Posted on Mon, May 13, 2013 @ 07:21 AM
Ben Nye Makeup
When a big-name reality celebrity endorses a product, you know it's going to be hot! Especially when the celebrity is Kim Kardashian.
“Ever wonder how Kim gets that gorgeous contour on her cheekbones? “To contour, the secret to doing it so it’s not in-your-face is to use a darker foundation. I use professional makeup concealer, which has a heavier consistency, and I apply it with a brush and blend it with a sponge. Then I set it with translucent powder,” says Joyce Bonelli; Kim's make up artist. (Instantly Ben Nye's Luxury Powder, specifically the color Banana, was being used by dozens of popular YouTube makeup artists. These videos have translated into millions of views and millions more in sales across the country. The public wants what celebrities have, and we have been selling up to two dozen a week!
It’s interesting how a celebrity can try a makeup, tweet about it, and then it becomes so popular. YouTube and celebrity tweets can change business for a lot of people.
In the past few months, we have sold so many different shades of Ben Nye powders. We not only have powder. We sell a huge line of Ben Nye theatrical makeup for shows. Our customers include theater students, clowns, and people who use Ben Nye for everyday use. Many of us use the Ben Nye mascara every day, and love it. It gives fabulous lashes that don't clump. The eyeliners are great because they come in a variety of colors.
The banana powder has been the most popular makeup product sold this spring since it went viral, we have sold massive amounts along with many other shades, including sienna and topaz. Ben Nye has a wonderful line and The Costumer has had much success in selling it for theatrical purposes for all kinds of high school theatre shows. You must come in and try it; the foundation gives considerable coverage.
“Word of mouth” not only has made a comeback, but it’s now “world of mouth.” . Now instead of just telling your friends in person about some new cool thing you’ve discovered, you can tell all of your friends all at the same time. Once it goes viral, who knows whose listening.
I’ve lost count of the number of times a customer has told me “My friend just told me about your store; I had no idea you carried makeup." It’s exciting when someone visits the store for the first time, they realize we are not only a costume store.
We are the only store in the Capital Region that you can walk in and purchase Ben Nye makeup supplies. You can come in and sample the makeup and get exactly the shade you need. Is banana powder the right color for you? Come in and we will help you figure it out.
It's no wonder there has been an instant success with Ben Nye's luxury powders. The subtle shimmer in the translucent powders adds a nice "glow" to any skin tone. This year Ben Nye has expanded and improved their fashion makeup, and I'm glad to see it becoming so main stream. It's not just for theater anymore. Other new products include Sheer Matte foundation and more lipstick and cheek colors.
Our personal favorites: Lipstick in Garnet and Luxury Powder in Cameo.
The Costumer has been a leader in the theater industry for over 96 years, but we don't just do theater. As our vendors expand beyond theater, and social media continues to recognize new products, we are expanding too!
We're more than just costumes; come see us for "The Fun of It!" Want to try the new luxury powders? Click here:The Costumer "Superstore", 19995 Central Avenue, Albany,New York 12205
Posted on Fri, May 10, 2013 @ 12:20 PM
I received a call from my friend Kim about her daughter Mahogany. Her daughter needed a costume for an upcoming dance event.
Where would we go for the costume? Of course we would go to my friends at the The Costumer in Albany, New York.
It seems that Mahogany is getting ready to dance at Mallozzi’s in Saratoga for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She was dancing to the song, “Good Morning Heartache.”
Apparently, Alpha Omega gives scholarships to people in the arts. Could it be that Mahogany will win one? In any event, Mahogany needs to look good.
Mahogany Akita is no ordinary 13-year-old. Mahogany has been performing with the Saratoga City Ballet for the past three years. She has performed in the New York City Ballets of "Circus Polka" and the “Magic Flute.”
Akita trains at the Saratoga City Ballet and has danced with the Saratoga Children’s Theater and the Flying Kite’s Children’s Theater. She loves to perform, and hopes that ballet will be her career. Everyone who’s worked with Mahogany marvels at her natural ability paired with her hard work and dedication. Mahogany admits that ballet is fun but not easy to learn.
Mahogany works hard with everything. She attends the Waldorf School and has managed to be a straight ‘A’ student.
