CMU School of Drama


Friday, September 23, 2022

Houndstooth Costume Collective

Buffalo Rising: Buffalo is becoming more and more of a city where collaborations are key. We’ve seen it in all sorts of industries, with the emergence of collectives and cooperatives. One industry that needed to come together as a collective was that of theatrical costuming.

6 comments:

Sukie Wang said...

It is exciting how the costume designers get a space where they can collaborate and talk about their ideas. This spacious shared space gives designers enough place to work and the machine and tools there also help them to create what they have in mind. In addition, it is really nice in how there is a reception area where designers can talk about their designs and products with their clients there. Being a designer myself, I do think how this space is designed into. It is convenient for designers to work together and communicate with their clients. The amount of area that is shared including the tools and machines that they can use together. Especially the dog playpen underground where they can bring their animals with them to the workshop so when designers won’t be worried about their animals at home. The design of HCC is truly dreamy where no one need to leave the place.

Hadley said...

The Houndstooth Costume Collective sounds like my absolute dream. The way that the article described the space sounded like a costume candy land. Plenty of space, every tool or supply or machine you could ever need, and to top it off a dog play pen?! That is a place that I would never leave ever. I love the idea of giving designers and creators a place to have a space to work, but also a community to work in. If costume space is really as limited in the city as the article says it is then I have no doubt that this collective is an absolute dream to the costume community. Being able to have a second set of eyes on something, or to ask a question if you're not familiar with a particular skill or tool is an absolutely invaluable experience in any creative process. It will no doubt bring together all kinds of costumers and build an amazing community. On top of that the fact that Houndstooth went beyond just sewing into hair and makeup, etc. is amazing. This would give the designers the ability to see the full look on a person instead of just a piece. Not to mention that with the dressing rooms they can do it all right there. I want to go here so bad but if it did, I would never leave!

Jackson Underwood said...

This story was really fun to read. As a costume designer, I really dream about this kind of stuff. One fear I have is that after I graduate from college, I won't have as many people to collaborate with and will have to be independent as far as designing and creating. Having this space where costumers can come together, work together, and help each other sounds like such an amazing experience for everyone who goes. Additionally, I think it would create a stronger community between costumers in the area. All of the amenities make Houndstooth Costume Collective a perfect space for those in the world of theatre and entertainment because of the busy schedule that comes with that career. Having a kitchen, daycare, and supplies all in the building is again, something from a dream. I really hope more places like this start popping up around the country because I'd love to be a part of one someday.

Rayya Gracy said...

This article portrays such a beautiful depiction of the collaboration and various components that go into the art of sewing. Especially for that of theatrical costumes! I can picture the amount of innovative and outstanding work that comes through this work room on a daily basis. Being able to surrounded yourself with individuals who are passionate about their craft and can provide various insights on your work is truly a special experience. It is so vitally important to understand/comprehend everyone's role when in the process of creating. It creates a grander bond between you and your peers and aids in the overall collaboration process. I love how each area, seamstresses to tailors, have their own space to conduct their work. I also love how they make their area feel as if it is a shared home and accommodate for the necessities in which the costumers need, that way they can work consistently.

Sydney de Haan said...

I think that this is a great thing to have around the hounds tooth costume collective really feels like a community built for people working on costumes. I think that we need more things like this back in Georgia I remember working for some theaters and they genuinely would take us all to somebody’s apartment and we would all just sit around sewing in this super small Atlanta apartment But if we had a place like this we could’ve gone to the work would have felt less daunting and honestly would’ve made it more enjoyable. The idea of that collaborative work environment is just so comforting because not only are you working people on your team but you’re surrounded by others who have a like-minded interest and who you can ask questions to get a other opinions on topics. I really hope to see more places like this start popping up not only for costumes but other parts of theater would be amazing.

Danielle B. said...

A costume collective is a wonderful idea! I think the opportunity for collaboration and employment of costuming folks is expanded and capitalized in this endeavor. I hope the work they do continues to strengthen the organization and their ties to the local community. Often theaters try to create in a bubble and do not collaborate with “competitors” but I feel theatres could make such a bigger impact if they worked together more. While this endeavor does not do that, it is a starting point as more companies will cross each other’s paths just by their collaboration with the collective. I also like that it has a goal of providing what people need to be successful at their costuming jobs including pet care and a place for children to play.