What Is Costume College

Hello sweet friends, Happy Fashion Friday! In last Sunday’s post I mentioned that I was attending Costume College. I received several emails wanting to know What Is Costume College? So today’s post will share all the information and tons of inspiring photographs.

What Is Costume College

Costume College, also known as CoCo, is an annual three-day costuming arts conference. It is now in it’s 29 year. The event is created and produced by Costumer’s Guild West, Inc. It is generally held the last weekend in July. 

Costume College offers lectures, workshops and demonstrations on all things costuming. Topics range from general sewing such as pattern grading and setting sleeves. Students can learn historical fashion construction methods as well as creative Cosplay ideas.

Field Trip

Costume College generally offers a local field trip. We were a small but enthusiastic group. 

This is a good time to talk about pandemic safety. When registering for CoCo attendees were required to show proof of vaccination or a recent (less than 72 hours) negative Covid test from a doctor/clinic. In addition, masks were worn in all classrooms and workshops.  

As it was a warm day I opted to wear a cool linen dress. It was a recent make from a vintage Simplicity pattern 3338. A beginner could sew it with a bit of assistance as the sleeves were a bit tricky to set. You can see all the dress details HERE.

This year’s field trip was to the fabulous Getty Villa. There will be an upcoming post covering all the beauty enjoyed here. 

Classes, Exhibits and More

You meet so many wonderful, kind and talented people at CoCo! The entire event is run by volunteers. Several of the instructors work in the film, theater or museum industry. They generously give their time and knowledge. Longtime readers know that I am a big supporter of both volunteering and teaching!

I learned so much from @thimbleandplume

I can’t wait to make my own 16th century German Landsknecht folk wear. 

Miss Kitty the poodle.

Mary Burbage modeled beautifully in @LadyRebeccaFashions photography class. 

It was a true delight to meet Carla of @tinyangrycrafts at the vendor marketplace. 

The costume and extant clothing exhibits were fabulous!

Antique/extant chopines, a shoe that was popular in the 15th through the 18th centuries. They were designed to increase stature and protect the feet from mud and dirt.

A pretty 1880s bonnet. 

It is interesting to look at the inside of antique garments to see the construction methods used.

Val of the blog Time Traveling In Costume had a wonderful collection of bodices in the exhibit. 

I Love A Good Theme

During the weekend there are several events scheduled in addition to the classes and workshops. Thursday has a welcome pool party, Friday a social, a Saturday Gala and Sunday Tea. Each event has a different theme designed to inspire attendees. 

I have tried to link to the creators whenever I could. If you see a photo of yourself that is not identified by all means leave a comment with your name and handle below. I will happily update the post. 

The delightful Lillian in a reproduction Chanel swimsuit she knitted herself. 

My favorite ensembles of the night were the netted Regency frocks created by Cassie Seamon. 

Their hats with octopus and happy clam details just delighted me!

I attended the Apocalypse Pool Party dressed as Zuul, formerly Dana from Ghostbusters. My handbag was a transformed Slimer stuffed toy. 

There will be more details on this costume in October when it worn again to @posingpretty annual Halloween party.

Mr. Decor will be the Gatekeeper. LOL!

The Adventure Scavenger Hunt

The darling Christina Walley of @shesewshistory.

An incredible costume created by Poppy Declunes. 

The talented Alison Fisher. You can find her at @sayyadina42.

Francis Classe of @zoccolero and I will both be teaching at the Tournament of Defense Material Culture Track on Nov. 5th in Houston, TX.
His very well researched website is: raisedheels.com

An enchanting octopus.

I told Crosby he was a day late. 😉

I loved Taco Belle aka fantasticalfolliescostuming. LOL!

Within Costume College there are mini group meet ups. Here are the Suffragettes gathering. 

I opted to wear a dress that I created back in 2018. 

The Titanic Gala

The gorgeous Ivy of @the_sewlo_artist

Any Gentleman Jack fans? Kayla of @rocarockscostumes and Jan Simons in a Rebecca Burnham hat.

The Tear Fairy, aka Mary Gobet, used dozens of vintage handkerchiefs to create her gown. 

Darling duo, fantasticalfolliescostuming and @vonteaserhausen created memorable 18th century dresses. 

Laura Skarka in beautiful blue velvet. Yosa Addis in a recreation of a gorgeous red Worth gown. 

I LOVED seeing the younger set all dressed up!

Sigh, more goodness from Cassie Seamon. 

The Titanic replica was created on a 3D printer. 

Love the Heart of the Ocean necklace paired with 18th century fashion. 

This traditional Polish costume features a dazzling hand beaded vest.

These two made everyone laugh!

This Edwardian gown featured LED light accents. Truly the best of both worlds!

I wore the $20 dress that was created for Halloween back in 2019.

My roommate Tiffany of @stitchinaddiction and I always have fun no matter where we are. 

Pride, Prejudice and Zombies Tea

While I took videos of the tea for some reason I did not get any photographs. Thankfully, other photographers shared to the Costume College FB page. 

Image courtesy of Jan Simons.

Images below courtesy of @vonteaserhausen

Our fearless tour guide, Ruth, and her dapper partner. 

My roommate, Tiffany @stitchinaddiction and I battling to see who would make the morning coffee run. 

I’ll be sharing my Marianne Dashwood inspired gown in an upcoming video for the Costube Symposium (CoSy). 

Lovely friends I am going to take the next week off from the website. Sweet Guy, Sweet Gal and I are headed to Colorado Springs for a few days before they head back to college. I might share our shenanigans on the Decor To Adore IG account. 

See you soon. There is SO much goodness in the works!

Laura