Some of the most helpful costume links you find will be ones you find yourself, using the search engine of your choice. If you find something really good,
email me, will you? Happy hunting!
Image Sources
- Cosmo's Factory
http://www.cosmosfactory.org
This site doesn't specialize in photos, but it has a lot of them, grabbed directly from the movie. He takes requests.
For high-resolution photos from the Blu-Ray, check out: http://www.cosmosfactory.org/gallery/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Rocky_Horror/Hi-Res
For lower-resolution, smallish (but detail-oriented) grabs from the DVD, check out:
http://www.cosmosfactory.org/rocky_horror_images_mainview.shtml
- Rare RHPS Photo Site
http://nominex.com/rarerhps/archive.htm
The main page has disappeared, but the archive is still there. One of the best places on the Internet to look at rare Rocky stills. The variety and the quality here is astonishing.
- Celluloid Jam (at Livejournal)
http://www.livejournal.com/community/rhps_daily/
Photos from Larry Viezel's collection. When they were posted regularly, the particularly rare ones were posted on Mondays. Worth checking out.
- Cinema Collectors (no website)
1507 Wilcox Ave
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 461-6516
(323) 461-6519 (fax)
- Still Things
http://www.stillthings.com/Fantastique.html
Has an online catalog of stills you can buy (text descriptions only). Nice selection, and they will sell you wallet-size color photos so you don't have to pay full price to buy a photo only to discover you already have it. I was a little unimpressed at how long they took to send me photos last time, but I still order from them if I need photos from a specific scene.
- Jerry Ohlinger's Movie Materials Store
http://moviematerials.com/
No on-line catalog, though they will send you a text listing of Rocky photos if you send a self-addressed stamped envelope (ask for the Rocky Horror List, #37).
Suggestions on How to Make RHPS Costumes
- Student's Guide to RHPS Costumes http://www.angelfire.com/film/ickle/costumes/rhpscostumes.html
Making costumes on the cheap. Good suggestions for modifying items found in charity shops (and a large list of UK shops!), and suggestions for where to buy things in the UK. The Columbia instructions look helpful; Janet's are much less detailed but promising, and no one else is up yet. Well worth watching. The eBay watch on Xanga is outdated and limited to the UK, but might give you some ideas..
- Skeletons and Stuff (Ex-Deliveryboy.com Costume Help)
ex-deliveryboy.com is down and looks like it's staying that way. The folks at PlusSizeCostumeSuperCenter have replicated the site at http://www.plussizecostumesupercenter.com/csc_inc/html/static/articles/eddiecostume.html. Sadly, the pictures no oonger work but the text is still there. Thanks, Charles!
The site features Scott McDee's take on Eddie's costumes, based in large part (with permission) on the text from the Anal Retentive Costume List, but with additional photos and comments.
- ShawnAnthony.com Rocky Horror submenu http://shawnanthony.com/rocky.html
Also uses (with permission) the text from the Anal Retentive Costume List as a jumping-off point. Information on the Frank jacket is notably more complete than the text here; information also included for Eddie.
- Rocky Horror Costume Instructions by [Sugarsh0x] http://www.angelfire.com/nj/RHPSColumbia/index.html
This is a page on how to make quick and dirty Rocky Horror costumes. I won't vouch for its accuracy, but if you need a costume and you don't have time to do it the anal way, this should help. Hasn't been touched in years.
- RHPS Costume Ideas http://members.tripod.com/~ScabbyDoo/costumes
Another "quick and dirty" costume page. More fragmentary than the first one. Appears to be largely an archive, but has been up for years.
Forums To Talk About Making Rocky Costumes
- RHPS Costumes (LiveJournal)
http://www.livejournal.com/community/rhpscostumes/
People post stuff they're looking for, possible sources, etc. Probably the most-frequented RH costume forum today, and I've found it helpful. Makeup is often discussed too; if you want to discuss specific shades, please go here (they change too quickly for me to categorize them on the List). Several costumemakers frequent the group, and it's a good first place to go if you're looking for someone to make you a costume.
Cosplay forums can also be helpful; you may want to add them to any searches, though I don't have any particular recommendations.
- The Rocky Horror Costume Forum http://amadscientist.proboards104.com/index.cgi
Very little traffic these days. I've found the founder, Mark M's, comments on the rhpscostumes Livejournal group helpful.
- yahoogroup RHPSCostumesCostumersNFreaks finally went defunct.
General Costume Construction
- Coplay.com's Cosplay Tutorials
http://www.cosplay.com/forumdisplay.php?f=178
GodDAMN. Tutorial after tutorial on making costumes that look like what's on-screen, all aimed at regular people. Want to know how to dye a wig with Sharpie markers? These people know how. OK, most Rocky people aren't looking for tips on how to make animal feet or kimonos. But there is a wealth of knowledge here.
People Who Will Make Rocky Costumes For You
I really think it's more fun to make your own. (Don't know how to sew? Well, neither did the rest of us when we started. For ideas on how to find/cobble together/modify costumes, and finding the supplies to do it , please visit the Q&A page.) But some people really don't want to, don't have time, or would rather hire someone more skilled, and I got tired of getting email from them asking for a list of costumers. So here it is; if that's how you feel, you can contact one of these people. I haven't had dealings with all of them myself, but I have met most of them and personally seen examples of their work.
