Editor's Note: Past NCA Presidents Pam Markel and Dwayne Ibsen have been writing about the association's history. This year they are writing about the Creative Style Show, an event that took place at the annual convention. Click here to read the previous installment of this series.
There is no record in our history files that suggests the Creative Style Show took place in 1977 and 1978. We assume it did, because it was a new activity, however there were no pictures or article in The Costumer magazine for those years.
The Creative Style Shows of 1979 and 1980 National Convention, however, were written about and show that this creative tradition was a huge success.
In 1979, Mrs. Margaret Palmer was the Creative Style Show chairman. Eleven companies were sent the following materials:
2 yards of 54” red knot fabric
4 ½ yards of sequin trim
2 yards of yellow sheer
2 yards of 48” green sheer
2 yards of black Chenette fringe
From these supplies, the chosen companies created, designed and manufactured some wonderful costumes; a Sexy dance hall girl, Saga of the old west, Harem girl, 1920’s, Calypso, Arabian, Gypsy, Oriental, Space and Cuban dancer.
Most of the shops made a leotard or a form fitting dress, some long, some short and even shorter still, each using the selected fabric to drape, ruffle etc. to complete the finished product.
The 1980 Creative Style Show, chaired by Marge Olszewski of Mar Ray Costume Shop, had seven participating shops. Their surprise package of goodies included: 3 yards of ivory stain, 3 yards of brown and gold brocade, 1 yard of brown velvet 3 yards of gold and brown trim and 3 yards of lace.
Seven beautiful costumes were created by the following shops.
“Sheik with Turban, coat, and balloon pants” – Act 1 Costume Shop Madison WI
“12th Century Robe from Tibet with boot cover” Haunted Trails Trick Shop, Palas Hill, IL
“Maharaja with coat, pants and turban” Helene of Arkansas, Fort Smith, AK
“Period Dress with hoop” The Mad Hatter Costume Shop, Dayton, OH
“1920’s Dress, cocoon coat and Cloche Hat” Landes Costumes, Indianapolis, IN
“Robe and Tunic from Morocco with head dress” The Costume Shop, Butler, PA
“15th Century Mans tunic and hat” Mar Ray Costume Shop, McHenry, IL.
Marge Olszewski was quoted to say: "The thought occurred to me a few hours before the show…what if we all built the same costume? It is a fun project, and you may be called on next time, then you can show us all how creative you can be.”
If anyone participated in these years and has pictures of this creative event, would you please forward them to Pam Markel docmarkel@aol.com. I would love to complete these years with the photos.
Your Past Presidents,
Dwayne Ibsen, Pam Markel