy Catanese,
Disguises, LLC, Lakewood, Colorado
Will you travel to costume a production?
Never 0; 1-3 miles 13%; 10-30 miles 25%; 100-300 miles
13%; To Never land and back 25%
What percentage of your business is theater
costuming?
10% or less 13%; 14% 13%; 20% 38%; 51% 13%
Do you provide costumes for the whole cast?
Always 13%; Sometimes 38%; Never 0; Depends on the
budget 75%.
“We can, but often they rent costumes for leads and the
balance of the cast gets their own.” – Bernice and Ron
Ferraro, Fantasy Festival Costume, Algonquin, Illinois
“Rates are cheaper if we do the whole cast.” – Cindy
Catanese, Disguises, LLC, Lakewood, Colorado
“We work within the budget, offer advice for schools
with limited funds, work as a consultant.” – Liz Galbraith,
Costume Gallery-Newport, Newport, Kentucky
“We do everything from pieces and parts to entire
shows, depending on the group’s budget and what they
already have in their stock.” – Crystal Locklar, Josette’s, Biloxi,
Mississippi
Do you let production costumers “pull” things from your
inventory?
Never 13%; Sometimes 63%; Depends on the organization 13%
“We discourage it for large shows. We begin the search by saying that
some things are not permitted to go out to theatrical productions.” – Cindy
Catanese, Disguises, LLC, Lakewood, Colorado
“Some directors and designers know our stock and their show. We offer a
discount in this case.” – Liz Galbraith, Costume Gallery-Newport, Newport,
Kentucky
“I sometimes allow the show designer to pull things for their show, but
their theatre rate is based on me pulling the show from measurements, so I
charge more if they do that. I don’t mind meeting with them to let them pull
a few things to give me an idea of the look they want to achieve, but if they
want to pull the whole show and take up an entire day of my time, they pay
the regular rental rate.” – Crystal Locklar, Josette’s, Biloxi, Mississippi
18
The Costumer • December 2013
What is the best thing about theater
costuming?
“Teachers and directors appreciate well-made costumes and good customer service
helping them and their casts get wardrobe for their shows. When we work with the cast
members in the store, it’s wonderful to see how they go into character once we put a
costume on them.” – Judy Smith, Rose Costumes, Denton, Texas
“Some costumes are too difficult for amateurs to make and time runs out, so we
become “life savers” Not too much “Best thing” anymore.” – Bernice and Ron Ferraro,
Fantasy Festival Costume, Algonquin, Illinois
“We are unique and do not have much competition in our area. It is creative and fun
if you like theatre.” – Cindy Catanese, Disguises, LLC, Lakewood, Colorado
“The best thing is the collaboration in creating a new show and the excitement of
seeing all the sides coming together on stage.” – Liz Galbraith, Costume Gallery-Newport,
Newport, Kentucky
“Being creative and interplay with other creatives. We are getting much more business
for tours and building entire shows for a client so it will be interesting to see where that
goes. That currently falls under production for us because the client designs it and we
build it and then they own it.” – Wendy Goldstein, Costume Specialists, Inc, Columbus, Ohio
“The best thing about costuming for theatre is that I get to paint the color canvas of a
show with my costumes. Acting will take a show only so far.” – Crystal Locklar, Josette’s,
Biloxi, Mississippi
What is the worst thing about
theater costuming?
“Junior and high school students are not respectful of their costumes, treating them poorly.
They come back damaged and smell terrible; of course this is what we are left to deal with.” – Judy
Smith, Rose Costumes, Denton, Texas
“People’s sizes change from production to production, and director’s color choices. Very worst
thing is that some groups expect us to subsidize their production since we have the goods and they
have a very small budget!” – Bernice and Ron Ferraro, Fantasy Festival Costume, Algonquin, Illinois
“Directors are inconsistent. Some are understanding, appreciative, and flexible. Others think
their show should be costumed just like Broadway but on a shoestring budget. Directors
sometimes let parents and students get involved in their costumes. And it is very difficult to charge
high prices to schools.” – Cindy Catanese, Disguises, LLC, Lakewood, Colorado
“They always think we have everything sitting and waiting for them in the right color and
size. We don’t do anything except their show!” – Wendy Goldstein, Costume Specialists, Inc,
Columbus, Ohio
“The worst thing about costuming theatre is when a director asks for costuming choices that
you know and explain ahead of time that they are inappropriate or just won’t look right on people
the sizes they are given, and when you give it to them at their insistence anyway, they are unhappy
and blame you for it, even though they hand-picked what they thought they wanted.” – Crystal
Locklar, Josette’s, Biloxi, Mississippi
The Costumer • December 2013
19
costuming
50 Years of
Doctor WhoCostuming
By Jean Martin and Christopher Erickson
“Doctor Who” is a classic, long-running British science
fiction show that began in 1963 about a time-traveling alien
who regenerates, has adventures, saves the universe and has
affection for the human race. “Doctor Who” has become
even more popular since its re-launch in 2005, and you can
see fans in costumes from its 50-year run at numerous
conventions and events.
Examples of places you can go to wear these costumes
are “Doctor Who” conventions such as Gallifrey One in
Los Angeles, Chicago TARDIS, Hurricane Who in Florida
and L.I. Who in New York. Regular science fiction, fantasy,
comic book and pop culture conventions are also good
places to go for “Doctor Who” costuming especially when
some of the actors in the show are guests. The Doctor has
20
also been sighted at Renaissance Faires in California and
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. There
have also been events inspired by “Doctor Who” such as the
recent PEERS The Doctor Dances Ball, which was set
during the London Blitz. Lastly, fans can just get together
and party to watch the episodes in costumes. For the 50th
anniversary simulcast screening in movie theatres last
November 23, some attendees came in costume.
With 50 years of episodes to choose from, fans have a
wealth of costume inspirations from the 11 Doctors (so far)
who mostly wear suits that are either based on various time
periods or are whimsical creations. As for the Doctors’
companions, who are mostly female, their costumes
generally reflect the decades when their episodes were
filmed. Since some of the Doctors’ and most of the
companions’ costumes are based on regular clothing from
the past five decades, they are fairly easy to put together
using existing patterns if you sew, new items from online or
brick-and-mortar stores or vintage items from thrift stores.