According to her mom, Kim Lisinicchia, Mahogany is a natural performer. Mahogany became interested in ballet when the doctor told her she was built like a dancer. Once Mahogany heard this, she was off to ballet school, and she’s been taking lessons and dancing ever since.
Back to Mahogany’s costume. Mahogany decides with Debbie, our customer service expert, to wear a flapper outfit complete with a headdress and fishnet stockings. Here she is in her bright flapper dress; she looks magnificent.
While at The Costumer, Mahogany decides to get her ballet slippers. The Costumer has ballet slippers as well as tap and jazz shoes. They also have dancewear and accessories for youth and adults. You will find well-known brands such as Sansha, Mirella, Bodywrappers and Capezio.
If you think, dancewear is hard to find, you need to head up to The Costumer to check out their selection.
You'll find dancewear and dance accessories for men or women, adults or youth and for individuals or dance groups. From hip hop dance wear to Latin, tap to gymnastics and belly dancing, you can get them all at The Costumer. If you’re looking for a gift for your ballerina, The Costumer has dance bags and sterling silver charms.
Leg warmers are back in style. The Costumer has leg warmers in solids and stripes for both children and adults. We know summer is here but there will still be plenty of cold nights in the northeast. Why not look while they have a large supply? Leg warmers are great gifts for those little and big ballerinas.
Will you need a fancy dress or shoes for your debut on Dancing with the Stars? If you do, The Costumer has those for you also.
How about having a dance party for the little ones? Children love to move and imitate animals. How about having the kids dress up in animal costumes? 'Follow the leader' is a very popular game for kids—this time the leader and the kids can be dressed up in their favorite animals.
This is a great way to have fun and teach children about different kinds of animals and the sounds and movements the animals make. The children can show off their favorite pet and their talent.
The Costumer has all types of animal costumes from the usual dog and cats to cows and my personal favorite, the crocodile hat. There is also cat and animal makeup to complete the outfit.
Join us for the fun of it? Twitter @the_costumer, Facebook, http://www.thecostumer.com/ facebook.com/thecostumer
Posted on Sun, Apr 14, 2013 @ 01:14 PM
May 5th is around the corner; time for another celebration with good food and a party atmosphere.
Even if you don’t feel connected to Cinco de Mayo, you can still hold a celebration.
Cinco de Mayo is considered a more widespread holiday than just a Mexican one. The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862 near the city of Puebla during the French intervention in Mexico. Although the Mexican Army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves against any foreign intervention.
The people of American descent living in the United States celebrate by having mariachi music and parades.
Here are some ideas for a great party:
Decide where you’re going to hold your celebration. The weather may be warm enough to hold it outside or at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Where you hold the event will determine how many people you can invite and how to decorate. This year May 5th is on a Sunday; you can choose when you want to have the party.
Get the invitations out now so people have time to get their costumes, and you have time to get the right decorations and the food. Make sure you let everyone know the theme of the party, and that you would like them to come in traditional dress. You may want to put an invitation on Facebook.
Call The Costumer! The Costumer has a full line of clothing for this event from simple hats to magnificent dresses. Wearing Mexican inspired clothing and hats will make your party more authentic and fun. We have everything, bullet belts, lace fans, Mexican Zapata sombreros. If you need more ideas, just call us. (Don’t forget the make-up.)
The ones above: the masked bandit, Spanish beauty and delux Spanish man.
How about a matador hat?
Most of us like to dress up but don't know what to wear. That's why Halloween is such a memorable holiday-anything goes. By the way, Halloween is just around the corner.
Get a game. How about an inflatable cactus cooler and ring toss game? Games are always fun-this game is available at The Costumer.
What should you serve to eat? There are lots of possibilities such as nachos, chips, salsa and hot melted cheese for dipping. You can set up a buffet or taco bar so your guests can create their own tacos— seasoned chicken, beef, fish, guacamole, lettuce, cheese, onions, tomatoes and sour cream. Don’t forget the avocados and plenty of napkins.
My personal favorite is Emeril Lagasse's pico de gallo; the hotter the better. (By the way, I’ve given you a link to great recipes.) Not only is the food good, but it’s good for you.
What about dessert? Dessert choices could include classics such as flan, sopapillos, and a simple quick bread. If you want to get fancy, rents a chocolate fountain.
How to decorate? Some special touches would be a chili pepper wreath hanging over the door and a personalized fiesta banner outside your door.