What About Those Commercial Costumes?
Fox announced in 1998 that they would be producing commercial RHPS costumes; in 2001 they finally did. I wouldn't recommend any of them except maybe the Riff wig (hard to find commercially; requires some skill to make one), or the Frank wig (not bad for a wig in a bag--they got the shape right at least). If you want accuracy, or durability, look elsewhere.
WARNING: the photos on the packages are not the same as the actual costumes (they were probably of higher-quality prototypes).
If you want an approximate audience costume out of the bag, these may be just what you need. Just expect to do a lot of maintenance as they were made very much on the cheap. Buying these is a lot less fun than hitting the thrifts and demonstrates a lot less creativity.
Rundown:
- The Frank wig and costume are the best-looking of the lot, but close up the Frank costume is flimsy, cheap and nasty. Fingerless gloves and corset are fronted with a plastic loopy scratchy material that looks okay if you don't get too close; backs are plain black. Gloves started to run immediately (they're not hemmed). Faux garter belt lace strip (attached to panties) looks good but started coming unstitched when I held it up.
- The Columbia costume, except for the hat, looks vaguely acceptable on. The hat looks like a floppy beach hat. You could wear a plastic glitter tophat from a party store underneath it...but that would probably look better all by itself.
Tube top: multicolored shiny stripes with gold foil dots printed over them (plain black back). Tiny red foil dot bowtie on white elastic. Pastel stripes printed on black stretchy shorts (yes, the picture shows sewed-on ribbons, but that's a prototype). Thin foildot shirt with tails. Rectangular black foildot lapels attached in some weird way which minimized number of seams. Unlined, of course.
The Columbia wig is an embarrassment: wrong color, too bushy. You can do much better at a wigshop without trying too hard.
- The Magenta dress is made out of velours-like material and the apron is attached to the dress. The shoulder straps are on the front of the dress only; they just stop at the shoulder-seams. Cap looks OK. Considering how easy it is to modify a dress, I don't understand buying this...but it beats buying an off-the-rack French maid dress. Magenta wig doesn't look good, but I've seen worse.
- The Riff costume looks horrible - it's a cheap polyester suit with attached vest and a shoulderpad (?) for the hump. The price is right for Riff's tailcoat (though the vest is attached--ick). Two poor-quality spats and gloves are included. It's really bad-looking. Really, just call around to tux shops after prom season's over. Tux shops carry vests and suspenders too. Or just buy a black jacket at a thrift store - it would look a lot better.
Tailors and Costumers
Costumers are listed here as a service to our readers, and the listing does not
constitute an endorsement.
If you have a problem with one of them, I probably can't help you.
Please remember that there may also be options in your area, and that if you can find someone local, you'll be able to try the costume on and check on its progress in person. Many people who are not listed here, for whatever reason, can be contacted through the rhpscostumes group on LiveJournal.
Be sure to ask for references and CHECK them. Sometimes once costumers become known for excellent work, they get lots of orders, get overwhelmed, and go down in flames or go out of the business. So ask around before you order.
If you are looking for recommendations, I suggest you check the LiveJournal group http://www.livejournal.com/community/rhpscostumes/. People there may be familiar with costumers I'm not, and at least one well-known RH costume shop has explicitly denied permission to be listed here.
If you do order a costume and there are details that matter to
you (number of pleats/eyelets; size of quilted spacesuit squares, etc.) please
discuss it with the costumer. (One of the advantages to making
your own is that you know exactly what you want without having to explain it.)
Also make sure the size information
you send the costumer is as exact and complete as possible. Even if it is, you may have to make some final alterations once the costume arrives. On my most recent commission, I asked that the costumer send me a muslin mockup to try on and modify before they started the real thing. We'll see if that helps.
I DO NOT recommend buying a costume from someone if you need it by a specific date, particularly around Halloween, when most Rocky costumers are swamped. If you're on deadline, you are probably better off doing the costume yourself. Please remember that you are ordering a custom piece of clothing; some of the 1970s era fabrics are no longer made; and that most Rocky costumers are other fans doing this in their spare time.
A warning: if you live in a different country than the costumer, you may have to pay import duty on the costume, and shipping may be pricey!
- UK COSTUMERS
- Kazelle 4711 ( http://kazelle4711.yolasite.com/online-store.php
When people order a full set of floor show boas, they usually get it from Kazelle. I've seen them (my cast ordered a set) and they are lovely. She also does Rocky Horror Show tour boas, or custom non-Rocky boas, but she's a Rocky fan and doing movie-style boas is where she got her start.
- US COSTUMERS
- Shawn Anthony (rhpscostumes@shawnanthony.com)
http://shawnanthony.com/rocky.html
As of October 2011, Shawn is back on hiatus and may not be back.
Shawn writes: "16 years of involvement in Rocky Horror. Have created costumes for fans and shadowcast performers across the United States and Britain. Trained and certified in stage costuming and theatre technology...Particular interest in Frank N. Furter and Eddie." Costume work won Best Frank at the 2005 Vegas con and Best Rocky at the Chicago 2006 con (field of two contestants). Photos; partial price list. Shawn notes that costume creation will take 4 to 6 weeks. We occasionally have some differences on costume shape but I must say some of his recent work is very nice indeed. He seems to be particularly well-known for his Frank shoes, and they do look very nice.
