Where can I find, "costume pieces" from like old movies or plays?

Question

I know that they have to be somewhere, I am doing a production of "Anne of Green Gables, the sequel" and "It's a Wonderful Life" and we are looking for "killer" costumes... so heck why not try to find the "real thing" ...........I know the are out there somewhere, but where???

Answer 1

depends on where u r in the country, but in los angeles, Western Costume is the way to go, they have hundreds of thousands of costumes, many the authentic ones from the movies., I can only imagine New York has a similar operation going, try calling one of the larger theaters and speaking to their costume dept, even if they dont rent out stuff, they would know where to look.

Do the same for any regional theater in ur area, they might rent out, or know who does in ur area. after that, try any of the vintage clothing stores in ur area, call first and say what u r looking for, for anne of green gables stuff, try one of the cotillions in ur area, either look up or call a newspaper for the number of the charity involved, they would have a line on the old style dresses and mens suits ,

if u want old civil war uniforms, try one of the historical re enactment societies, teh south adn the norht is loaded with em, the closer u r to an actual battle site, the better odds u will have, if they r big enuf, they throw annual balls and the women wear the gowns u will be looking for as well.

Answer 2

Renting is best if you can affored it.

http://www.broadwaycostumes.com

http://www.thecostumer.com/cfwebstore/in...

http://www.costumeholidayhouse.com/theat...

Answer 3

   Answer # 1 offers a valid suggestion, but we have no idea of things such as where you are, your budget, the scope of the productions, etc.

   Certainly two very different productions, and again, not knowing at all if you have a wardrobe dept., or intend to RENT, certainly anyone of any validity can create costuming appropriate, which might be less pricey than renting, most especially related to a budget, and any means of storing costumes that may be altered in some future productions.

   Real Thing, related to authentic, can be assumed and duplicated, and I suspect that any audience member analyzing Exact, and comparing to any Original production, should probably find other ways to spend 2 hours and ticket dollars.

   Period Costumes are so often created from existing Stuff found in thrift shops, most especially for small venues/ companies/ budgets, and can appear as accurate to the period portrayed. beyond that "Real Thing" is impossible, or nearly so, unless you are able to acquire at a price, some Original costuming.

   More to the point is, THIS is a great challenge for a wardrobe dept. and props, dept.