Sometimes, even a deceptively simple ensemble can be
difficult to recreate as the exact pieces are hard to find. But
the important thing to remember is that as long as you
achieve the overall look and your costume is recognizable as
the character you are trying to portray, that is more than
good enough. One trick to making your costume even more
identifiable, and can add to the fun, is if you appear in
costume at events with a group of people also in “Doctor
Who” costumes or find them when you get there.
For this article, we will be highlighting the costumes of
each of the 11 Doctors and one female companion per
Doctor. With the companions, we’ve picked some for their
more iconic looks and some who wore something unique
and memorable in particular episodes.
Doctors:
• First (William Hartnell) – The First Doctor wore a
basic outfit with a vest, ribbon tie and frock coat, which
reflected his cantankerous and grandfatherly nature
• Second (Patrick Troughton) – The Second Doctor’s
rumpled mourning coat, baggy pants and a bow tie pinned
askew is generally referred to as the “space hobo” and
complemented his buffoonish behavior
• Third ( John Pertwee) – This Doctor had a preference
The Costumer • December 2013
for dramatic short capes, velvet smoking jackets, colorful
frilled shirts and ostentatious bow ties, enhancing his
dapper playboy sense of style and James Bond-like
orientation toward action
• Fourth (Tom Baker) – A floppy fedora hat, an
impossibly long multi-colored scarf, argyle-sweaters and
overcoats were the fashion choices of the Bohemian-like
Fourth Doctor
• Fifth (Peter Davison) – An Edwardian cricketer’s
outfit with a celery stalk on his jacket lapel brought out
the sensitive and kind nature of this Doctor
• Sixth (Colin Baker) – A patchwork coat of bright
colors and tartan patterns, polka-dot cravat tie, green
shoes with orange spats and yellow pants with blue pin
striping matched the bombast and loud self-confidence
of this incarnation of the Doctor
• Seventh (Sylvester McCoy) – A colonial-style
Panama hat, patterned yellow sweater vest, white or
brown sport coat, two-tone shoes and bamboo umbrella
(which later became orange, question mark-shaped)
showed off this Doctor’s affability and underlying dark
nature
• Eighth (Paul McGann) – The dark green Victorian
velvet frock coat and embroidered vest reflected the
childlike enthusiasm and love of life displayed by this
incarnation
• Ninth (Christopher Eccleston) – The battered
leather jacket and v-neck sweaters mirrored the extreme
sadness and “live-for-the-moment” nature of this Doctor
• Tenth (David Tennant) – A brown trench coat,
pinstripe suit (brown or blue) and canvas high-top
sneakers outlined the light-hearted tendencies but
serious nature of this version
• Eleventh (Matt Smith) – Bowties, suspenders and
tweed jackets with elbow
patches enhanced the
youthful exuberance and
wistful sadness shown by
this Doctor
The second doctor and Charles Dickens at the
Dickens Fair. Photo by Christopher Erickson.
Companions:
• Barbara Wright
( Jacqueline Hill) – Barbara
wore a vibrant orange and
yellow feather tribal outfit
for the episode “The Aztecs”
where she was mistaken as a
goddess
• Zoe Heriot (Wendy
Padbury) – Zoe wore a
fantastic one-piece, figurehugging silver spacesuit in
the episode “The Wheel in
Space”
• Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) – Sarah Jane was
epitome of the career girl from the 70s with her large lapel
shirt, knitted vest, blazer and bell-bottom pants
• Romana I (Mary Tamm) – Romana wore some lovely
white flowing ensembles that looked like they came from
either Princess Leia’s or Abba’s closets
• Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) – Nyssa wore costumes that
were a cross between a fairy and a Renaissance princess
with rich velvets and colors and a delicate tiara
• Peri Brown (Nicola Bryant) – the first American
companion, Peri wore neon- and pastel-colored shirts and
shorts that were ubiquitous during the 80s
• Ace (Sophie Aldred) – tomboy teenager Ace sported a
distinctive black bomber jacket with patches of real space
flights (you can find these
online)
• Grace Holloway
(Daphne Ashbrook) –
another American, Daphne
made a splash in a blue
opera ball gown with a
corset top and wide skirt
• Rose Tyler (Billie
Piper) – One of Rose’s
memorable costumes is the
one she wore in the twopart episode “The Empty
Child/The Doctor Dances”
where she has a Union Jack
The Master, Grace, and the eighth doctor.
shirt underneath a black
Photo by Jean Martin.
leather motorcycle and
paired with regular jeans
• Donna Noble
(Catherine Tate) – Donna
made a grand entrance into
the “Doctor Who” universe
as the “Runaway Bride” in a
traditional white wedding
dress complete with a tiara
and veil
• Amy Pond (Karen
Gillan) – Amy is a typical
young British girl with
trendy jackets, sweaters,
scarves, shorts, tights and
boots, but in the “The
Curse of the Black Spot,”
she donned a pirate hat and
coat and brandished a
sword
Of course, there are
Madame de Pompadour and the 10th doctor.
women who want to dress
Photo by Christopher Erickson.
The Costumer • December 2013
21
Doctor Who, continued
up as female versions of the Doctor or straight-up
male versions of the character. And there are also
popular male companions such as Jamie
McCrimmon, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart,
Adric, Captain Jack Harkness and Rory
Williams.
If you want to go elegant, you can do
Gallifreyan Time Lords; if you want to be rugged
you can do UNIT soldiers. Villains are also
popular choices such as the Master. Guest
historical figures like Winston Churchill, Queen
Victoria, Cleopatra and Vincent Van Gogh are
attention-getters.