- Mina Smith seweccentric@yahoo.com
http://www.ColumbiasCloset.com
Even if you aren't interested in buying anything, check out Mina's site; she posts reference photos and useful information on how to make costumes, too, as well as a growing collection of patterns. (Disclaimer: I contributed to the lightning bolt pattern; I haven't used any of her others, though the spouse made a nice pair of Rocky shorts from a pattern she provided.) Her work on the site won her a BOSS award.
Mina does good-looking costumes for reasonable prices, and when I need something made, or someone asks for a recommendation, I usually send them to her. She's one of the few costumers left from the late 90s; she has a good eye, does her research, and is open to discussion. After getting overextended in the early 2000s, she issued refunds; spent some time doing only cast referrals and repeat customers; then moved on to eBay, where she garnered a feedback rating of 100%. In addition to doing Rocky costumes, Mina also does historical costumes, mostly Victorian era.
Mina is a Columbia and cast costume mistress and an active member of the rhpscostumes group on LiveJournal. She writes: "Mostly, I prefer working on Columbia commissions, but I do a fair bit of Janet and Magenta....The stuff I have finished for immediate sale will also be posted on my site - especially in advance of con and Halloween." She uses an embroidery machine to make patches for Frank and Brad jackets; we got a Triumph tiger patch from her and it looks great. She also makes nice vinyl lab masks (original light pink no longer available; I suggest you ask her not to cut them too large) and lightning bolt pins made of foam-backed vinyl; they look good but over time they delaminate and start to curl. She's looking into fiberglass now; that may do the trick. I've done bulk orders of lab masks/bolt pins for myself and casts I'm in. Mina also made a rather nice maid's dress for me with proper pleats from a pattern I'd cut (redoing the sleeves, which I'd screwed up).
General Costume Sources and Lists of Sources
Remember, you can find a lot of stuff looking around in the real world.
- eBay http://www.ebay.com
I hope I don't have to tell you to look on eBay. This is where people post their old costumes nowadays, and if you're looking for authentic 1970's crap, this is where most people go to find it.
If you can't find it on eBay, consider hitting alternate country eBay sites, such as http://www.ebay.co.uk/.
- Frederick's of Hollywood
http://fredericks.com
They won't have exact Rocky lingerie, but it's a good place to start. A good
source for cheap stockings (fishnet and otherwise), corsets, etc. Their satin
jacquard corset (cupless!) makes an excellent floorshow corset when worn
backwards; a lot of casts use them. Join their email list (if you don't mind lots of email); seems like they are always sending out sale notices.
Specific Costume Piece Sources
Note: I have not purchased these items myself unless indicated, and am not
associated with any of the merchants.
A word to the wise if you're purchasing lingerie on-line--shop around. You'll find that the majority of sites you visit are selling exactly the same thing from the distributor--after a while the photos will all look familiar. Prices vary wildly: why pay twice as much for the same thing?
- MISC
- Act One -Costumes, Etc.
When people recommend a general costume site, I'm skeptical. However, this one is really good. Includes mustaches (the "straight mustache" looks like a good bet for Dr. Scott), red suspenders, backseamed fishnet pantyhose, spats (strapless-both white and black for those of you who believe Riff has a black spat), paper wingtip collars, a fairly nice satin cape with standup collar (the Deluxe--you'd have to re-line it in silver), and black plastic German Soldier Helmets ($8!!). And the men's short shag wig looks like with a little trimming it might be a decent Rocky wig. Hmm. Definitely worth a look. Thanks to Dawn Henline for pointing this one out.
- Ardell LashTite - Non-latex eyelash glue
Ardell LashTite. I'm not providing a link; it's available at drugstores, or at drugstore.com if you must buy on-line. It's supposed to hold very securely, so care is recommended when removing your falsies! This used to claim to be the only latex-free eyelash adhesive, but Andrea now also makes a brush-on latex-free formula; I bought some at Walgreen's.
- STAGE AND PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
- MAC http://www.maccosmetics.com
Several people (in both Rocky Horror and punk makeup circles) recommended MAC eyeshadow. Their makeup includes a lot of pigment, and they don't change their colors very often, so once you find the perfect color, you'll be able to get more of it. Sold in some fancy department stores. Warning: the sample shades on-screen are not at all close to actual shades. Go look in person.
- BOSS (TEMPORARY) TATTOOS
- Deadly Sting Tattoos http://deadlystingtattoos.com
Created by an NYC Cast Frank. Very nice-looking; I've seen people perform in them and they look very nice. $4 for one plus shipping; cheaper by the tattoo as you buy more, and they state that bulk discounts are available. Apparently they'll stay on for days; impressive. Site features a side-by-side comparison with a Mick Rock photo.
- SHOES
Thanks to the Internet, whether platforms and chunky heels are in style or not has become blessedly irrelevant. When you're cruising megasites looking for shoes, keep in mind that color is often less important than the right shape. Color can be fixed (with paint or glued-on fabric). The wrong shape usually can't, unless you're very crafty indeed.
The majority of the "stripper shoes" (Frank and floorshow shoes qualify) nowadays are made by Ellie or by Pleaser (who also do the Funtasma line), which means you're basically shopping on price. In general, I find I'm happier with Ellie than with Pleaser, and I find that Pleaser sizes tend to run small. Your mileage may vary.
