I'm still trolling thru all the different threads and boards here, and just came across this one.
I've been to Costume College for the past 5 years. And I have my ticket for 2008. And I wanted to explain what it is, as I feel you may not understand.
This is the annual costume convention for Costumers Guild West, in the Los Angeles area. "Costume College" is just a name it came up with years ago. It's not a society or a college or school. It's much like CosCon (Costume Convention) that travels around the country, but it's always in the same place. You don't get "college" credits from it either, as many people assume.
It has many classes, given by other costumers, many times for free, some for a small fee, and some higher.
It's run by volunteers, who put many many many hours into making it happen each year. And if there aren't enough volunteers, it couldn't happen. Volunteers don't have to be members of CGW either.
We do have a lot of fun running around in costume, and learning stuff from other folks just standing in the halls. And great photo ops there too.
The first year I went, in '03, I had no idea what to expect and was very intimidated by the thought of all these "expert" sewers and costumers. I found out not everyone was. Many were beginners just like me. And there were also many excellent sewers.
It covers all eras and genres of costuming, not just historical. There are scifi and fantasy too. It's three days of classes and lectures, a big Gala Ball, an afternoon tea, and parties in many rooms. Last year I decided the cost of the Gala wasn't worth it. I think I paid $75. This year it's $90. The dinner wasn't worth it and as soon as that's over, the people standing in the hallways can come in and join the dancing, so what's the big deal? We do listen to some speeches but you can stand outside in the hallways with the doors open and see and hear it. We have a lot of fun in the hallways too. They have a "red carpet" where we walk thru, have our photos taken, and they have a bar out there.
I'm still on the fence about the tea. It's held in the hotel dining room, and they provide the food and tea. Since I cater teas, I'm a little critical of it, and don't think you get very good food for what it costs. A theme is picked for it and maybe a little decorating is done, but it's just another event to wear a costume.
It's held in Airtel Plaza, which is an older convention hotel off the beaten path, next to a small airport. It's limited in size due to it's age. In the past few years since I started going, the word has gotten out about it, and in two years, the membership just exploded. I think it's been going on for about 12 years but not on this scale.
They know they need to find a bigger place to accommodate the larger number of people who want to come now. But without more people volunteering to help put it together and run it, it's going to take awhile. I think some changes are going to be happening soon. I'm not real happy with how they decided to sell memberships by lottery next year. Many people would only go if their partner/spouses/friends are going. If only one can go, then the other might not. And then many of us take the whole year just to make our Gala costume. Would it be all for naught?
I usually volunteer to help at the convention check in desk. For the last three years, the San Diego Costume Guild members worked the check in desk, and in 06 I ran it. There are many different kinds of things you can volunteer for; sometimes it's just labor- helping them move props and things around, manning the display room of people's costumes from previous years, being a go-fer. So if you do get to go, please please volunteer. Many times it's only for a couple hours. And if you're a newbie there, you can feel more a part of it, and be on the "inside". You get to see a lot of what goes on in the background.
Here in San Diego County, we're trying to start up our own mini-workshop academy so we're not totally dependant on Costume College. It's called Sew Creative Costume Academy.
tinyurl.com/24npfu Many of the teachers will be some who teach at Costume College. This will be the first year, and is being put on by one of our members who has done workshops and major events in her area for years.
If you'd like to see photos from the CC's I've been to for the last 5 years, here are the links. I'll warn you, I've literally taken hundreds of pictures there.
2003
www.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/costume_collegewww.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/costume_college_ii2004
www.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/2004_costume_college2005
www.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/costume_college_20052006
www.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/costume_college_2006 2007
www.pbase.com/cinnamonhrts/costume_college_2007