One major trend these past couple of years
has been costuming as the TARDIS; either as the The ten doctors at Gallifrey One 2009. Photo by Jean Martin.
time travel vehicle itself, as Idris (the female
If you find people in your area who have done these
personification of the TARDIS) or in TARDIS dresses.
costumes, you can ask them how to make these or there are
For those seeking more of a challenge, you can do
also classes at various conventions.
robots and alien creatures. For instance, there are the
“Doctor Who” costuming has gone on for 50 years and
Cybermen, the Daleks, the Ood, the Weeping Angels and
seems likely to go on for years to come. Everyone is eagerly
the Silurians. The robots and aliens require knowledge of
materials construction, special effects makeup and sculpting. anticipating the yet-to-be-shown costume of the 12th
Doctor (Peter Capaldi) who will be making his debut in
this year’s Christmas episode and who will have his own
season starting in 2014.
Jean Martin is editor-in-chief, writer and photographer for
Science Fiction/San Francisco (www.efanzines.com/SFSF/).
She is also the SF Costume Design Examiner for Examiner.com
(www.http://www.examiner.com/costume-design-1-in-sanfrancisco/jean-martin). She is involved in costuming/
cosplaying, dancing, singing and acting, and has won awards
for costuming/cosplaying and as part of masquerade teams.
Christopher Erickson is managing editor, writer and
photographer for Science Fiction/San Francisco. He is also an
experienced costumer who has won individual and group
awards for costuming. Christopher is known as the Bay Area
Doctor as he often portrays most of the Doctors and aims to do all
of them.
SAVE THE DATES
Winter Board Meeting
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi • February 21-22, 2014
National Convention
Hollywood Casino • Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
July 11-15, 2014
22
The Costumer • December 2013
The Costumer • December 2013
23
The National Costumers Association vendor
members are vital to continued success of all our
membership. Support our vendor members as
they continue to support you. At the time of the
printing of this publication, the vendor member
list for 2014 is as follows:
PLATINUM MEMBERS:
Disguise Inc/Division of Jakks Pacific* • Forum Novelties, Inc*
Peter Alan, Inc* • Rubie's Costume Co.*
GOLD MEMBERS:
Alexanders Costumes* • Caufields* • Halco* • Smiffy's/R.H. Smith and Sons*
Sunnywood Inc.* • West Bay Inc.*
SILVER MEMBERS:
Bauer Pacific Imports* • Cinema Secrets Inc.* • Costume Culture by Franco*
Delicious of NY* • Dreamgirl International* • Dress Up America*
Eddies Trick and Novelty Inc.* • Ellie Shoes, Inc* • elope, Inc*
Flashback & Freedom, Inc.* • Funny Fashion, Inc* • FunWorld, Div. Easter Unlimited*
Garland Beauty Products, Inc.* • Ghoulish Productions/Caretas Rev S.A. de C.V*
Goddessey LLC* • Graftobian Make-up Company* • Jacobson Hat Co. Inc*
Just Pretend Kids* • Leg Avenue, Inc.* • Loftus International* • Mehron Inc.*
Midnight Syndicate Soundtracks, div. Entity Productions Inc.* • Rasta Imposta *
RG Costumes & Accessories* • Seasons USA Inc* • Starline LLC*
Tabis Characters* • ThePirateDressing.com* • TM&A of Miami
Trick or Treat Studios* • Underwraps Costumes* • Visual Effects Ind*
Zagone Studios, LLC*
* denotes a Buyers Group program in place for 2014.
National Costumer
Costumerss Association:
endor
Wher
heree V
Vendor
endorss Ar
Aree Member
Memberss
24
The Costumer • December 2013
2014
BUYERS GROUP 2014 SUPPLIERS
As of 12/1/13
Alexanders Costumes
Bauer Pacific Imports
Caufields
Cinema Secrets Inc.
Costume Culture by Franco
Delicious of NY
Disguise Inc
Dreamgirl International
Dress Up America
Eddies Trick and Novelty Inc.
Ellie Shoes, Inc
elope, Inc
Flashback & Freedom, Inc.
Forum Novelties, Inc
951-276-2500
925-294-4002
502-583-0636
818-846- 0579
718-821-7100
516-281-2800
858-391-3600
800-622-5686
718-436-0031
800-544-8278
714-771-0015
719-328-1312
631-471-2548
516-536-4600
Funny Fashion, Inc
FunWorld
Garland Beauty Products, Inc.
Ghoulish Productions
Goddessey LLC
Graftobian Make-up Company
Halco
Jacobson Hat Co. Inc
Just Pretend Kids
Leg Avenue
Loftus International
Mehron Inc.
Midnight Syndicate Soundtracks
Peter Alan, Inc
719-260-7744
516-873-9000
310-220-2080
866-336-1227
727-592-1947
608-222-7849
724-929-7300
570-342-7887
904-886-4338
626-581-1273
801-355-5335
888-552-1331
440-286-1494
571-215-6539
Rasta Imposta
RG Costumes & Accessories
Rubie’s Costume Co.
Seasons USA Inc
Smiffy’s/R.H. Smith and Sons
Starline LLC
Sunnywood Inc.
Tabis Characters
ThePirateDressing.com
Trick or Treat Studios
Underwraps Costumes
Visual Effects/Duval LLC
West Bay Inc.
Zagone Studios, LLC
856-939-9599
626-858-9559
516-326-1500
866-511-0161
888-776-4339
949-209-8804
815-675-9777
323-232-8011
323-284-7201
831-713-9665
818-349-5300
718-324-0011
800-421-1940
773-509-0610
Be sure to stop by the NCA booth in Houston for an up-to-date Buyers Group booklet!
The following is your 2014 list of companies that have pledged to you, NCA members, special discounts. Please be sure you write your NCA member number on
all your orders to receive your discounts. Remember to place your NCA member number on ALL your orders EVEN for firms NOT listed in this brochure. When you
notice an additional discount is provided, please contact the NCA office (800-NCA-1321) so we can assist the supplier in publishing these great discounts.
The National Costumers Association, its officers, or its representatives are not responsible for errors in this printing.
Always verify all discounts and terms with the company before finalizing purchases.
