1995 GI winner Carnival in Venice
1995 GI winner Masque of the Red Death
1996 GI winner Prince of Auroa
1996 GI winner Princess of Auroa
1997 GI winner Dino-Saura-Saures Lib-A-Rex-A-Saures
1998 GI winner Shaman
1999 GI winner Dame Muerta
Editor's Note: This is the ninth in a series of articles about NCA's famous Grand International Award (and the related costume awards) written by Pam Markel and Dwayne Ibsen, past presidents. To read the previous article, click here.
From 1995 to 1999, NCA Conventions enjoyed huge attendance. From the large number of participating shops came creative, unusual, extravagant and flamboyant entries. The winning costumes listed and described below were lucky in their success because the competition was so strong that voting was a challenge. Each of these winners was well deserving of the Grand International Award.
In 1995 there were two shops presented the Grand International Award. “Carnival in Venice,” Costumes by Joyce in Suisun City, CA., and “Masque of the Red Death,” Spotlight Costumes in Pittsburgh, PA tied for this prestigious award.
The “Carnival of Venice” costumes were two magnificent entries, complete from top to bottom. These gorgeous period-correct outfits were trimmed in a sparkling gold trim, accompanied by hats adorned with feathers and matching trim and period masks ready to take to Carnival. I would have loved an in-person description of these masterpieces, but the history archives did not have one.
Spotlight Costume’s creation and design of “Masque of the Red Death” was spectacular beyond measure. This costume was designed for the Masquerade number in Phantom of the Opera, when the Phantom enters, wearing this in the middle of a crowded staircase. The detail of this entry was unbelievable with exquisite trim and beading. The layering of fabrics and textures came together for a stunning garment, worthy of a prince. The mask and staff, which were period correct, complemented the costume, making it sheer perfection for any character to wear. I can only imagine how hard it was to choose just one finalist. Both these costume entries well deserved the notability of Grand International Winner.
As if 1995 wasn’t spectacular enough, the 1996 GI winner was breathtaking, amazing and Wow! “Prince and Princess of Auroa,” designed and constructed by Features Costumes Inc., Tampa, FL were two huge, unbelievably detailed entries that had to mesmerize the audience as they entered the stage. I am not sure there was enough room on the stage to do these creations justice. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the historical archives that gives a description of the detail of each piece. These GI winners also won first place in the Memorial Judging Spectacular category.
Helen’s Pacific Costumes in Portland Oregon, took the 1997 GI award with her flamboyant entries “Dino-Saura-Saures & Lib-A Rex-A-Saures. These two delightful dinosaurs stole the Vegas limelight and the prestigious GI trophy. The vivid colors, materials, trims and accents totally made these adorable entries come alive. This entry also won the Robert Schultz Memorial Award for Outstanding Mascot/Animal Costume.
“Shaman” created by Costume Holiday House in Fremont, Ohio walked away with the highest honors of the NCA, 1998 Grand International Award. The Kerns family simply captured the fantasy, mystery and realism of what a shaman was. From the oversize, detailed head/mask to the body, shield and staff, everything about this costume helped you envision this entry as a medium between the visible world and the spirit world. Shaman’s spiritual energy definitely influenced the audience as it made its way on stage. This costume also won the Memorial award for Outstanding Masquerade costume.
As the 1990s ended, Spotlight Costumes, Pittsburgh, PA captured the GI vote with their spectacular entry “Dama Muerta.” This intriguing, beautiful, elegant costume was magnificent with its exquisite choices of materials and trims, its layering of material from the top to the bottom. The train held by the model complimented the body of the dress. The outstanding headpiece, designed and created by Spotlight’s staff, truly completed the costume’s intrigue and mystery.
Knowing Kim Brown and her staff, each of their entries always had a historical significance behind them. Dame Muerta in Spanish, translates to “dead lady.” Dame in Spanish refers to lady or woman, and Muerta refers to dead, therefore dead lady. In English, it translates to “give me death.”
Dame Muerta also won the Charles Van Riper Memorial Award for Outstanding Holiday Costume.
As you have read or hopefully experienced firsthand, the Grand International Award winners of 1990s were examples of costuming and creativity at their best. These magnificent winners were just a sampling of the membership of the NCA’s finest work. So many other entries that did not take first place were gorgeous, captivating and exquisite beyond comparison.
The late 1980s and 1990s were flawless, superb examples of the talent, ingenuity, and expertise of design and construction of this great organization, The National Costumers Association.
Pictures and comments relative to these entries are greatly appreciated. We would love and enhance the history of these wonderful events.
Your Past Presidents,
Dwyane Ibsen and Pamela Markel