Flamenco dancers? How about a male or female flamenco dancer at your front door? Put an ad on Craig's list for a dancer.
Lights and balloons? You’ll need margarita lights with red, black, orange and green balloons hung around the room. They will look great over the buffet, the bar, and around doorways.
What’s a party like without Margaritas? If you want alcoholic beverages, how about serving a triple platinum margarita direct from the Hard-Rock Café? If you're serving straight shots of tequila, make sure you have plenty of sliced lemons, limes and salt shakers. For a non-alcoholic drink look for Mexican soda flavors such as watermelon and mango at a market specializing in Spanish food. (Al the Margaritas will be just as good without liquor.)
Don’t forget a piñata. A piñata is a paper-mâché container filled with candy and hung from the ceiling. The piñata is hit by blindfolded people until the candy falls out! This will definitely make the party interesting.
Gather and organize a play list of music to use during the celebration. Incorporate some current Mexican songs into your play list and have your music collection ready to go before the celebration begins. Your guests will love it if the music meets them at the door.
Could you find some strolling musicians?
Take lots of photos for your Facebook page. With everyone dressed in costume, the photos will be memorable.
What will make your party a success? A successful party usually has beautiful and imaginative decorations, great music and food and of course, wonderful friends.
Don’t forget the colors of the Mexican flag to continue your theme, red, green and white.
Need more ideas and costumes for your event? Give us a call at The Costumer—just for fun. Check out the links for planning your party. (Delux Spanish beauty and Spanish don.)
For all of your costumes and party ideas, call us at 877-218-1289.
Posted on Sun, Apr 07, 2013 @ 04:14 PM
Halloween isn’t the only holiday to wear a costume and a mask. So why wait until Halloween to get dressed up and have some fun?
Have you wondered about the origin of Halloween? It’s been said that people wore costumes and wigs on Halloween on the eve of all Saints Day, November first. They went from door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for treats. It was often referred to as ‘mummying.’ People got dressed up, sang and engaged in silliness.
There as an ancient belief, that the devil participated in all masquerades and wearing a mask was a way to protect oneself from the devil.
It’s challenging to get adults to get dressed up in costumes and masks; the best thing to do is have a theme.
How do you develop a costume theme?
Having hosted many parties, simple themes are the best. When you ask them to dress up; people somehow seem intimidated or just don’t want to. I always tell people they can’t come into the party unless they have a costume but that never seems to work. You just have to find ways to get them excited about dressing up for your party. I suggest you give out prizes for the funniest, silliest, unique and craziest costumes. It will help.
Here are some ideas to help get your friends in the ‘mood.’
Warm weather is coming so it’s a great time to have a costume party. In the spring, you won't have to wear cumbersome coats and or boots to wear over your costumes.
Everyone will get to walk down the street in their costumes. One of my friends dressed as a banana for Halloween and said he never had so much fun or attention from walking down the street. People took pictures of him in his banana costume, and he was the hit of Facebook. Don't forget to post all of your photos.
Here's a simple and easy way to get your friends to dress up. Ask them to dress up in a costume using the first letter of their name.
Let's say your name is Clark. By the way, it's a great name for 'costuming.' You can be Clark Kent and superman or Clark Gable and dress as Rhett Butler from 'Gone with the Wind.’ (Let's not forget Scarlet O'Hara if your name begins with an S.)
Any of these are sure to get you a lot of attention. If you decide to use this theme, then you better be very clear in your invitation so people understand what you mean. When put to the test, I’ve found that people are quite clever.
I would love to dress up as Lizbeth Scott in her 1957 film with Elvis Presley.”Loving You.” I could even go back a few years and get myself an elegant dress with a flouncy bottom, something out of the 1920s. You know one with lots of gauze and silk. I saw a couple of those at the academy awards! I could suggest my date come as Elvis himself.
Speaking of Elvis, how about having an Elvis party to coincide with the Elvis Fest in Lake George, New York, May 29-June 2, 2013? The Costumer has Elvis's costumes and various other Elvis paraphernalia. If you’re an Elvis fan, this would definitely be the weekend to celebrate. There is nothing as cool as a room full of Elvis’s of various ages. How about Elvis karaoke?
Imagine a party with all those swaying hips?