Buyers Group 2014 Chairs • Gary Broadrick & Glenn Alexander • 615-256-0070 • [email protected]
The Costumer • December 2013
25
Alexanders Costumes
951-276-2500, Fax 951-276-9727
[email protected]
12125 Day St #W, Moreno Valley, CA 92557
Contact: Leslie Fournier
Specialty: Manufacturer of affordable quality
costumes and accessories. Full line of all
costume accessories.
Discount: Under $2,500: 2%; $7,000: 7%;
$10,000: 10%. Although NCA customers may
start the year with a 2% discount, as soon as
purchases exceed $2,500, customer is entitled
to a 5% discount on all future purchases. When
the customer reaches the next level, the same
procedure will be applied and all future orders
will receive a 7% discount.
Terms: Customer must notify Alexanders
Costumes when a discount level is reached.
Discounts will be applied to all orders after
notification. Late payments will void all
discounts.
Bauer Pacific Imports
925-294-4002, Fax 925-294-4063
[email protected]
174 Lawrence Dr., Ste A, Livermore, CA 94551
Contact: David Bauer
Specialty: Venetian and festive masks,
costume accessories, Halloween décor, Mardi
Gras, luau, lanterns, hats, wigs, boas, disco
balls, umbrellas.
Discount: NCA members in good standing
receive: Orders over $1000, 5%; orders over
$2,500, 7%; orders over $5,000, 10%.
Terms: New accounts must prepay their orders
by Visa/Mastercard or money order. Established
accounts receive 30-day payment terms from
date of shipment. A 2.5% monthly finance
charge will be applied to delinquent accounts.
To apply for an open account a minimum order
of $250 and a completed credit application
must be completed and approved. Please note:
All discounts and special prices are void if not
paid within terms.
26
Caufields
Costume Culture by Franco
502-583-0636, Fax 502-583-2002
[email protected]
1006 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
www.caufields.com
Contact: Kerry or Janine Caufield, Tracy or
Stacy Johnson
Specialty: Caufield’s is a family-owned
wholesale distributor since 1920. Fast, friendly
service with low minimums. Caufield’s offers
wholesale pricing that is the same or just
slightly higher than the manufacturers. We
distribute for the following companies: Paper
Magic, Forum Novelties, Disguise, Beistle,
Rubie’s, RG Costumes, Mehron, Rasta Imposta,
Franco.
Discount: As an incentive to NCA members
only, we are offering a low minimum opening
order with Net 11/1/14 dating of only $400
with approved credit. This will enable you to
combine products from several major
manufacturers to reach the $400 minimum.
Dating orders will ship after June 1. All
subsequent orders of $50 or more will also
receive the benefit of November 1 dating. Place
your order by April 1 and you can special order
any item from the manufacturers listed above,
even items we do not regularly stock. Simply
fax or email us your order on the specific
manufacturer’s order form and we will get the
items in for you. This will eliminate the need
for you to reach high minimums with each
company and still get the merchandise needed
with Halloween dating terms.
718-821-7100, Fax 718-821-7101
[email protected]
70-30 80th St., Glendale, NY 11385
www.costumeculture.com
Contact: Jay Dinhofer
Specialty: Chucky license mask and costumes;
a full line of fashion and character wigs and
fashion forward costumes.
Discount: Special NCA volume discounts:
$2500+: 3%; $5000+: discount 5%; $7500+:
discount 7%; $15000+: discount 10%;
$25000+: discount 15%.
Terms: Halloween dating is available to
members that apply for it.
Cinema Secrets Inc.
818-846- 0579, Fax 818-846-0431
[email protected]
4400 Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91505
www.cinemasecrets.com
Contact: Michael Stein
Specialty: Special FX latex appliances,
Halloween makeup, blood, and accessories.
Discount: NCA members receive a 20%
discount.
Terms: Net 30 on everyday orders and
Halloween dating 11/5 on approval.
The Costumer • December 2013
Delicious of NY
516-281-2800, Fax 516-281-2801
[email protected]
1770 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747
www.deliciousofny.com
Contact: Patty Gatto
Specialty: Women’s costumes and accessories.
Discount: 10% discount.
Terms: New account minimum order: $200;
reorders, $100. No returns unless factory defect
or damaged in transit.
Disguise Inc/Division of
Jakks Pacific
858-391-3600, Fax 858-391-3601
[email protected], [email protected],
or dealer link on our website
12120 Kear Place, Poway, CA 92064
www.disguise.com
Contact: Jay Nafman or area Disguise Rep
Specialty: Captain America Winter Soldier,
Spiderman 2, Maleficent, Princesses, Sofia,
Guardians, Transformers, Mario Bros., Power
Rangers, Wolverine, X-Men, accessories,
proprietary costume, and many more.
Discount: (subject to change) Discount from
invoice for all orders placed by March 17:
proprietary product: 17%; licensed: 13%;
confirmed 2014 NCA members placing orders by
March 17 will continue to receive the maximum
17% / 13% discounts against reorder activity
through the 2014 season. NCA members not
placing orders by March 17 will receive
appropriate benefits under our published
standard 2014 program.
Terms: An NCA active membership number/ID
must appear on all orders for the appropriate
discount to be applied. Minimum opening order:
$1000. Premium program minimum order
qualification: $2500+. Terms: Net 11/10/14 for
orders $2500+. Net 30 days for orders $1000$2500. All payment terms subject to credit
approval. Defective allowance: 1%, based on
net volume shipped calendar 2014; in lieu of
return of any defective 2014 product shipped in
2014; deducted from individual member invoice.
Freight FOB Walnut CA. Ship-to location
minimum order/reorder: $100, per ship-to
location. All discounts calculated against net
shipments in 2014 and subject to forfeiture if
payable is delinquent. Discounts do not apply to
direct import orders. Discounts cannot be
combined with any other offers i.e. closeouts,
special sale items. Credit card transactions
available via credit department. Per credit, fee
for returns without a valid return authorization
for defective, recalled, or mis-shipped
merchandise. Any deviations to the program
must be authorized by the sales department.
