Costume Overview
The term costume is used to describe wardrobe and dress in general, or to the distinctive dressing style of a particular region, people, social class, or historic period. It can also refer to dress at a social event such as a masquerade, a fancy ball, or the clothes used in an artistic theatrical performance.
Types of costumes
Theatrical Costumes - portray what the costume designer thinks the character would wear when the character existed, if at al. Also, stylized theatrical costumes can exaggerate some particular aspect of a character. Costuming is such an important part of the perfomance, awards are given to those stylists and designers who are the best at what they do (Oscars, Emmys, and Tonys).
National Costumes - or regional costume usually represent the unique, local flavor of a particular geographic area. Some of the more recognizable costumes are the feather headress of the American Indian, the kilts of the Scottish people, and the kimono of the Japanese women.
Ballroom Costumes - eleborate costumes for celebrations are very popular. Two of the most celebrated ballroom costume events are Mardi Gras (dressed as just about anything), Christmas (dressed as Santa Claus), and Easter (dressed as bunny rabbits).
Masquerade Costumes - during the celebration of Mardi Gras and Halloween, people wear fantasy costumes. For Mardi Gras the traditional costume is that of a reveler, while Halloween is more ghosts, goblins, vampires and other scary creatures. Costumes are used to represent various other character themes during specific holidays, like the Uncle Sam costume during the July 4th celebration.
Costumes - also are used for children to escape reality and roleplay in their learning experience. They can dress up as Mom or Dad wearing the oversized clothes of their parents. Sometimes they are dressed up in costumes from other celebrations that are used to just escape for the moment.
Costumes typically consist of the clothing, accessories to enhance the clothing, along with wigs and makeup to tranform the costume wearer into the character they wish to portray.
by The Costume Lady
Author Information
The Costume Lady provides a comprehensive view of costumes covering everything from fashion to function. You can find costume information at her website www.theOfficialWebsiteForCostumes.com. She also writes a regular newsletter called the Costume Bargain Newsletter.
