Friends,

I have a small query for the practitioners of the Bizarre. This question is in regards to the availability of costume elements.

Would any of my co-conspirators in the magical arts out there in the Wide World have favorite vintage, reproduction or custom-tailored clothing/costuming vendors that they would like to recommend?

For a long time I have wished to acquire a Victorian-style frock coat. My ventures into the electrographic aether (WWW) have revealed that most of the places I thought would carry said coat cater mainly to the ladies. I have found vintage items, but I believe these would be too fragile for active magical/sideshow wear (as well as being too costly).

Are there pattern vendors? Historical reenactment merchants? Tailors of seamstresses who take custom work?

I hope this is the most appropriate forum for this post. The F/X forum came to mind, but it is my belief that one of the august practitioners of Bizarre magic would be more likely to wear such snazzy togs. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Your friend,
HOODWINK

Period Impressions manufactures a huge selection of pattern reproductions.

I use several of their patterns (heavily modified) for my clothing.

You'd probably be interested in #703 - a Civilian Double Breasted Frock Coat.

The patterns are available from many suppliers so a search for +"Period Impressions" +patterns will yield many hits to choose from.

Hope that helps.

Mr. Libertine,

Many thanks for your timely suggestion! I have just now returned from perusing a variety of websites that resulted from a search based on your most excellent suggestion. If I haven't found the exact pattern I need, your suggestion has gotten me so very much closer.

With gratitude,
HOODWINK

Hoodwink-
Try these sites, they have Renaissance clothing and some Goth clothing. This may help.
http://www.renstore.com
http://www.moresca.com
http://www.renfaire.com

Happy Hunting!

Of course, as I WANT to think of their name, It escapes me!

At the local Science Fiction conventions, there is a woman who sells wonderful coats, well made, and they are quite popular with the Goth set. I do think she does some custom work and tailoring as well. (will get the name again in about two more weeks)

As for patterns, try
http://www.5rivers.org,
they have an online presence, and cover many periods.

Or try these folks for some reasearch
http://www.costumegallery.com/

I recommend Texas Body Hangings, who handmade my cape with exceptional style. But I don't know that they do frock coats.

Have I got a link for you, but the place is not cheap. There is a store in Toronto that depending on who you ask is supposed to be the best "goth and dark romantic" store on earth. It is called Siren, and here is the link. My best friend bought a beautiful black embroidered frock coat for his wedding there. They have some truly great and unique stuff. Check it out, even if you don't find what you went looking for, you'll probably find something else you want.

-Reg {*}

Wow Reg. Great store. I'd almost be afraid to go in person.

Mark

You can check out my site for other stores that deal in all things dark and evil.)

http://www.bizarremagick.com/shops.html

Search under "western costume" and "frock coat". You want a supplier to wild west reenactors. here are a few:

http://www.longago.com/victorian.html

http://www.leatherworks.com/frock_coat_18th_century.htm
http://www.hamiltondrygoods.com/FrockCoat.html

http://www.texasjacks.com/coats/frockcoat.htm

But for my money, the best frock coats are those made by Wahmaker:

http://www.adamleathers.com/coatjacbywah.html

In Kenton Knepper "Live In Lecture - MIME 1a", there are are few pages devoted to his personal Wizard Robe, including manufacturing details.

Back from Baycon, and the lovely Kristie was there with her velvet goth style frock coats, check the site at http://www.kristismart.com
lovely work, and she will do custom as well