Dreamgirl International
800-622-5686, Fax 800-625-7363
[email protected]
5548 Lindbergh Lane, Bell, CA 90201
www.dreamgirldirect.com
Contact: Eric Ehrens
Specialty: Adult women’s and men’s costumes
and accessories, kids’ costumes and
accessories.
Discount: 8% year-round NCA membership
discount
Dress Up America
718-436-0031, Fax 718-775-3200
[email protected]
234 Lee Ave 8th fl, Brooklyn, NY 11206
www.dressupamerica.com
Contact: Barry Grossman
Specialty: Dress Up America is proud to be an
independent wholesale company featuring a
beautiful collection of superb quality Halloween
and year-round costumes. We feature fancy
dress costumes, wigs, and exciting accessories
in all sizes ranging fom infants, boys, girls,
teens, men, and women.
Discount: A. 10% all year round discount (no
minimum purchase). B. Additional 5% discount
for placing the orders at the Halloween & Party
Expo in Houston. C. Free freight for orders
above $1500.
Terms: Halloween dating (11/10) based on
credit approval.
Eddies Trick and Novelty
800-544-8278, Fax 404-377-2210
[email protected]
262 Rio Circle, Decatur, GA 30030
www.eddiestrickshop.com
Contact: Frank McKinnon
Specialty: Tricks, magic, makeup, clown
supplies, novelties, wigs, masks, costumes, gag
gifts.
Discount: As a way of rewarding our
customers for adhering to our terms, we offer a
BONUS for all qualified early orders and prompt
payment. On November 15 we will compute
earned bonus rewards and issue a formal credit
memo that may be used against subsequent
purchases only. In no case is it intended to be a
cash reward. The bonus will be computed as
follows: initial orders by July 9; $1000 to $2499
- 3% bonus; $2500 to $4999 - 5% bonus; $5000
to $9999 - 7% bonus; $10000 and up - 10%
bonus. All subsequent purchases between July
10 and Oct 31, 2014 will be computed at the
same rate as long as they are paid on time. No
order will be included that is paid after
November 8, 2014.
Terms: Halloween order(s) must be placed by
July 1 totalling $1000 or more. Payment must
be received on time. Halloween accounts,
including those orders shipped in October, are
due November 8. Any payment received after
November 8 invalidates the bonus. No discounts
will be given on Mehron or Ben Nye
Professional or Mini-Pro Make-up Kits. We will
not duplicate any Mehron or Ben Nye discounts.
California costumes are not included. You can
stipulate shipping dates. When ordered before
July 9, 2014 the items will be reserved for you
for shipment when you desire. This does not
change your regular method of payment. If you
are currently purchasing from us on a net 30
account, C.O.D., or credit card, your method of
payment will remain the same unless some
other terms are worked out with our credit
department.
The Costumer • December 2013
Ellie Shoes, Inc
714-771-0015, Fax 714-771-0053
[email protected]
1050 N. Batavia St., Ste B, Orange, CA 92867
www.ellieshoes.com
Contact: Elda Valdez
Specialty: Costume footwear for men, women,
and kids, offering everything sexy, scary, and
cute for Halloween.
Discount: 5% year-round discount to all NCA
members. 10% from Jan-March 31, 2014.
Terms: NCA membership number must be
included on the purchase order, email, and/or
fax in order to receive appropriate discounts. If
calling in, please have your NCA number
available.
elope, Inc
719-328-1312, Fax 719-328-1261
[email protected]
10035 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80908
www.elope.com
Contact: Kelli Borel
Specialty: High quality hats, glasses, costume
accessories for licensed and non-licensed
products.
Discount: 10% discount on first time elope
order (new customer). 5% discount on all
reorders ($25,000 minimum for that level of
discount is waived for NCA members)
Terms: Opening order $200, reorders $100.
First 3 orders credit card, after which you may
request net 30 with approved credit.
continued
...
continued...
27
FunWorld Div. Easter
Unlimited Inc.
Flashback & Freedom, Inc.
631-471-2548, Fax 631-471-3183
[email protected]
1 Comac Loop, Unit 10, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
www.flashbackandfreedom.com
Contact: Howard Gruick
Specialty: Sunglasses, jewelry, hippie clothing,
headbands, lab coats, hot fad items, suspenders,
bandanas, peace merchandise.
Discount: 5% off all orders.
Terms: CC, COD, or net 30 with great credit.
Forum Novelties, Inc
516-536-4600, Fax 516-536-9741
[email protected]
1770 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747
www.forumnovelties.com
Contact: Fred Pittella
Specialty: Costumes, masks, makeup, wigs,
décor, props, Halloween accessories, joke, tricks,
novelties, Mardi Gras, St. Pats, luau, Christmas.
Discount: 5% discount on all orders and on all
categories. 7% on orders $5000+. 10% on
orders $10,000+. 15% for orders over $15,000.
Terms: Halloween dating November 10th.
Funny Fashion, Inc
719-260-7744, Fax 719-260-7743
[email protected]
10035 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80908
www.funnyfashion.com
Contact: Diane Lutz
Specialty: Costumes: 20s to 80s, historical,
ethnic, western and Indian, clowns, characters,
and accessories.
Discount: $250-$4,999: 5%; $5,000+: 7%;
$10,000+: 10%; $20,000+: 15%
Terms: Halloween dating (Nov. 10) with
approved credit. FOB Funny Fashion Distribution
point.
28
516-873-9000, Fax 516-873-9005
[email protected]
80 Voice Rd, Carle Place, NY 11514
www.fun-world.net
Contact: Alex Losito
Specialty: Costumes, wigs. Accessories, décor,
makeup, mascots, Santa suits, beards, Easter, St.
Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s
Discount: NCA Members automatically receive
10% off of our list price on all items in our line.
Group “selected” or “recommended” items
receive an additional discount of 10-30%.
Additional discount varies, see official
FunWorld/NCA order forms for exact price/
discount.
Terms: Seasonal dating (net Nov. 10) available
upon credit review for USA-based customers. We
offer free freight on orders over $2,000 (or
300lbs) per warehouse. This is only available to
a USA-based ship-to address. International
members please call or email for details.
Garland Beauty Products,
Inc.
