Have you heard about Costume College ? Well, just like an anime con, It's a 3-day convention on costuming held here in Los Angeles (Woodland Hills, to be exact). Their location this year is the Warner Center Marriott and held from July 29-Aug 1, 2011. Just to give you an idea of the classes they present, I've posted few that caught my eye :
Advanced Techniques in Buckram Hat Making for Three-Part Hats
Appropriate Lace for the Time Period
Beginning Viking Knit
Classic Visual Steampunk
Coats, Wraps and Stoles in the 1950's
Costume Basics During the American Revolution
Elizabethan Corsetry
Futuristic Guns and Weapons
Hana Kanzashi 花簪 - Hair Ornaments for All Seasons
Intro to Historic Costuming for Dolls
Late 16th Century Smock & Partlet Workshop
Modern Day Method for Corset Construction
Overview of Men's Victorian Clothing
Renaissance Fabrics
Sewing From a Pattern
Steampunk 101
The Harvey Girls: Women Who Tamed the Old West
Victorian Gothic Revival Fashions
My jaw dropped when I went down the list ! I almost wanted to drop Otakon just to go hang out at this conference !
Besides classes, they have a Costume College Costumer’s Marketplace - which I assume to be like a dealer's hall except it relates to costume supplies and merchandise. Oh, this could be a cosplayer's dream ^^ By the way, the Marketplace has no entrance fee so even if you are not attending any of the CoCo (Costume College) events, you can at least still come in and check out the merchandise.
Besides classes and vendors, there is also a Time Traveller's Gala, fantasy tea party, as well as tours. Yes tours ! Previous tours include Disney Costume Shop, Western Costume, the fabric shopping district in Downtown Los Angeles.
The cost is actually quite reasonable (I thought it would be closer to $300 by looking at the classes they offered) but it is $150 to $165 (depending on when you purchase - price goes up as it gets closer). Those who are members of Costumer's Guild West (CGW) as well as sister organizations gets a discount. The gala and tea is also extra. Plus some of the courses may require extra fees for materials. Check their FAQ
And even though it is called Costume College , this video will show you it ain't as serious as you think it'll be :)
For those who are really into cosplay and more interested into costuming as it relates to historical to steampunk to RenFair, this is probably a good step to take. You get a chance to meet others with similar interest and explore more of the craft. If you're not based in Los Angeles, fear not, there are other costume organizations out there. International Costumers' Guild is another organization that has affiliated chapters across the country. Just check out their chapter list .
Photo : methodini, Cindy P, Lbc42, Arandale
