New York City’s Costume Industry Coalition

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s custom costume industry launched a coalition to advocate for its survival. Over 40 small, unique, independent businesses and artisans-in and around the city-create costumes for theatre, dance, opera, concerts, cruise ships, ice shows, live entertainments and on television and film worldwide. These skilled specialty artisans—pattern makers, cutters, stitchers, milliners, sculptors, painters, hand finishers and tailors from 39 countries-transform a Costume Designer’s two-dimensional designs into custom, one-of-a-kind costumes.

As Broadway producers’ reopening timelines shift, many costume shops have struggled to keep busy. The construction of replacement or understudy costumes, as well as rent payments and employee health insurance, have been paused while the industry waits for more work to arrive. The owners of costume shops are often not unionized, but they may be members of the Costume Designers Guild or of Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764, part of IATSE.

During the exhibition, visitors will be able to get an up close and personal look at the craftsmanship that goes into making the show-stopping costumes seen in such Broadway hits as Wicked, Cats, The Lion King, Hamilton, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Six, and Dear Evan Hansen. Intricate crafts such as beading, draping, glove-making, and millinery will be on display for visitors to see the tools of the trade, as well as sneak peeks into the makers’ workshops.

CIC Members will also be sharing their stories with guests during the exhibition. The first installment of the CIC Features video series features Sally Ann Parsons of Parsons-Meares, Ltd., an industry veteran who has been building costumes for theatre and film since 1977. She discusses how the CIC’s fundraising campaign is a chance to highlight the value of the work that her company and others do.