310-220-2080, Fax 310-933-4280
[email protected]
13041 Cerise Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250
www.garlandbty.com
Contact: Sara Schaap
Specialty: Specializing in false eyelashes and
glamorous party eyelashes, as well as wigs,
beards, and moustaches
Discount: Halloween dating — 5%
Terms: Halloween dating for existing net
customers in good standing with Garland, and
preapproved net terms with 3 credit references
for new customers.
Ghoulish Productions/
Caretas Rev S.A. de C.V
866-336-1227, Fax 866-336-1227
[email protected]
Alfonso Junco 4, Col-Lazaro Cardenas,
Cuemavara, Morelos, Mexico, 62080
www.ghoulishproductions.com
Contact: Rosalba Dorado
The Costumer • December 2013
Specialty: Masks, props, hands, accessories,
and costumes for Halloween and costume
parties.
Discount: 10% discount. Special price for
some half masks of $3.15usd, min. 12 pieces.
Special price for “Serial Killers” of $4.50US,
min. 12 pieces. Special price for regular
“Chinless” line of $5.99US, min. 12 pieces.
Special price for “Zombie Feet” 25326, 25327,
25328 of $5.10US, min. 12 pieces. Special price
for “Junior Skeleton Hands” 27058, 27059 of
$5.40US, min. 12 pieces.
Terms: Minimum order $500US. Discount and
special prices only if order is received before
April 30/payment via credit card. Credit card
information needs to be given at time of order.
Goddessey LLC
727-592-1947, Fax 727-499-7412
[email protected]
200 Central Ave., Ste 600, St. Petersburg, FL
33701
www.goddessey.com
Contact: Jessica Stewart
Specialty: Goddessey designs beautiful,
attention-grabbing costumes, wigs, and
accessories that transform women into their
dreams.
Discount: 10% discount for NCA members on
all orders up to $5,000. Orders of $5,000+ will
receive a 20% discount.
Terms: Opening order requirement is $500.
Reorder minimum is $250. Visit
www.goddessey.com for complete terms and
conditions including international shipping,
orders and returns, delivery information and
FAQs.
Graftobian Make-up
Company
608-222-7849, Fax 608-222-7893
[email protected]
510 Tasman Street, Madison, WI 53714
www.graftobian.com
Contact: Janine Wardale
Specialty: Professional makeup for stage,
screen, Halloween, HD beauty, fantasy,
clowning, gore, etc. Made in USA.
Discount: NCA members will receive a one tier
level increase in their earned discount per the
schedule on the back of our 2013-14 wholesale
catalog.
Terms: Orders for the year need to have
exceeded $1,000 before discount level increase
kicks in. Ontime payment is required.
Halloween orders must be in by April 15.
Halco
724-929-7300, Fax 724-929-7301
[email protected]
723 E. Railroad Ave., Verona, PA 15147
www.halcoholidays.com
Contact: Terri Greenberg
Specialty: High quality Santa Claus suits: Mrs.
Claus, elves, Santa’s helpers, mascots, and
Christmas accessories.
Discount: NCA members receive a 4% discount
on orders placed by 5/31/14 plus 5% discount
on orders of $1,500 or more.
Terms: Credit card or terms given to qualified
accounts.
Jacobson Hat Co. Inc
570-342-7887, Fax 570-342-7454
[email protected]
1301 Ridge Row, Scranton, PA 18510
www.Jhats.com
Contact: Jeff Jacobson
Specialty: Hats and accessories for costumes
and Halloween.
Discount: Case pack pricing on new items
ordered by 1/31/14. Nov 10 dating for
Halloween orders with a ship date of August 1
Terms: Offer valid for NCA members that are
current with their accounts.
Just Pretend Kids
904-886-4338, Fax 904-260-7970
[email protected]
6920 Phillips Industrial Blvd,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
www.justpretendkids.com
Contact: Charlene Wilkins
Specialty: Upscale infant, toddler and
children’s costumes, tutus, wings, and
accessories
Discount: 5% additional discount to all NCA
members, above and beyond the 10% show
discount offered for all orders over $350.
Terms: Upon credit approval, October 31
dating for all Halloween orders.
Leg Avenue, Inc.
626-581-1273, Fax 626-581-1881
[email protected]
19601 E. Walnut Dr S, City of Industry, CA 91748
www.legavenue.com
Contact: Bertha Valenzuela
Specialty: Adult and children costumes: female
and male, plus size, toddlers and infants,
lingerie and hosiery (plus size also available),
women’s shoes.
Discount: 8% on all catalog items
Terms: 30 net on everyday orders; Halloween
dating 11/10 on Halloween orders upon factor
approval; Halloween dating must be noted on
the order.
Loftus International
801-355-5335, Fax 888-871-7375
[email protected]
865 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
www.Loftus.com
Contact: Jim Rose
Specialty: Costumes, accessories, novelties,
and magic.
Discount: $1500-$2499, 3% discount; $2500$4999, 5% discount; $5000+, 5% discount plus
free freight.
Terms: Halloween dating for current, approved
accounts
Mehron Inc.
888-552-1331, Fax 845-426-1515
[email protected]
100 Red Schoolhouse Rd.,
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
www.mehron.com
Contact: Gene Flaharty
Specialty: Professional makeup for stage, TV,
film, fashion, facepainting, Halloween,
clowning.
Discount: Automatic 5% discount off
wholesale list prices for any/all orders over
$100 plus 50% off standard UPS shipping rates.
10% discount off wholesale list prices once YTD
purchases reach $1,500, plus 50% off standard
UPS shipping rates and for all additional orders
over $100 for the rest of the calendar year.
15% discount off wholesale list prices once YTD
purchases reach $3,750 plus 50% off standard
UPS shipping rates and for all additional orders
over $100 for the rest of the calendar year.
The Costumer • December 2013
Free product info guides and free promotional
materials.
Terms: No retroactive discounts. Member firms
must present membership documentation with
P.O. Net 30 day payment terms must be
honored. Halloween dating payment terms must
be honored; payment due 11/10/14.