To get you started, here is a glossary of shoe terms. It's easier to find the shoes if you know how to describe them.
- Zappos.com Glossary of Shoe and Handbag Terms http://www.zappos.com/glossary.zhtml
This is starting to clog with non-shoe-related terms, but it has pictures, is very comprehensive, and has helpful pictures.
- Boxing Classics boxing boots http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/meangene/1/shoes.html
My husband Wally found this site and made it to the finals at the 25th Anniversary with these boots. We special ordered ours; they have since added gold or silver metallic boots as a standard option: the website says $74 a pair but when I called in May 2011 they quoted me $110, which is what they've told others. (Why haven't they updated the website? I don't know.) They also said it will take about 6 weeks. The gold is maybe just a little too shiny, but oh, they are beautiful and come highly recommended. The pair Wally ordered even had the correct number of eyelets and white laces. Yes, the tongue protrudes over the top of the boot like they are supposed to. And in addition, the Boxing Classics people were very friendly and helpful.
The pair we ordered came with black soles and black stitching, and a logo patch we had to remove (use a seam ripper). Wally painted over the sides of the soles with paint. Their site currently has a picture of a pair trimmed in gold with light soles, so they are probably now be available; I suggest you ask.
BEATLE BOOTS (For Riff)
These are available primarily from UK sources. If you're feeling lucky, they're available in various sizes on eBay, running $40-$100 a pair.
- Beatle Boots
http://www.beatleboots.co.uk/
The "Winkle Picker" is the closest match I've ever seen to Riff's boots. Sadly, the site is down, but you have other options.
I have seen them in person and they're beautiful. The dollar is low, so they're now most of $175 (L100) *plus* $30 (L16.50) shipping from the UK. Many thanks to Mina Smith for finding these!
- Underground England http://www.undergroundshoes.co.uk/
You want the Beat Boot (L66). L22 shipping to the US. Edward Marlowe says of his pair: "They are, as is traditional, a tight fit, both over the top of the foot and with the pointy toes, and the seams can rub a little on the top of the foot. I'm fine with my own size (didn't want to go too loose as they will stretch over time, and i love the look of em tight), but for anyone who has a very wide foot, it might be worth trying a size up."
- Pennangalan Dreams http://www.pennangalan.com/boots/FW245.php
Now available with Cuban heel! Their Chelsea Boots (FW49) are almost as good as the Beatle Boots, except they have a flat heel instead of the 2" Cuban. Heck, they even have a cruelty-free version in "vegetarian leather." (Or leopard print, or purple glitter, or...)
- Brit Gear http://www.element6.com/clients/britgear/boots.htm
If you just can't bear paying international shipping or can't hack the math, Brit Gear can sell you Beat Boots for about $140 or a Chelsea Black Shine for $180 (about what you'd pay from the UK). To order, you have to call the store.
OPEN-TOED PLATFORM SANDALS
In 2007, the "peep-toe" style came back, so there may be fine Frank shoes out there I don't know about. When I bought a pair of Frank shoes for one performance, I bought Ellie's 557-LEA shoes, which show too much toe and have an open back. If you get a pair, buy it in the "PU" (polyurethane) style for a non-shiny shoe. Snaz75 has better options. In 2011 someone discovered the "Miss Me Faris" sandal; it's clunkier than Frank's shoes but has the heel cup, a very good heel, and the correct type of ankle strap. Sadly, I've never seen it larger than a women's 10.
- Snaz75 http://www.snaz75.com/el-557-lea.html
People seem to have very good luck at Snaz (enormous selection; good prices), so look around. $24 or so and sized up to a 16. This site includes several shoes with a closed heel back, which isn't easy to find, such as the Dolly-37, which has good shape but requires both painting and removing an extra buckle. It's no longer at Snaz, but is still findable elsewhere (Google it). Shawn Anthony used the Dolly-37 and a previous Dolly model as the base for his widely-admired Frank shoes.
- DSW http://www.dsw.com/shoe/miss+me+faris+1+sandal?prodId=231528
Not sure how long this link will be good (DSW has sold out of Miss Me Faris), but it's such a good shoe that I'm including it. Finding the heel cup with correct type strap *and* the peep toe *and* a good heel shape is so rare. DSW charges $40. People have found these as cheap as $20; see what you can find.
TAP SHOES
Many tap shoes fasten with a ribbon tie instead of buckling; it's pretty, but it's not what Columbia wore. (OK, Columbia's shoes button. But I've never seen button tap shoes except in the UK.) Chunky heels are back, so I'm abandoning the Capezio 450 and 550 I used to recommend. Hooray for the Internet and copious photos! Expect to pay $20 or so for the taps. Current best recommendations are the Sansha Myrtha #CL51 (a character shoe, opening over the toes a little too pointy; the Capezio Lilina 455 (a character shoe; strap attachment shape not right) or the Bloch Showtapper S0323 (usually sold with taps, strap attachment shape not right).
A friend recently showed me a pair of squaredancing shoes, and if you don't want taps, these might be a good option...but the going price for new ones is about $60 a pair, so they may be even more expensive than tap shoes. Shop around.
This seems to be the portion of the site I have to update the most; most large store webpages run from a database, and they move the pages around a lot.
