Costume Exhibits, Workshops, Auctions and ways to get your own costume

Here we list costume exhibits, classes and resources in Los Angles that will help you get your outfit together... and lead you to costuming year round. 

Also the site mascot, da Cat, has compiled a few "best picks" for spots to buy costumes, supplies and accessories.

Watch out, it's a contagious hobby!

Costuming Workshops and Exhibits

Some of these Exhibits are also listed elsewhere, but they're too good not to highlight here as well.  Must see exhibits for those of you into costumes.

Period Costume for the Stage and Screen

 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy Foundation is hosting a great film costume traveling exhibit.  This exhibition consists of dozens of costumes; the accompanying photo murals and film clips put the costumes into cinematic context. Some of the creations on view include designer Alexandra Byrne's 16th century gown for Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth (1998), Ruth Myers's early 19th century empire dress for Gwyneth Paltrow in Emma (1996), Janet Patterson's late 19th century designs for Isabel Archer (Nicole Kidman) in The Portrait of a Lady (1996), and Milena Canonero's early 20th century wedding dress for Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) in Out of Africa (1985).

Note also titled "Fashion in Film" see  our review & pics here at an earlier stop and even more on Costumer's Guide.  This exhibition is organized by the Trust for Museum Exhibitions, Washington, D.C., in cooperation with Cosprop Ltd., London, England.

Archlight Cinema's Costume Exhibits

 The Archlight keeps rotating costumes exhibits.  Below we're listing what we know are there, but there's not an exact date range for these exhibits.  Please check their website for current info: http://www.arclightcinemas.com/arclight/current_exhibits.html - if you're going for a specific film, call ahead to confirm the exhibit is still there since they rotate quickly.

See pictures of the movies costumes on our exhibit site.

The Japanese Kimono Exhibition

 Join Mme. Fumi Akutagawa, costume advisor to the multiple academy award* winning movie, Memoirs of A Geisha, for two demonstrations of how to wear the the Japanese kimono, followed by photo opportunities with her students as they stroll one of the finest Japanese Gardens in the Western Hemisphere, dressed in their most beautiful traditional costumes.

Special Shopping & Auctions

Sometimes there's not time to make a costume from scratch... and you don't want a "bag costume".  Bring your shopping talent and put together something original.  Or, if you've got a big budget, you might be able to buy a movie original.

Unique Shopping Options

 Vintage Fashion Show Expo - Vintage Clothing

  All kinds of great vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories. Main era are 30's-50's, but you'll find all kinds of things from the 20th century.

Textile, Costume & Clothing Show

 Antique fabric, vintage yardage, quilts, hats, shoes, buttons, beads, laces, ethnic clothing, Victorian whites, vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, etc.

Texuba - Kimono and Textiles

  You can't make costumes without beautiful fabric.  While this show comes after Halloween this year, it's well worth catching.  It's the last one even inn Los Angeles since she's retiring this year.

This show is some of the best deals around.   They sell only kimono and obi.  You can get the fabric to make costumes, just wear the garments as is, or... mix and max for your own unique costume.

This is a great shows for Textile junkies.  Beautiful fabrics that only come to town a few times a year.  What is wonderful about this sale, it's a moving blow out sale... they need to empty out their warehouse... so why don't  you help?

Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

 You can't costume well without good tools. Try out sewing machines, find the latest tools, workshops on techniques.

International Gems, Beads and Jewelry Show 

 Most costumes are not complete without a bit of glitz.  These shows are great to pick up that glitz.  Check your local newspaper for coupons for free gifts or $1 off admission.

Backlot Prop's Parking Lot Sale

 They carry costumes, props, set decor and artwork from various productions.  They're opening their parking lot for special sales just in time to help  you for Halloween costume shopping.  Come prepared to power shop.  OR... if you can't get there, check out their web options as  well.

Movie Costume Auctions

  Got a good sized budget???  You can buy the original movie costumes.  There are a number of auctions happening this fall.  Please read the fine print on absentee bidding.  Most will command a goodly price and there are fee's on top.  However, you can get you dream costume.  If you can't afford the costumes, consider a prop or some of the artwork... or even a copy of the auction catalogue.

Haven't found anything for this year yet. 

Buy Original Movie Costumes

Want the original costume o prop? Own a piece of cinema history.  Keep in mind, they are pre-worn and some may be distressed... and you have to fit the actor's size.  Items here are changing constantly... and they're all loaded in anticipation for Halloween.  Please check with the sites about shipping time if you're buying planning to wear something to this year's parties.

da Cat's Best Picks for Costumes

Whole section updated for the year!

This is just a very select list and personal favorites. Open to others, but picky and have to be convinced.

Best Pick for Costume Rentals

Western Costume's Annual Halloween Costume Rental

The Ultimate spot for costumes from the famous and infamous.  Western Costume is normally closed to the general public but opens their doors to rent to the general public for one month a year.  You pick up the costume for the month and return it after Halloween.  This gives you a chance to use it at multiple parties.

So, come as early in the month as you can for the best selection.  With Western Costume's collection built from 90 years in film and television costuming, you can be anything you wish.  You may actually rent the costumes used in films and TV shows you have loved -- everything from "Happy Days" to "Cleopatra", any era from Caveman to Spaceman.

Mention the Alley Cat Scratch Costume website for a discount!

Best Pick for Buying Ready-made Halloween Costumes

The Halloween Club - Bag Costumes as well as Costume Accessories and Haunt Accessories

Best Pick for Buying "Stuff" to Make Your Own Quality Costume

Dragonmarsh - A Historical Store

Their website ( http://www.dragonmarsh.com ) has some accessories, fabric and trim up, but not the costumes.  You need to check out their store to see their wonderful selection.

AlterYears, for the Costumer

Want more info on making costumes?  Checkout out Boo News for daCat's Favorite Resource Links for Costumes

Best Pick for Accessories

Cinema Secrets - Halloween Makeup and Effects

Wilshire Wigs - High Quality Wigs

Stats - Costume your Home

Ok, don't have time to get to these places and still need costume accessories.... head to your local party story.  This time of year, they're have filled will costumes.... but shop early.  They run out.

Don't forget to check out thrift stores, they also set up their stores to help you find bits for your perfect costume.

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Please contact us at  spookycat@alleycatscratch.com with any corrections or if you have an item to be added to this page.  

This page last updated 07/13/08

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