Costume Throughout History

Costumes have been used as an essential component of drama and acting for centuries. The use of costume to portray different characters dates back to ancient Greece, when Greek actors represented various roles using masks. Costumes have since evolved, with many elaborate creations used for film and theater. Many costumes have been analyzed and admired for their intricate construction, especially for the historical time period during which they appeared. The study and design of costume is a complex profession, providing for the appearance and character of entertainers to complete their performance.

Libraries

• Fashion Plate Collection: The preservation of original costume fashion plates from the University of Washington.
• Doris Stein Research Center for Costume and Textiles: Information about the history of costume and textiles.
• Historic Costume and Textile Collection: Books and journals about costume and period dress from Kansas State.
• Motley Collection of Theater Costume and Design: Documents about the history of theater and costume from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• Costume Gallery: Images of various costumes from different time periods from California State University.
• The Costume Archives: A database of costumes in a digital gallery from Williams College.
• American Costume Studies: Research and resources about various types of costume.
• The Costume Gallery Research Library: An online source of information about fashion and costumes.

Exhibitions and Museums

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Information about the Costume Institute, with historical pieces on display.
• Costume, Textile, Carnival Collection: A large collection of costumes and other fabrics and clothing from the Louisiana State Museum.
• Bata Shoe Museum: A museum with collections and exhibitions devoted to costume shoes.
• The Costume Museum: Specific exhibitions that use life sized dolls to displays various forms of dress in Japan.
• Museum of Costume: A fashion and costume museum with collections and exhibitions located in the United Kingdom.
• The Texas Fashion Collection: An exhibition displaying historical pieces of children’s clothing and costumes at the University of North Texas.
• The Kyoto Costume Institute: A costume collection available at the institute in Japan.
• The Fashion and Textile Museum: News and exhibits from the academy in London.
• York Castle Museum: The costume and textile collection located in the museum in Britain.
• Chicago History Museum: A world-renowned textile and costume collection.
• Costume and Textile Collection: A series of historical pieces available through the Connecticut Historical Society.
• Cornell Costume and Textile Collection: Many items of apparel available for viewing through Cornell University.
• The Drexel Historic Costume Gallery: Details and information for design students and costume professionals.
• Goldstein Museum of Design: Costume exhibitions and events from the University of Minnesota.

Organizations

• Dress: The online journal of the Costume Society of America.
• The Costume Society of America: The homepage of the organization, providing information about events and publications.
• Costume Designer’s Guild: A publication with available articles and spotlights on costume designers.
• Clothesline: An online journal of fashion and costumes.
• International Textile and Apparel Association: An organization providing publications, awards, and education about fashion and costumes.
• The Costume Society: A community that promotes the study of clothing and costumes.
• Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising: Available exhibitions of various period costumes.
• The Northern Society of Costume and Textiles: A charity that studies the preservation and history of costumes.
• National Costumers Association: Maintaining standards of business in the costume industry.
• The Australian Costumer’s Guild: An organization that provides assistance for the development of costume design.
• The Netherlands Society for Costume, Lace, Fashion and Regional Dress: A common ground for those interested in costume design and apparel.
• International Costumer’s Guild: The promotion and education of costume use and design for those of various backgrounds.

Resources

• The Costumer’s Manifesto: A guide to various aspects of costumes, including design, accessories, and history.
• The Costume Page: References and history about various types of period costumes.
• Costume Design Resources: Links and information for those interested in studying costumes and their design.
• Costume Resources: A list of links with guides to costume collections and design compiled by George Mason University.
• The History of Costume: Information and links about different types of costumes.
• Elizabethan Costume: The history and technique of this specific costume period.