1960 Mayan Costumes, Salt Lake Costume Co.
1961 Chinese Couple, Murle Daniels
1964 The Wild Swans Helen Pacific Costumes
1966 Chinese Dragon & Chinese Lady, Arizona Costumes
1968 Arthur, Guinevere & Court - Esser Costumes
1969 winner
1970 Penelope the Ostrich, Hooker-Howe Costumes
1973 Nicholas & Alexandra- Rubies Costumes
1977 French Parisian, Arizona Costume Co
Editor's Note: This is the third in a series of articles about NCA's famous Grand International Award (and the related costume awards) written by Pam Markel, immediate past president. To read the previous article, click here.
The yearly National Costumers Association Convention Event the Showcase Competition underwent many changes from its creation until the 2000’s. The National Costumers Association membership really began to step up and think out of the box. The spirit of competition grew drastically, and the rules were amended regularly to keep the competition fair.
Some amusing entries causing change were a Forest of Trees, a spectacular costume over 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, a singer model who sang as he modeled, and a variety of other unusual creations.
Rules were changed to say: A) only two people allowed in an entry, B) the costume must be able to walk through a normal door and C) No singing, only musical background provided.
The 1960 G.I. Competition win was taken by Salt Lake Costumes, Salt Lake City, Utah. Cliff and Terry Allen won with the entry, “Mayan Costumes.”
In 1961, there doesn’t seem to be a record of categories, but there most likely was. There were five award winners, out of which came the Grand International winner. The Grand International winner went to Mr. & Mrs. Murl Daniels of Boston, Massachusetts for their “Chinese Couple.”
From 1962 through 1969, the costumes, the material, trims and the creativity were out of sight. A new Grand International trophy was presented in 1964 to Al & Helen Learman for their entry “The Wild Swans.” It is said that this costume won outstanding acclaim at the National Convention in Philadelphia. 1966, the Bal Masque winner went to “A Chinese Dragon Chinese Lady” created by Arizona Costume House, Phoenix, Arizona. This was one of the first entries to include a Mascot of this caliber.
The sixties competition appeared to expand to group entries. Four out of nine years, the Grand International winners were won by groups of 3 or more people. Making one costume to enter is hard enough, much less 4 or more. One entry involved 8 models, “Guinevere and Court Members” constructed by Esser Costume Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This wonderful creative competition continued into the 1970’s with even more elaborate entries. “Penelope the Ostrich,” created by Hooker-Howe Costume Company in Haverhill, Massachusetts won in 1970; “Aztec Rites” made by Arizona Costume Company in Phoenix, Arizona won in 1971, and Trosclair’s Costume Supplies in Marrero, Louisiana took the trophy in 1972 for “Indian Princess and the Attendant.”
1973 was a unique year in that Rubies Costume Company in Richmond Hill, NY, won for their entry, “Nicholas and Alexandra.” This company became the popular vendor Rubies Costume Co. that still exits under the name Ruby Slippers.
The Grand International winner in 1974 went to Masters Costumes in Youngstown, Ohio for their entry “Henry VIII and Wife”; “Queen Elizabeth” by The Costume Bazaar, New Haven, Connecticut took the prize in 1975; and “18th Century Couple” created by Pacific Costumes in Santa Anna, California won in 1976.
Colorful, glitzy, showy are only mild descriptions for the 1977 G.I. winner. “French Parisian,” created by Arizona Costume Company, stole the show for an over-the-top costume. The hat design was magnificent.
The late seventies, The Grand International winners showed uniqueness and intrigue. 1978 Maier’s Costumes of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania took the trophy for “Knight of Mirrors.” I would love a picture of this costume, to add to the album if anyone has one. And the seventies came to an end with a wonderful G.I. winner “Dapper Tufto from the Tales of Hoffman.” This beautiful entry came from Schenz Theatrical Supply, Cincinnati, Ohio. Again, a picture of this entry would be appreciated.
The National Costumers Association members supersede the creativity spectrum. It is amazing the talent and creative juices that existed in our association during this time. The Grand International entries continued to evolve as the 80’s and 90’s approached. The members’ ability to produce and develop original ideas, new techniques and unbelievable imagination took this wonderful competition to a new level. This growth of artistic pursuits made the competition more challenging and competitive.
Don’t miss the next chapter of this wonderful competition.
Past Presidents Dwayne Ibsen and Pamela Markel