Midnight Syndicate
Soundtracks, div. Entity
Productions Inc.
440-286-1494, Fax 440-285-2449
[email protected]
11510 Boxwood Circle, Chardon, OH 44024
www.midnightsyndicate.com
Contact: Edward Douglas
Specialty: Midnight Syndicate Halloween music
CDs, creating the finest Halloween orchestral
instrumental music and sound effects for over
17 years.
Discount: 5% discount for any purchase of 12
CDs or more. Halloween dating upon request.
Peter Alan, Inc
571-215-6539, Fax
[email protected]
PO Box 165, Herndon, VA 20172
www.peter-alan.com
Contact: Jon St. Onge
Specialty: Beautiful wings, as well as historical
or humorous costumes.
Discount: NCA members receive 10% all year
round discount (no minimum purchase) with an
additional 5% discount for placing orders by
February 10, 2014.
Terms: 15% deposit on all orders over $500.2/
10-net 30 on all individual orders received up to
$1500, and 3/10 or 2/20-net 60 on all order
larger than $1500. Late payments will forfeit
any discounts.
continued
...
continued...
29
Rubie’s Costume Co.
Rasta Imposta
856-939-9599, Fax 856-939-5990
[email protected]
PO Box 7, Runnemede, NJ 08078
www.rastaimposta.com
Contact: Sue Wellington
Specialty: Costumes for all ages. Licensed
costumes, accessories. New for 2014: Super
Staches and Snappy Ties.
Discount: 5% discount (when paid within
terms) on initial orders of $1,000 received by
March 1, 2014.. 20% discount (when paid within
terms) on initial orders of $3,500 received by
March 1, 2014.
Terms: Orders must be received by March 1,
2014 to establish discounts. Discounts expire
December 31, 2014. New customers terms are
credit card for first order. May apply for credit
terms on future orders.
RG Costumes & Accessories
626-858-9559, Fax 626-858-9798
[email protected]
726 Arrow Grand Circle, Covina, CA 91722
www.rgcostume.com
Contact: Roger Lee
Specialty: Costumes (Halloween, biblical,
periodic, sexy, Christmas); animal funsies
(jumpsuits), hoodies, and gorilla suit;
accessories, wigs, hats, wings, panties; So So
Happy onesies, Skelanimal onesies.
Discount: 15% discount for order amount net
of $1500 and above for whole calendar year. No
discount for order less than $1500 annually, no
discount for drop shipments.
Terms: Net 30 days for shipments from Jan. 1
through June 15. Halloween dating for annual
order over $1500, shipments after June 15, and
approved credit.
30
each account the maximum amount of time to
reach the highest discount level. This offer is
valid only to members of the NCA in good
516-326-1500, Fax 516-326-1713
standing by May 1, 2014 which have paid at
[email protected]
least 97% of their Halloween invoices with
One Rubie Plaza, Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Rubie’s Costume Co., Inc. by November 10th as
www.rubies.com
required.
Contact: Arthur Savarese
Terms: The initial Halloween order has to be
Specialty: Rubie’s is the world’s largest
placed before May 1, 2014 to receive all the
manufacturer and distributor of Halloween
NCA discounts. As long as the initial Halloween
licensed and non-licensed costumes and
order was placed before May 1, all subsequent
accessories.
reorders in 2014 will also be subject to the NCA
Discount: Rubie’s Costume Co., Inc. will give
program. All Halloween orders placed after May
all members of the buyers group one upgrade
from the normal discount level that they would 1 will not be included in the NCA program and
qualify for providing that they reach at least the will be subject to the regular Rubie’s discount
policy.
first discount level on their own. Merchandise
Shipping charges are not discountable, and
included in program: All merchandise purchased
are not included in your year-to-date sales
from Rubie’s catalogs are included, whether it
total. The computer calculates discounts on
be children’s costumes, adult costumes, rental
costumes, hats, accessories, Christmas items, St. merchandise actually shipped by December 31
(not on unfilled orders or backorders). Discounts
Patrick’s Day items, Easter, etc. ONLY
are based on payments within terms.
EXCEPTIONS would be any items marked
Delinquent accounts forfeit all discounts.
closeout, overstock on special quotations on
customer’s orders, Tillie Beige packages (TBC 14), “Rubie’s Red Line” pricing, or merchandise
purchased on letter of credit. Purchases from
866-511-0161, Fax 905-864-8297
the “Rubie’s Red Line” pricing will be invoiced
[email protected]
separately and not counted as part of your
“Dollar Volume Discount Program” with Rubie’s. 2863 King Rd, Sauquoit, NY 13456
www.seasonsusainc.com
This is for the sole purpose of eliminating
Contact: Steve Waszkiewicz
further discounts on the items purchased from
Specialty: Carving kits, costumes, skeletons,
this “Rubie’s Red Line” pricing. Your
gory props, décor, Jungle Book, Universal
discountable sales to the year total will
Monsters, Star Wars licensed products.
determine your discount level.
Volume Incentive Program: With the purchase of Discount: 20% discount on subtotal of order.
Discount does not apply to freight charges.
$500 or more from Rubie’s Makeup/Mask
Terms: Discount is forfeited if not paid within
Illusions Divisions (FOB-Phoenix, AZ), NCA
terms.
members can deduct 50% of their freight
charges from their Makeup/Mask Illusions
invoices ONLY. Rubie’s will also offer special
pricing on select Christmas items.
Dollar Volume Discount Program: Annual
888-776-4339, Fax 888-776-4339
purchase above $3,000, NCA discount 3%
[email protected]
(normal 2%); above $5,000, NCA 5% (normal
Heapham Rd South,
3%); above $7,500, NCA 7% (normal 5%);
Gainsborough Lincolnshire, DN21 1FH, UK
above $15,000, NCA 10% (normal 7%); above
www.smiffys.com
$25,000, NCA 12% (normal 10%); above
Contact: Maxine Andrews
$37,000, NCA 15% (normal 12%); above
Specialty: Costumes, wigs, accessories,
$50,000, NCA 16%.
seasonal, sexy costumes, lingerie, hosiery,
NOTE: Maximum discount level is 16%, and
clubwear
can be achieved by purchasing $50,000 in
Discount: Members will receive 15% all year
merchandise during the 2014 year. The final
roun discount.
adjustment for all accounts will take place at
the end of the year as a rebate, thereby giving Terms: Halloween dating for approved credit
accounts.