So with that said, here are some models of shoe that look reasonably good:
- The Myrtha #CL51. This is a character shoe, so if you want taps, you'll have to have them added. Used to be available for about $30; comes up mostly on sale sites now. The CL51L has a Velcro closure, which could be great for quick changes or terrible if the velcro catches on your stockings.
- The Capezio 455 - Lilina. $45. Available in Med or Wide. This is a character shoe, so if you want taps, you'll have to have them added.
- The Bloch Showtapper S0323, available with taps.
Here are some stores that I keep in my rotation. If you can't find what you're looking for, type the model information above into a search engine and see what you get.
HIGH HEELED PATENT PUMPS
Floor show shoes are pretty easy to find. I've selected the links below as sites that have a wide range of sizes and reasonable prices (around $30). Sadly, shoe sites tend to come and go, and styles change quickly, so if a link doesn't work, please
email me.
- BACKSEAMED STOCKINGS AND ACCESSORIES
Usually pretty easy to find locally, except for backseamed sheer stockings (Magenta) and backseamed fishnet stockings (Frank). (Why are these so hard to find without a lace top?!) If you're buying plain seamed stockings, you will usually end up with Leg Avenue unless you deliberately look for another brand. (After a while, you'll recognize the pictures.) Style 5026 is their regular style; style 1000Q is their Tall. They do mean Tall, not Queen--I love the length but the stockings are very tight and prone to run the first few times I wear them. Your other option is to get backseamed stockings with a Cuban heel--very elegant, but the top of the Cuban heel shows above my boots, so I don't get them.
My husband tells me that Leg Avenue seamed fishnets have changed (as of 2011): instead of a real-looking sewn-on seam, there's just a double row of darker cells up the back. If this bothers you, buy another brand.
- Yandy.com http://www.yandy.com/category.php?productSearch=seam (back-seamed sheer stockings, fishnets, etc.)
Offers a wider selection of brands than most other sites, including Elegant Moments and Dream Girl, which I think are a little nicer than Leg Avenue. Sadly, shipping is now free only on orders of $70 or more. Some of the stocking prices are insanely cheap. For some reason most of the fishnets are "industrial," which appears to mean "really large fishnet pattern."
- Glamour Boutique
http://www.glamourboutique.com/stockingshosiery.aspx (back-seamed sheer
stockings)
Available in extra tall (up to 6'2") and Queen.
- Admcity Lingerie http://fashion.admcity.com/index.shtml (back-seamed sheer stockings, garter belts, underwear, etc.)
I didn't want to include this site because it's just so darn massive. (They had more than two dozen pages of women's panties to choose from last time I visited, with about fifteen choices per page. My eyes glaze over.) Still, they have several choices for seamed sheer stockings, a few seamed fishnets (wrong tops, though) and occasionally some interesting garter belt choices (try a lace one for Frank). They do men's stuff, too. There's a search engine but their stock is so huge that descriptions are minimal. (They do corsets, bustiers, etc. as well.) If you want descriptions written by someone whose native tongue is English who knows their stock, look elsewhere.
- Feeling Lingerie http://www.feelingusa.com/lingerie_plus_size/plus_size_stockings.cfm (stockings of all sorts)
Includes plus-size backseamed plain stockings and backseamed fishnets in plus and regular sizes, among other things. They even have lycra plus-size fishnets (albeit with lace tops). Free shipping, and cheap!! I have been a satisifed customer since at least 2005.
- BACKSEAMED FISHNET PANTYHOSE (TIGHTS)
In the US, "tights" tend to be dancer's tights with Lycra; pantyhose tends to be 100% nylon. I've heard good things about dancer's fishnets with Lycra: it lasts longer and holds it shape better. I've only worn them once or twice as Trixie; they are nice. Capezio 3400 fishnet tights have a backseam and are 45% lycra (which is why they cost three times as much as regular fishnet pantyhose).
Solid sole for comfort (won't show unless people are looking at the bottom of your foot). Only available in S/M or M/L. Body Wrappers don't have the solid foot but are cheaper and come in L/XL for us larger folks. Tights with Lycra should run about $12-$16; regular fishnet pantyhose (no lycra), $5-$6.
WITH LYCRA:
WITHOUT LYCRA:
- 6-STRAP GARTER BELTS
- ROCKY SHORTS
An on-line search for "wrestling trunks" is your best bet. Sadly, the fashion for lamé wrestling trunks on lingerie sites at affordable prices appears to have passed. If you're a girl, try Googling "gold"+"boy shorts" or "gold"+"booty shorts" and you should have plenty of options.
- GLOVES
- Theatre House, Inc.http://www.theatrehouse.com/ (wrist-length silver lamé gloves)
Surprisingly difficult to find on-line; it's much easier to find elbow-length,
which are harder to stuff into your space gauntlets. They are "one size fits all" but they are darn small on me. Site also carries spandex lamé fabric, wigs, and some "laser spot" gloves that might work for Frank.
- Band Shoppe
http://www.bandshoppe.com/cgi-bin/DDA5AAF9/mac/template.mac/loadHtmlPage?htmlPage=/guard/accessories/GU912.html (sequined floorshow gauntlets)
They keep moving the page, so if you can't find it, go to "Guard Accessories" (a recent search for "sequin" turned up no results, but they're still there - don't panic!). You want the "finger loop gauntlet." The standard length is up-to-the-elbow.