How about a kid's birthday party where everyone wears a costume. The Costumer has plenty of fairy and super hero outfits and how about this bee costume? I would give prizes for the most interesting, original and fun costume. Be sure to take lots of photos; the parents will have as much fun as the kids.
My personal favorite is an old-fashioned Mother’s Day. We used to dress up in our 1920’s flapper dresses and wear them into our retail stores. ( My mom was a flapper.)
We took my mom out for dinner, had her picked up in a horse-drawn carriage and everyone dressed up. (When you live in the country, it’s not so hard to get a horse and carriage.) Of course, mom wore a tiara. As much as she said she was embarrassed, she loved it.
Dad was more into props. When he drove the water ski boat, he had a manikin in the seat next to him. He also kept a manikin in the passenger seat of his truck! Yes, he changed the manikin's clothes weekly.
The key is to have fun—wearing a costume and mask is always fun. You just may have to help your friends get creative.
Why not get ‘costumed up, just for the fun of it? I’m going to call a friend and ask him to help me with an ‘Elvis’ night. Stay tuned to see how he does it. I just talked with him and he’s on the case.
Why not, like I said, just for the fun of it.
For more info on costumes, call The Costumer toll free at 877-218-1289.
Posted on Mon, Apr 01, 2013 @ 10:07 PM
What are you wearing to your prom? If you hadn’t noticed, prom season is right around the corner.
I’m thinking of my dreaded prom, it wasn’t that much fun. My mother wouldn’t buy me the dress I wanted—the sophisticated white one with the embroidered red roses. She made me get the pink one that made me look like some old lady’s tablecloth.
I didn’t like my date, I had braces on my teeth and I didn’t really want to go. Sounds like a recipe for disaster right? I think it was.
Can you imagine if I had enough guts to get my friends to dress up like we were in a Broadway show? We might have even been able to put on a little skit at the prom. I bet everyone would have enjoyed that. I always loved wearing a costume and it seemed like I had to wait until Halloween to get dressed up.
Not anymore, why not start a new trend and wear whatever you want. The pictures will look a lot better on Facebook. They might even make YouTube if you decide to do the Harlem Shake.
Consider skipping the fancy, overpriced dress that you’re never going to wear again and opt for something really hilarious. Change the game, maybe you can decide to honor the most unusual and creative king and queen? Decide what you think will be cool, rent it and return it.
Prom night is supposed to be a night that you won’t forget, right? So what’s so much fun about spending a lot of money for an outfit that you’ll probably never wear again? If your mom is like mine was, you won’t get the right dress anyway. I hated those matching shoes, you know, the ones they dye. I notice they still do that.
Make prom night a hilarious evening, one you and your classmates will never forget.
Okay so what’s out there for you? You can check out The Costumer for some period prom dresses or silly garb—maybe it’s just a crazy wig or prosthesis. The Costumer has Ben Nye makeup, take it from me it will cover anything. If you’re not sure how to use the makeup, we have books for that. The Costumer has everything you could ever need or want to give you the perfect look. They’ve got gowns, accessories, wigs and animal costumes. You don’t have to wait until Halloween to get dressed in your favorite fantasy or wear something very cool.
Come in and we’ll help you choose something to wear and guide you to the right makeup. I guarantee it’s more fun than going to the Mac counter at Macy’s.
What would be funnier than the prom king wearing a hot dog hat or suit standing next to ketchup and mustard? Or maybe you just want some crazy teeth.
Okay there will be lots of folks in those long gowns and their corsages. But after a couple of hours of dancing, eating and feeling uncomfortable everyone will be wishing they could change their clothes. They'll wish they were wearing your hot dog suit.
Besides, you will get to be the center of attention and the photos will be the best part.
When you look back at your photos at your 20th year reunion you will have plenty to reminisce and laugh about.
It will be a lot more fun than wondering if you can still fit into that prom dress.
Posted on Sun, Mar 24, 2013 @ 08:17 PM
Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While it is a Christian holiday, it has roots in both Pagan and Hebrew traditions celebrating the Vernal Equinox and the arrival of spring. The Costumer has a full supply of fun items for your church’s Easter pageant to your personal Easter Party. Fill out our plot plan and check out the Easter party. The Costumer's generic Easter plot includes biblican costumes from the era of Roman prefect Pontius Pilatus.
Every party needs an Easter bunny or a fancy chicken. Or maybe it needs something different?
