THE GRAND INTERNATIONAL: The Twenty-first Century

Editor's Note: This is the 14h 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.

      The Golden Age of The National Costumers Association Convention was coming to a close. By 2010 the national conventions were stopped due to lack of interest and membership decline. The membership was declining and interest in building elaborate costumes were a thing of the past.

     But the Twentieth century of the NCA convention went out with a bang, with spectacular and amazing entries in the Grand International Showcase. The years 2005 -2010 were greeted with larger-than-life costume entries with more details and creativity than ever before.

     The Grand International Winner for 2005 was the unbelievable entry “The Carousel and the Brass Ring,” created by Enchanted Attic of California. This spectacular entry, although never weighed, was estimated to be 35-40 pounds and stood over 12 feet high. The inspiration for this magnificent entry was from a local fundraiser called the Headdress Ball. The theme for this creative costume was “Thanks for the Memories.” The staff at Enchanted Attic chose the image of the carousel to transport the audience back to a simpler place and time when a ride of the Merry-go-round brought joy to young and old alike, especially if they were lucky enough to catch a brass ring and get a free turn. This Grand International entry also captured other memorial awards. Please click here to read the entire article about this costume’s construction.

     Magic Makers Costumes of Huntington, West Virginia, ran away with the Grand International Showcase in 2006. Ken Fox and Ken Epperly took the NCA to worlds away with their entry “The Tableau of Tutankhamun.” The original designers were artisans of ancient Egypt of 3000 years ago. Ken said, “We merely replicated the costumes from the scene from King Tut’s golden throne. We created a tableau or living picture with our costumes on the showcase stage.” The designer for their costumes was Paul Contin of New York City, who at the time was living in West Virginia. Paul designed and constructed the Egyptian headpieces, collars and sashes. Ken and Ken created the rest of the costumes, assembling the pieces and props to make the throne scene historically correct. Ken Fox with his love for all things Egyptian, and his love for history, was inspired to create this entry by a gift that arrived from Past President Kim Brown. It was an Egyptian book, with Tut’s throne scene on the cover. This special book had been the property of Kim Brown’s partner, Annie Oates, who had recently passed away. Ken and Ken took this as an omen from Anne and the Egyptian Gods to construct these costumes. The Tableau of Tutankhamun also won the Helen Aune Memorial Award for outstanding Spectacular Costume. Please click here to read the complete article in the Costumer regarding this spectacular entry.

     The Enchanted Attic, of California stole the 2007 Grand International Showcase with its creation entitled “The Fairie of the Forest and Wizard of the Wood.” The staff of this shop felt this entry gave them the opportunity to be very creative and explore many different types of unusual media not found in traditional costuming. Choosing a unique color palette began with a tangerine lace embroidered fabric purchased in downtown Los Angeles. The real joy was the challenge of finding just the right coordinating fabrics, trims, materials and jewels. Yarn used as trim, iridescent silk foliage, metallic two-tone leaves, gold tear drop jewels, and a beaded leaf motif were just some of the treasures used. The staff of Enchanted Attic were always creating elaborate costumes for Halloween costume contests, charity fund raisers and the Mayor’s Ball. These costumes would go on to be used for theatrical productions, big bash parties and even Hollywood events. Please click here to read the entire article that appeared in the Costumer magazine describing this glorious entry.

      The 2008 winner was “Illusions of the French Court,” created by Ibsen Costume Gallery in Omaha, Nebraska. These magnificent costumes were created for a drag couple who were the Grand Marshalls of an annual parade in Key West, Florida. A throwback to the Court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the costumes featured original authentic lines and construction. The tall wig was built over a buckram foundation and incorporated both human and synthetic hair. It was worn like a hat.

     The staff at Ibsen Costume Gallery were pleased to have the interest generated by this entry, modeled by the actual couple.

     The Showcase of 2009 was truly a magical starry night of competition. The winner this year was a spectacular costume entitled “Faust,” created by Spotlight Costumes of Pittsburgh, PA. This breathtaking costume was designed by Floyd Nash and modeled by Ron Thompson. It not only won the Grand International Showcase competition but also the C. Arthur Landes & Joseph R. Landes Memorial Award for Outstanding Theatre Costume and the Willaim Zauder Memorial Award for Outstanding Make-up.

     The last hurrah of the glorious NCA’s Grand International Showcase occurred in 2010. It was a fabulous showcase with 15 beautiful entries that made it very difficult to choose the best one. There were no categories in 2010 for the Grand International Showcase competition. The members were simply asked to vote for their choice of 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The 2010 Grand International Showcase trophy was awarded to Starline Costume in San Antonio Texas for “The Whale and the Mermaid.” Barbara Moore was considered the grand champion of mascots, winning many GI showcase awards for her creations.

     The membership of the National Costumers Association in 2010 saw an end to this grand era of competitive costuming. As the membership began to shrink and fewer shops were sewing and creating, some of the beloved creative competitions of the NCA had to go. Dwayne and I were happy to have witnessed the growth and progression of the Showcase Competition over the years. It is inspiring to look back and become thrilled by what is possible and can still be done. It was truly a time to be remembered.

     We hope you have enjoyed this journey through the Grand International Showcase competition and the fabulous entries and creations by your membership.

Your Past Presidents,

Dwayne Ibsen and Pam Markel