To be more movie-exact, tell them you want them 3" above the elbow order (minimum
of 3 pairs for custom orders). The last time I ordered (July 2010) this added another $5 per pair. These are real
sequins, not foil dots (stretch sequin material; if you want a vermicelli pattern you'll have to make your own). I've been buying these since 1999, and they look pretty good. They do run a little small, and the shipping is pretty hefty (expect to pay $20 shipping for three or four pairs of gloves). You'll have to add your own pink feather trim.
- Lingerie Mart http://www.lingeriemart.com/products/Electric_Lingerie_Long_Fishnet_Gloves-791-0.html (fishnet gauntlets)
$6, minimum order 6 pairs and only available in multiples of 6 pairs (weird). Since other sites charge $15-$18 a pair, why not outfit a couple of your friends? Jenny D. notes that these do indeed have a seam, and are style number XTC818 (made by XTC Leather in NYC). Hers look great. Another site, not listed here because they charge too much, notes "elastic bands hold securely in place."
- Sock Dreams http://www.sockdreams.com/products/fishnet-arm-warmers?back=search
Fishnet "arm warmers" which fasten with a loop around the middle finger (not, sadly, strictly screen-accurate). Also sells intriguing 15" fingerless gloves. Wrong fabric for Frank, but worth looking into as a base for those who don't really sew.
- Playtex Gloves http://www.playtexproductsinc.com/gloves/index.asp
Every September/October, Playtex makes pink dishwashing gloves, at least in the US, where they're hard to find during the rest of the year. They're sized, so if you have trouble finding them big enough, order the Large if you can't find it in stores. These are Playtex Living gloves.
- DR. SCOTT LAP BLANKETS
Scott Labrecque, who won Best Dr. Scott at the 25th Anniversary, discovered that Dr. Scott's blanket is an Anderson Modern tartan. Be careful and do not order from a site that doesn't have pictures. Tartans may vary slightly; some sites offer a plain Anderson that looks fine; in my searches I found one Modern that wouldn't do.
Remember, Scottish tartan blankets are a luxury item; they aren't cheap.
- LAB COATS
- GREEN SURGICAL GOWNS
Veterinary Apparel Company http://www.veterinaryapparel.com/
The "Surgery Gown" (Model 106A) looks very good. This site used to show the gowns' front and back; it no longer does. At the time, anyway, the back also looked good. I saw one of these in person after someone ordered it; looked pretty good, though the ties were too wide and an odd color (yellow?). For some reason, every surgery gown I've ever seen is lighter than Tim's; you could try tea dyeing...
I ordered two in 2008; they were very helpful and the shipping was still the same as for one ($8). You get a coupon good for 10% off your next order, so pass it on to a friend.
- FABRICS AND TRIM
Don't forget to use your Yellow Pages or the Yellow
Pages of major cities near you as well as the Internet...many large
specialty fabric stores are not on-line, and if they are, the entire stock
is probably not listed. Please be careful buying fabric on-line...it's pretty easy to figure out what color you're getting, but texture is another matter entirely, particularly for non-specialty fabrics. If you can, request a swatch.
- Theatre House, Inc.http://www.theatrehouse.com/ See also Gloves. Site carries spandex lamé fabric and sequin trim, and sequin fabric by the yard, at least for now. For sequin fabric go to:
http://www.theatrehouse.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=THH&Product_Code=0888&Category_Code=FabSequin. Thanks to Sarah for the tip.
- JKM Ribbon and Trims http://www.jkmribbon.com/pmet.html
To find all the metallics, go to "Silver and Gold" and then look around. I used to recommend the Offray ribbons, but they look very odd here. You should be able to find Offray ribbon in the trim department in the fabric store. $2-$4 for 50 yards. You have to create an account to view the prices (boo, hiss). WARNING: minimum order is $25!
- Magic Makers Costumes Inc http://www.magicmakers.com/retail/fabric/stretchseqfabric.html
Stretch sequin fabric for $27 a yard. Only 18 inches wide; includes black, gold and pink.
- M and J Trimming http://www.mjtrim.com/
A truly amazing trim store from the NY garment district. Buttons, marabou, fringe, rhinestones and dome nailhead studs, ribbon, tassels, stretch sequin trim (hidden under "beaded trim")...pictures of everything, including all the colors, too. Huge selection; it may take you a while to find what you're looking for.
- Rhinestones.org http://www.rhinestones.org/
A fabulous site with rhinestones (duh) in crystal and plastic, rhinestone banding, nailheads, mountings, setters, as well as information on what all this stuff is and how to use it.
- Allstar Plastics http://www.allstarco.com/index.htm
Acrylic rhinestones, plain and shaped; nailheads; mountings. Probably not of interest unless you are going to buy a LOT; this is essentially a wholesale site. I'm including it as it has such an interesting selection. If you need a *lot* of rhinestones/mountings or are going in with a couple of friends (minimum order for most pieces is 200-1500 pieces), the per-piece price is dirt cheap. No minimum dollar order, but minimum shipping charges are $13.
- ReproDepot.com http://reprodepot.stores.yahoo.net/lchdgpk.html
Vudu Doll recommends this site for 1/2" pink gingham check. The site claims it's double gauze and the swatch shown looks almost like a seersucker; hopefully it would flatten on ironing. Vudu Doll purchased some and says is lays fine once it's interfaced, which you'd do with a collar, cuffs or belt anyway. Sold by the half-yard.
