Costume College 2019

American Duchess crew in 18th century attire - Friday night at Costume College 2019

Another year, another fabulous Costume College!

If you're unfamiliar with Costume College, it's a 5-day costuming convention in Woodland Hills, California, at the end of July each year. During the day there are all sorts of classes for historical dress and cosplay, and in the evenings there are social events. There's also a marketplace, costume display, and meetups. You can learn more about Costume College here.



This year the crew - Abby, Nicole, Chrissy, and myself - did a few group costumes. At the Thursday night pool party we all dressed as characters from the webtoon Lore Olympus (read it. do it now.), which involved a lot of body paint, wigs, and general chicanery.

Our group "Lore Olympus" cosplay - Chrissy as Persephone, Lauren as Hades, Abby as Hera, and Nicole as Hecate

On Friday, after classes, we all dressed in late 18th century attire (are these our everyday clothes now?) and did a book signing for "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty."

The #ADBeauty book sold out at the book signing on Friday night at Costume College! Whoo!

Saturday was GALA! The Time Traveler's Gala is always the high point of Costume College, everyone's chance to wear their best and boldest outfit of the year. Chrissy, Abby, and I represented the #GigotGirlGang in our utterly silly 1830s, and Nicole was resplendent in 1920s velvet and silk.

Lauren, Chrissy, and Abby rockin' the early 1830s at the gala on Saturday night.

Nicole slays in 1920s velvet and satin at the Costume College Gala, 2019

By Sunday we were all a bit fried (to be expected after a night of sleeve puffs, scooters, and shenanigans), and we had a nice low-key business lady's class, a few naps, and a final hurrah at the Trunk Show.

Abby, Lauren, and Cynthia of Redthreaded answering question at the costume business lady's panel on Sunday at Costume College.

All in all it was an epic event, as it is every year. We got a chance to see friends from all over and meet lots of new ones, and we're already looking forward to next year. I have some posts to do on our specific outfits coming up, but for now we hope you enjoy this short behind-the-scenes look at Costume College 2019. <3