Easter is March 31st, but on April 1, 2013, the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held with a new theme. This year the theme will be “Be healthy, be active and be you.” First dog 'Bo' will be staring in the Easter Egg Hunt. They are inviting followers on Twitter and Facebook ages 5-13 to join the fun on the South Lawn and of course let everyone know from their experience.
Are you thinking of having an Easter egg hunt? Everyone loves a ‘hunt’ no matter what it is.
I never realized how many calories the Easter candy had. Those Peeps looked harmless to me.
I think for you and me; we should skip the Peeps. You don’t need many of the Peeps to knock your diet out for weeks. Although they are fat free, they’re loaded with sugar. About a row of four bunnies and you’re at 130 calories 8 grams of sugars, which means 32 grams in a serving of four.
You’re better off with those jelly beans. Each bean is about 6 calories—35 bean serving is about 140 calories and 37 grams of sugar. If you eat too many, it will mean a lot of gym time.
Let’s not forget the Cadbury Cream Egg with 170 calories each.
If you’re planning on overindulging, maybe you should do it while attending a spin class. I just found out the seven ounce hollow chocolate bunny has 1,250 calories. How depressing! I’m not going to look any further.
How about filling the Easter baskets with some things that might be healthy and long term will make everyone happy?
Summer is coming. Who wouldn’t love a new pair of flip-flops painted in a bright color? Bubbles are fun; add some jump ropes, lip balm, sunscreen, balls, stickers and coloring books. Water guns can be fun as long as the weather is good.
If you want to keep the healthy thing going, how about making a carrot cake, there are lots of low-calorie recipes and why not add some zucchini to increase the roughage? You can create your own low calorie chocolate candy with dark cocoa, a little butter and honey. Next add dry fruit and nuts and you’ll have an amazing treat.
Want to play? How about Hula Hoops for everyone, including the adults? We don't have the hoops for you but buy some and add them to our Hula Party CD? With lots of great moves, you're bound to keep down the chocolate bunny calories.
Hooping is a high-quality work out which will improve core strengths, tone your stomach and let's not forget your butt. This high energy workout burns about 400-600 an hour. It's right up there with Zumba.
Hooping can also improve your balance and posture and make you more coordinated. It might even bring back some great memories.
The hoop is also considered the ancient symbol for gnosis, (knowledge with wisdom). It is the perfect symbol of infiniture, the snake that eats its own tail, the cycle of death and rebirth, and the change within the whole.
Costumes always make a party more fun; get to us early and get your favorite Easter outfit or Hula CD.
Have some fun, make the party different; just get moving.
Posted on Fri, Mar 22, 2013 @ 01:41 PM
Chad and Tina’s perpetual party is ever ongoing. Since their Thanksgiving and fall harvest parties in November 2012, until today, there hasn’t been a single day that they haven’t been in a festive mood. Granted, living at The Costumer 1995 Central Ave in Colonie, has afforded them many opportunities and also given them many opportunities that they can afford.
Tina is wowed by their amazing selection and courteous, knowledgeable staff, while Chad is happy that their reasonable prices for rental costumes and sales items won’t break the bank.
Right now, Chad is prepping for a children’s Easter party and an adult spring fling, while Tina spins the wheel of fortune, hoping that good fortune will come to those fortunate enough to visit them at The Costumer.
They enjoy life and find reason to celebrate everyday.
The Costumer wants to know:
What’s your reason to celebrate?
Posted on Sun, Mar 17, 2013 @ 09:42 PM
Giving a successful party is hard work. I always worry if my guests will have fun and will they like each other.
I know I have fun at parties if I have something to do besides making small talk with people I don't know. When I give a party, I want people to think of my home as a wonderful place, filled with energy and excitement. I also believe it's my responsibility to make it happen. My hunch is you feel the same way.
Undoubtedly, you've been to parties that really left you cold and disappointed.
Here are some tips to help with your party planning.
1. Design your guest list with people who you think will connect, have things in common and make an effort to have fun. I have some friends, not too many thank goodness, who wait for everyone else to make them comfortable. They want others to approach them, never reach out and bring very little to 'the party'--so to speak. They're just hard work.
2. Think about the best parties you've attended. We all like people who make us feel important connect with us and make us glad we've attended. One way to achieve this is to have a theme party. Think about Halloween. Everyone gets a chance to play, take on a new identity and act out a fantasy. Why does this work? People have something to think about--they have a purpose.
