Introduction
This page collects a selection of the Library's books on costume production, design, and history, but it is only a small sample of what's available to you!
To do some searching on your own, explore the library catalog. Conducting a keyword search in the Library catalog is always a great place to start. Use the "Material Type" filter on the right of the "Advanced Search" screen to limit your results to "Books."
After finding a relevant book in the catalog, use the topics (listed in the subject field of the record) to find related materials. At this point, if you've identified several promising materials that have the same subjects listed, consider clicking on any of the subject headings to launch a new search for similarly classified items.
You can also check out the instructions and suggestions in the Tips for Exploring the Collection box on the first page of this guide for suggested search terms.
Once you find an item you're interested in, check to see what other materials are shelved near it to find related books on similar topics!
Selected Library Materials
Basic Sewing for Costume Construction by Call Number: MPAL PN2067 .C88B3 2012All students of costuming need to learn basic sewing techniques to build costumes for theatrical performance. Basic Sewing for Costume Construction teaches just those fundamentals. Cunningham brings decades of classroom experience as she guides readers with clearly laid-out projects covering hand stitching, fasteners, pinning, sewing, and seams.
Costume Craftwork on a Budget by Call Number: MPAL PN2067 .T36 2019Costume Craftwork on a Budget demonstrates how to use inexpensive materials to create durable costumes and props in a short amount of time. Fully illustrated step-by-step instructions teach readers how to use 3-D makeup and create teeth, wigs, masks, hats, nonhuman costumes, leather products, and other accessories.
Creating the Character Costume by Call Number: Online ResourceMany believe that professional costume/prop builders have unlimited and specialized resources with which to ply their craft. Actually, the pros create things in much the same way that hobbyists do. This book dives into these methods to showcase how to achieve expert looks with limited means and lots of creativity.
The Art of Couture Sewing by Call Number: MPAL TT515 .N83A7 2016The Art of Couture Sewing, is a practical guide to custom techniques in the construction of couture garments. Basic draping skills, corset construction, and tailoring, as well as the variety of closures, hems and finishes used in couture are discussed. The text is filled with step-by-step techniques along with clear instructions and illustrations.
History of the Theatre Costume Business by Call Number: MPAL PN2067 .M67 2022A History of the Theatre Costume Business is the first-ever comprehensive book on the subject, as related by award-winning actors and designers, and first hand by the drapers, tailors, and craftspeople who make the clothes that dazzle on stage.
The Chronicle of Western Costume by Call Number: Main Stacks GT511 .P42 2010John Peacock's meticulous drawings are organized in chronological sections and accompanied by detailed descriptions of each figure, including the individual items of costume shown and the many types of fabric, cut, pattern and colour that have been used over the centuries. An illustrated glossary gives additional information on technical terms.
Vintage Fashion and Couture by Call Number: MPAL GT1720 .T39V5 2013The book is organized by decade with each chapter focusing on a number of important designers and the most influential style icons. Fashion pieces are shown in color photographs with descriptive captions that include the current vintage price range, making it a practical resource for vintage shoppers.
The History of Costume by Call Number: MPAL 391.09 P29H1992A history of costume and fashion, from ancient times to today. Includes examples of costume, or dress, from: Mesopotamia; Egypt; Crete, Mycenae, and Greece; Etruria and Rome; the Byzantine Empire; Western Europe through the eleventh century; and around the world through the twentieth century.