- Hancock Fabrics http://store.yahoo.com/hancockfabricstore/index.html
Their stock changes (as do off-line fabric stores), but people have found cheetah-print faux fur and lavender broadcloth here. Might be worth checking out. Please be careful buying fabric on-line...it's pretty easy to figure out what color you're getting, but texture is another matter entirely.
- Fashion Fabrics Club http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/home/index.cfm
Had several lilac/lavender fabric swatches that looked promising; might be worth checking out. Watch out for the shipping charges.
- Vogue Fabrics http://www.voguefabricsstore.com/home.php
A Chicago fabric chain. Lots of everything, and they specialize in corsetry, so you can find things here you won't otherwise. When I'm just shopping for fabric, I never seem to find what I'm looking for here, but maybe you will. If you're in Chicagoland, it's worth visiting in person; the place is huge. If you need to cover buttons for Janet or Magenta, they'll let you use the professional button-covering machine, which apparently works better than the do-it-yourself kits and a hammer.
- Broadway Fabrics http://www.broadwayfabrics.com/index.html (NOTE: website is essentially useless - you will need to call)
Larry Viezel sent us their address. They carry gold, red, black and multicolored sequined fabric. (No, it's not the exact correct fabric. Mina Smith bought some and writes: "it's $36/yd and stretches in one direction....There is red, pink, fuschia, green, lt. blue, dk. blue, silver, gold, yellow and black." If you meet a Columbia whose fabric is exact, she has either used 1" trim or she has bought some of the custom fabric listed on our main page. If you do find an off-the-rack source for the correct type by the yard, for heaven's sake,
tell the rest of us where!) Larry mentions he thinks he's seen Janet gingham there too.
Not very on-line savvy; they carry several grades of sequined fabric and were most unhelpful on the phone, so you may want to order swatches. Mention you saw them online and receive a 10% discount.
Broadway Fabrics
265 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 996-9393
- Daytona Trimming and Braid http://www.daytonatrim.com/web/
Never been there, but I've heard it recommended. Website reads: "Due to color distortion of web item photos, we don't sell items through the internet. You may order via phone (212-354-1713), e-mail : daytonatrim@verizon.net or at our store location - 251 West 39th St, NY, NY 10018 between 7th and 8th Avenue."
I've never been there. If you have, I'd love to hear about it.
- SEQUINED TAILCOATS
- Noel Costumier http://www.noelcostumier.net/1935TailCoat.htm
Custom tailcoats, lined. $325; last time I asked they noted that they do not keep sequined fabric in stock. They do custom period reproductions and should thus be open to giving exactly what you want (shawl collar, etc.).
- Frank Bee Costume http://www.frankbeecostume.com/laskseta.html
Sequined tailcoats with peak lapels and satin buttons, available in S, M, and L for slightly over $200. Minor modifications would be needed, but a darn close match for a darn good price. Google "sequin tailcoat" to find it several places at the same price. While the photo of the women's tailcoat appears to have squared-off tails, Rebecca Miller writes: "I ordered this exact tailcoat (from a different place, but the catalog picture was the same) and the women's model tails ARE swallowtail, not squared off. It is just like the men's model, only smaller." Men, you can order the men's model for $270. Thanks to Venus from Barely Legal for the link!
- Magic Makers http://www.magicmakers.com/internet%20jpg%20S/seqtailcoatchoices.html
7-10 days for a tailcoat; $295 women's (S,M,L) or $330 men's (S,M,L,XL). The shape is better on the women's style, but those desiring a larger coat might consider the men's model. Thanks to Mina for pointing this out.
- MOUSE EARS
- NAME (NAMEPLATE) NECKLACES
Through the 1990s, these could be found at Target or JC Penney. Those days are gone, at least in the US; apparently UK Janets can still buy the cheap costume jewelry version. US Janets can thank Carrie Bradshaw that we can still find these without springing for real gold: If you can afford $40, you can get a sterling silver necklace plated with gold that looks right. Depending on the price of gold, 14K ranges from $80 or $90 in 14K up to $140, so if you're going that route, shop around. Some Janets buy the wire version. They're cheap (about $25) but they look totally wrong to me.
- BRAD UNDERWEAR
You're looking for Jockey's "full rise brief" (sometimes referred to as the "classic brief"). I'm not including any links here since a brief search turned up 60+ sites that sell the darn things, and you can find them at most major department stores. Run about $6.50; $5.50 if you buy the three-pack.
- MOTORCYCLE PATCHES AND PINS
- The 59 Club http://www.the59club.org.uk/
Yep, they're still around, but their website isn't, last time I checked.. Membership good for one calendar year only; pay in British pounds, by international money order, or by credit card through Barry's Bike Badges (below).
Membership includes one '59' patch; additional patches £2.50.
- Hamburger Harry's BURGERWEB eBay Store http://stores.ebay.com/BURGERWEB
You want the Lapel Pins/Hat Pins/Badges section. Hamburger Harry carries a lot of older badges, which is what you want; several of the badges on Frank's leather jacket are no longer available (the current logos are slightly different shapes/colors/etc.).
- Barry's Bike Badges http://www.barrysbikebadges.com/
You can join the 59 Club ($40 for a year; includes one '59' patch; additional patches $8) through Barry's; it is the only way to do so if you want to pay by credit card.
