When I started to perform magic for money, I knew that I’d need some costumes in order to justify my princely sum of $5.00. Now way back then, $5.00 was a lot. That would amount to more for a half hour of work than mowing two or three lawns for neighbours.
Costumes by Mom
My mom was pretty good at sewing and we went to a fabric store and bought some turquoise material and a shirt pattern. A week later, I was set. That shirt still hangs in my closet. Some things are hard to part with because of their sentimental value.
Wizard Costumes Aren’t Always a Good Thing
I remember at one outdoor corporate function, the theme was medieval. Through my agent, the company requested that I wear a merlin costume, while I interacted with small groups of adults. That was the last time I accepted a request like that. I was hot in the costume and it was difficult to access my regular pockets that were under the wizard robe.
Costume Colours
I’ve always loved colour and frequently I’d buy blazers that would pop on stage. In my hometown of Ottawa, they were difficult to find as it is a fairly conservative city with respect to men’s fashion. On a trip to Philadelphia, I came across a shop for men that catered to an Afro-American clientele. The suits they stocked were all these amazing colours. Behind the cash, were photos of acapella groups all decked out in suits purchased at the store. I bought a few suits there that I wore at colleges and university shows. They were amazing!
Custom-Made Costumes!
For my theatrical magic show, Disappearing Nightly, my pants were a 1940’s style. I’d bought an inexpensive pair at Le Chateau. That store was for young men and sold some great style clothing. I liked the design, but wanted pants that were a better quality. When I travelled to NYC, I went to the garment district and bought enough pin-stiped, British-made, suiting material. Back in Ottawa, my tailor crafted two pair of pants from that material, using the Le Chateau pants as a pattern. The tailor took a bit longer than anticipated, so he gave me a deal. The fabric cost more than the labour to make the pants.
The outfits I wear change over time. I’ll wear different costumes for children’s performances than I do for corporate functions. I love when I discover some new clothing that will work well for my shows. Costumes make me feel great when I’m performing and let the audience know that I respect their time, while they are watching my show. I look forward to new outfits that will pop up down the road!