Seasons USA Inc
Smiffy’s/R.H. Smith and
Sons
The Costumer • December 2013
Starline LLC
ThePirateDressing.com
949-209-8804, Fax 949-315-3153
[email protected]
1861 Reynolds, Irvine, CA 92614
www.starline.la
Contact: David Davntoglu
Specialty: Costumes, accessories, corsets,
lingerie.
Discount: 8% discount given off wholesale
listed price.
Terms: Terms and conditions are determined
on an individual basis.
323-284-7201, Fax 888-229-1577
[email protected]
K-239, Sector 5, Bawana Indl Area
Delhi, INDIA, 110039
www.thepiratedressing.com
Contact: Aditya Agarwal
Specialty: Premium quality pirate, medieval,
and renaissance clothing.
Discount: 5% discount to all NCA members.
Terms: Minimum order of $500.
Sunnywood Inc.
815-675-9777, Fax 815-675-9788
[email protected]
2503-H Spring Ridge Dr., Spring Grove, IL 60081
www.sunnywood.net
Contact: Courtney Tolbert
Discount: NCA members receive one of the
best discount programs in the industry. 1. Dozen
pricing all year long. 2. Net 60-day terms on all
orders under $1000. 3. Net 90-day terms on all
orders over $1000 with approved credit. Plus we
offer special promotions only for NCA members
throughout the year.
Tabis Characters
323-232-8011, Fax 323-232-8016
[email protected]
808 E. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011
www.tabischaracters.com
Contact: Jasmine or Amy
Specialty: High quality rental costumes at
affordable prices.
Discount: All NCA members in good standing
will receive 2% off wholesale prices on all
orders throughout the 2014 year.
Terms: All payment due upon shipping. We
accept all major credit cards and checks upon
approval.
Trick or Treat Studios
831-713-9665, Fax 831-621-4763
[email protected]
3085 Carriker Lane, Ste E, Soquel, CA 95073
www.trickortreatstudios.com
Contact: Chris Zephro
Specialty: Masks, costumes, and props.
Original designs and licensed designs from
comics and major motion pictures.
Discount: Orders over $500, 5% discount.
Orders over $1,000, 10% discount.
Underwraps Costumes
818-349-5300, FAX 818-349-7200
[email protected]
9600 Irondale Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311
www.underwrapscostumes.com
Contact: Irene Shaffa
Specialty: Infant, toddler, children, teen, adult
(men/women)/plus size, costumes for all
occasions.
Discount: 5% extra onto our discount schedule. Discount schedule: $3,000: 3% +5% NCA;
$5,000: 5%+5% NCA; $10,000: 10%+5% NCA.
Terms: Must meet minimum order of $500 per
season to receive additional discount.
West Bay Inc.
800-421-1940, Fax 323-720-5799
[email protected]
7245 E. Oxford Way, Los Angeles, CA 90040
www.westbayinc.com
Contact: Paul Jang
Specialty: Everyday fashion and costume wigs;
Santa wig and beard sets; BLUSH wigs,
CHARACTER wigs; Glamour Eyez eyelashes,
beards, and mustaches.
Discount: $1000-$1500 = 5%; $1501-$2500
= 10%; $2501-$3500 = 12%; $3500 = 15%.
Terms: Minimum order per order: $300.
Discounts applyk on a per order basis. If
payment terms apply, late payments cancel all
discounts. All freight paid by customer. All new
accounts opened on credit card terms.
Zagone Studios, LLC
773-509-0610, Fax 773-509-0613
[email protected]
2600 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60618
www.zagonestudios.com
Contact: Tony Zagone
Specialty: Great fitting quality Halloween
masks and accessories. Moving mouth, super
soft masks and head pieces.
Discount: 5% on orders over $500. 10% on
orders of $1000 or more.
Visual Effects/Duval LLC
718-324-0011, Fax 718-324-0300
[email protected]
600 E 156th St., Bronx, NY 10455
www.visualeffectsinc.com
Contact: Hank Kwitel
Specialty: Year-round manufacturer and
importer of lighting, novelty, and seasonal
products.
Discount: 20% off dealer cost. 5% additional
off for orders written at the show.
Terms: Minimum dollar amount $750. Credit
card or net 30 for qualified customers.
The Costumer • December 2013
31
NCA Marketplace
Advertising in the NCA Marketplace is $35 per issue (10% discount for NCA members). Deadline for ads is 30 days prior to issue date. Issue dates
are February, May, September, and December, so deadlines are, respectively, Jan. 1, April 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1. You can submit a ready-made ad, or
just send text and we will place it in a box. You will be billed upon publication of the ad, and payment is due upon receipt. Full details are listed on the
advertising contract available on www.costumers.org, or you can contact the publications office at [email protected] or 800-NCA-1889.
Retiring – complete
inventory *LIQUIDATION*
25 years in business. Costumes, accessories,
decorations still on display. Retail $300,000,
cost $150,000. Buy now at fraction of cost –
$39,000. *Gondola shelving also available*
810-577-4551
EXCLUSIVE OFFER – BY INVITATION ONLY
REDUCING EX
CESSIVE RENT
AL INVENT
ORY
EXCESSIVE
RENTAL
INVENTORY
• Professional, top quality theatrical costumes & accessories
• Renaissance & Victorian gowns: durable & multi-size
• Frock coats • Rare cutaways • Hickory strip trousers & more
Photos at www.CreativeCostumesTucson.com
To order or ask questions, call 520-882-8822 (ask for Sandi),
or send a fax to 520-319-5521
Call Sandi for quantity discounts.
Creative Costumes, 4220 E Speedway, Tucson, AZ
32
The Costumer • December 2013
The Costumer • December 2013
The Costumer • December 2013