I invariably get a couple of the same questions or comments every time I wear a costume in public or when I sew a
gown for a wedding.
At some point I became worried that I have answered these questions somewhat rudely, because to a costumer or a
seamstress my reasoning would be obvious, but that is hardly the case for someone who doesn't sew.
FAQ #1: Why don't you do this for a living? You could make a lot of money.
Easy answer, no I couldn't even make a living wage. This answer seems to be a huge shock to most people, yet it is
true. Most people have no idea the amount of time it takes to make an elaborate gown, especially one requiring
research, draping and pattern drafting. Not a single one of my full length gowns was made in less than 6 months.
Additionally, I wouldn't be able to sell any of my work for more than $800-$1800 per gown. That's a fair amount of
money, however if we are talking 6 months of work, that is a sweatshop wage. Most people just aren't willing to pay the
amount that custom gowns/costumes really cost.
Check out the Costumer's Guide article on this topic. Of course I have many other reasons, including no desire to deal
with the stress of demanding brides or land myself a lawsuit by reproducing movie costumes for profit.
FAQ #2: You should design costumes for movies.
If Lucasfilm or someone equally cool called me tomorrow I wouldn't say no. However, it's not something that would
happen in my wildest dreams for the following reasons. (If I were offered a job in say New Zealand I'd certainly be off
on the next plane, hint, hint).
1) My degree is in Archaeology, not Film, Theater, Fashion Design or any other related field. I've never had a single
credit of formal training in sewing or design.
2) I could name 100 people off the top of my head who are better at this than I am, and they aren't professionals
either.
3) Sewing is one of my many hobbies. I won't list them, but I generally keep busy.
FAQ #3: Why don't you sell your costumes? What do you do when they are worn out, retired, or no longer fit?
I don't sell my costumes for a couple reasons.
1) They are mine. I put a lot into my costumes and I can't part with them for any amount of money, unless it were a
life-or-death situation. I keep all the costumes, even if I no longer wear them for various reasons.
2) Again, I don't want to be sued. Movies costumes are copyrighted and I have no intention of inviting a cease and
desist order from so-and-so's attorney.
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