In other words, I get to be anybody but me! Think about the most interesting party you've attended. Themes allow you to help people have fun by giving them ideas on what to wear and what to bring.
3. How can you plan a theme? Obviously there are holidays, which come with recognizable themes: Halloween, July 4th and Valentine's Day to name a few. If you're looking for something a little different, check out The Plot List and Theater and Show Rentals at the Costumer. With over 60,000 + theatrical costumes from over 390 shows, there are lots to choose from.
Once you've chosend a theme, call and ask about the availability on wigs, decorations, and costumes. The people at The Costumer are well versed in fun and party planning and can give you the scoop on what to do next.
4. Plan the party around your favorite show. A couple of years ago, I saw Guys and Dolls at the Park Playhouse in Albany, New York. I've loved the music since I was a kid and my next door neighbor appeared in a local summer stock production. I went and looked online at The Costumer for Guys and Dolls and found wonderful costumes. For other shows such as South Pacific, there is music and the karaoke CD. Now we can have some real fun! No doubt you've got a friend or two dying to grab the microphone.
5. Plan your food, drink, invitation and decorations to correspond with your theme. Determine ahead of time what you would like your guests to bring and let them help out. You know, treat your party like your high school prom and ask for guests to be on the decorating committee.
6. Have a photographer avialable and post the photos on Facebook and tag your guests. You'll get known for having the best parties in town; that means, a ton of exciting, new guests.
Don't forget to make sure you check out The Plot List and check to make sure the costumes and wigs are avialable. There are certain times of the year The Costumer is inundated with high school plays and Broadway shows and many costumes are out.
Besides, the summers are great times for themed parties; no coats and boots to worry about. Call The Costumer at 877-218-1289.
Please note, the 'Plot List' photo above replaces the original. The originial was posted in error and did not include the costumes that we have in stock. Sorry.
Ps Don't forget to post your photos on The Costumer's Facebook page.
Posted on Sun, Mar 10, 2013 @ 07:03 PM
Why would you need a football helmet? If you were going to do the Harlem Shake, you would need a helmet or a huge mask to cover up your head. If you prefer a football helmet, we actually have vintage ones.
The Harlem Shake is definitely the latest craze; when and where did it come from?
There are varying answers to this but about 12,000 videos were uploaded between the 4th and 11th of February 2013, and over 4000 videos are being uploaded every day!
Most people trace the craze to a street dancer named Al B, who used to entertain the crowd at the Rucker tournament, which is a legendary basketball league in Harlem. It was brought into the mainstream by Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, who brought the dance into a couple of videos he made with one of his artists, G Dep.
What was considered the Harlem Shake has no connection to today’s rage. The Shake starts with someone, usually masked, walking into a room and dancing. The people in the room pretend not to notice until the Baauer’s beat starts, and then everyone in the room starts dancing outrageously. The outrageous dance usually lasts no longer than 30 seconds.
No one knows why the Harlem Shake has taken off except that it is within the crucial 30-second video length.
Need help putting your Harlem Shake video together? Call us. The Costumer has horse heads, chicken heads and plenty of other ‘big heads to wear for the event.
If that doesn’t work, we’ve still got the Easter bunny. Remember Easter is just around the corner, and we’ve got lots of costumes.
Looking for a wig? We’ve got plenty of them. In fact, we have so many; we need a wig stylist to keep everything current.
Our wig stylist, Allen Yeardon, boasts 52 years in the business but came out of retirement and take another swing at hair styling. This time is a little different; Allen is styling wigs for The Costumer located in Schenectady, New York. The Costumer has hundreds of wigs for theater and everyday wear in stock. Their are costume wigs, fake beards, costume moustaches, even costume mullet wigs (you don’t really want to have to grow one of your own, do you?) in stock throughout the year.
The day I checked out Allen he was styling a Marie Antoinette wig. (I also noticed he was wearing the male version while he was working. One of the perks he says. )
Allen explains that wigs take a lot of care. Unlike human hair that continues to grow and has its own natural oils, wigs need particular treatments to keep them looking good. Wigs have a tendency to get the ‘frizzes’ around the edges, unless they are conditioned with the right products.