Barry's also has a good selection of badges, but they are modern and less authentic (and don't always seem to match the description in their catalog).
- WIGS
I find shopping on-line for wigs very difficult. It's difficult to gauge length unless a human being is wearing them, and key word searches are nearly useless.
On the bright side, sometimes you'll luck into something, and there are now several good FAQ's up on how to care for your wig (such as Alternative Look.co.uk's Wig FAQ at http://www.alternativelook.co.uk/wig-faq.html).
- My Favorite Obsession: Liz Stockton's Rocky Horror Wigs (liz@sins.la)
http://www.rockywigs.com
(includes price list, photos)
The winner of the Magenta/Space division categories at the 25th anniversary was wearing wigs Liz made. I've liked the wigs I've seen of hers (the Frank wig is very nice and her Janet wig is also very popular), though I did meet one very unhappy purchaser of a "Rocky" wig. These are very reasonably priced, usually about what you'd pay for a street wig you'd then have to get styled. She's also added a guarantee that if you are not satisfied with one of her wigs, you can send it back and she'll exchange it and/or work on it until you are satisfied. I bought my last Magenta wig from her, which I modified only a little, further trimming the front. It gets compliments.
- Outfitter Wigs of Hollywood (http://www.outfitterswig.com/index.html
Don't expect too much of the website; it's basically an on-line business card with a small wig gallery, mostly featuring astonishing styles which require lots of hairspray.
6626 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-3088
(wide range of wigs; beautiful Bride of Frankenstein wigs)
If you live in a big city, you probably can find pretty good wigs locally.
However, good Space Magenta wigs are few and far between. This shop will make
you a Bride wig in any color you want (send them a swatch or specify a standard
wig color--you can get these at a wig shop) with separate white hair wavy stripes.
A Space Magenta wig is differently shaped than a standard Bride: send them some
photos and tell them you want it less tall and more spherical.
Outfitters did my Bride wig (which is still too tall, but gosh, it's beautiful)
and I will be eternally grateful. I found out about Outfitters from the Swiss
cast's Magenta, who got hers there too. It was about $120 (shipping is extra) and
was worth every cent. NOTE: if they tell you it will fit under an airplane
seat in a wig box, they are lying. Mine fits only if I cradle it in a shopping bag. You can always wear it on the plane (been there, done that).
- Make Believe Costume (http://www.makebelievecostume.com/detail/FO-55028/Rocky_Horror_Wig_Riff_Raff_Adult.html)
The official Rocky Horror Riff wig. A surprisingly good-looking, cheap Riff wig. They note it's special order.
- LINGERIE FINDINGS/CORSETRY ACCESSORIES
Farthingales Fabric by Mail Costume & Theatrical Supplies http://www.farthingales.on.ca/
Sells black lingerie findings, eyelets, grommets, push-up pads, corset laces...a great site. I made a garter belt with supplies I bought from them and was delighted with the merchandise and the service. Thanks to Jenny D. for finding them. Comparison shopping here is a bit inconvenient as prices are listed only on the price list, not with the items...you can't have everything.
Farthingales Midwest http://www.farthingalesla.com/
This used to be Farthingales' LA branch, but they've gotten out of the supply business, and all shopping is now done through Vogue Fabrics. Selection different and much smaller than the Canadian shop: notably the bones are significantly lighter. If you want to buy garter findings, forget it. On the bright side, Vogue is an excellent independent chain, and you don't have to pay international shipping.
- FEATHERS
- Lamplight Feather http://www.tonyhill.net/productCat43986.ctlg
We bought some coque feathers for a Frank floorshow headdress from them; very cheap; shipped quickly and the feathers look nice. Feathers are sold by type, size and color. They also sell marabou feather trim, which I'll consider next time I need it if the local stores no longer carry it, and chandelle feather trim (for floorshow gloves), in addition to the usual chandelle feather boas and other interesting items such as ostrich feather fans,
- Ostrich.com
Sells marabou boas of varying weights and colors, chandelle boas, and a lot of non-costume-related ostrich products. Custom dyeing available; they do a lot of burlesque work.
- MOSTLY EDDIE STUFF
- GERMAN HELMETS
- International Military Antiques Inc. http://www.ima-usa.com/p9.html (German steel helmet reproductions)
These are the M35 style and olive green (you'll have to paint them and add your own skull and bones). $80. Thanks to Edward Marlowe for the steer; originally the site had real M42s for $30.
- The HelmetSource.com http://www.motorcycle-helmets.ws/GermanHelmets.htm Available chromed!! Either street-legal ($80) or not legal for use as a motorcycle helmet, $40.
- SKELETON KEYCHAINS
- Stuff-O-Rama: Toys and Novelties
http://www.stuff-o-rama.com/toys.html
Articulated white skeleton keychain with jeweled eyes for a buck. Shawn Anthony notes: "The skeleton keychains are way too dark and not all have red eyes." He returned his for a refund. However, another Eddie, Edward Marlowe, ordered 10, special requested that they all have red eyes, and is quite happy with them. As a bonus, he notes their customer service is really helpful.
- IRON CROSS RINGS
- COMEDY/TRAGEDY SILVER RINGS
- SKULL & CROSSBONE PINS