The key to looking good in a wig, according to Allen, is to make sure your natural hair is tucked securely under the wig cap so you don’t have a ‘wig malfunction.’
Common sense tells you that the wig should be placed on your head similar to where your hair is naturally. There are straps inside the cap that can be t be adjusted for a firmer hold or if necessary, tape and glue can be used.
Apparently, the hair under the wig provides the platform for the wig and must be positioned to keep the wig stable and natural looking. If the wig doesn’t look right, it’s likely because it hasn’t been positioned or styled properly.
The quality of wigs is so much better than they were years ago. The wigs must be able to last through continuing performances as well as a number of changes during the performance. If a performer portrays a number of characters in a show, it may require having several wig changes.
Usually we can tell if someone has been wearing a wig, but it’s been said that Raquel Welch has been wearing wigs for years, and no one ever questioned her brunette locks. In her case, she had the same color for years, and it always looked natural. No doubt she has more than one wig.
And then there was Lucille Ball who looked like she was wearing a red wig but wasn’t.
“Many people think you can put on the wig and go, says Allen. This is like getting out of bed and not combing and brushing your own hair. It has to be placed properly on the wearer’s head so it looks like its part of their head. There are ear tabs inside of the cap to guide where the wig should be positioned. One of my jobs is to make sure wigs fit properly.”
Contact us for the finishing touches on your costume with a wig, beard or moustache.
Posted on Thu, Feb 14, 2013 @ 09:32 PM
"It's wonderful to have the Hubbard Hall Opera Theater (HHOT) production of “La Traviata'” actually performing at Proctors’ GE Theater, says Kathe Sheehan, owner of The Costumer. Our costumes get shipped all over the world for productions, but it’s even more exciting when they're part of productions in our home town.”
La Traviata opened on Thursday February 7, 2013 and will be in residence at Proctors until February 17, 2013.
“People don’t realize how much goes into fitting performers for their costumes, said Kathe; the costume has to look like it’s custom-made for the performer. This usually involves several fittings and alterations if it’s going to look right. We are the only costume shop in the area to have our own in-house designer and pattern maker, on staff."
Helen Porter runs the design, pattern making and alteration department. She is extremely talented and appears that she is cool under pressure.
What does it take to make the costumes look right?
"There’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all,’ says Helen. First, I have to choose the right costume to create authenticity for the time period and then alter it so it fits the wearer. It has to look perfect."
For this performance, the costumes must depict contemporary Paris during the 1850s; the time period for La Traviata. The opera deals with an illicit love affair by a young man from the provinces with a provocative kept woman, and includes scenes showing the rich and powerful being involved with the demi-monde, the world of courtesans, gambling and extravagance. This was considered taboo and scandalous for the time.
The Costumer is shown in the Schenectady Gazette fitting costumes for soprano Rachel Schmiege, Robert Taylor who plays Giorgio, and chorus members Erin McMenemy and Bill McColl. The Costumer is supplying all of the costumes for La Traviata.
"The Costumer has such a great stock that I was inspired by certain pieces they already had, like the feathered headpieces, and we were able to build the look from there, says Heidi Lauren Duke the Producer of La Traviata, the result was elegant and exciting, and they did everything they could to maximize our budget!" (The show is officially called Traviata MAX Live.)
The Costumer also got to be part of another local event lat week. The Empire State Youth Orchestra held a fund-raising event on February 9, 2013 at Crossgates Mall. Sara Torrey, Development/Marketing Specialist, from the Empire Youth Orchestra stopped in and picked up a costume for the event. Hopefully, their event was a success.
We heard the ESYO also had a "musical petting zoo," where children could try out a variety of different instruments. During the afternoon, there were six auctions to win the conductor's baton and lead the orchestras in familiar tunes such as Stars and Stripes Forever and Semper Fidelis.
The Costumer with two locations has been a major force in the costume industry since 1917, being involved in everything from Vaudeville to films.
In 1974, Jack and Kathe Sheehan both former high school theater teachers, bought the business. After spending years directing scores of shows and being faced with all the challenges of productions, they realized that they could fill a very important part in the market place—they decided to become “Costumers.” If you’ve ever been to the shop, you would know they’re the right people for the job. For more information visit their web site, or drop in one of their two locations 1995 Central Avenue, Albany, and 1020 -1030 Barrett Street, Schenectady, New York.