Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ costume storage tips

[zhulien]

Hi All,

I'm pretty new to this, but have a few interesting (to me at least) costumes and was wondering if anyone has any storage tips. What's the best way to store costumes from a space point of view and preservation point of view? Are custom made frames worth having made for costumes? or are some types of manequins better than frames? how are they best shown off?

thanks, Julian
http://www.yourprops.com/view_items.php?user_name=zhulien

[Mrmovieprop]

To be honest those with few items often just keep them on mannequins. Most higher end collectors with lots of wardrobe items can't have 100 mannequins around their house so boxes or on hanger is often whats done. Unique items like scifi costumes often can't be displayed without mannequins so its boxes or mannequins for them.
For display you can get the hanger forms that help show off an item a bit better or full manequins

Generally your options are

boxes

on hangers

on Forms or half mannequin busts displayed on table or hanging from ceiling or from hangers

Framed which only really works for shirts or pants not whole outfits

I got 4 mannequins a while back it is better from a display vantage point but costly and you can't display everyting on a mannequin if you have lots of things. Collecting screen used items often means you get few chances to get a certain item as such things come for sale not so often so $100 spent on a mannequin is less you can spend on props. I believe more than a few screen used collectors have this mind set.

Typically every high end screen used collector I have dealt with has had their screen used weapons loose and never in frames or cases. However replica collectors have everything nicely framed. This is about how it is with wardrobe unless someone has a high end item they really want to display. I kind of quit doing the wardrobe collecting things because things are so hard to display just sits in a box. A small prop gun can be set in a shelf so one can at least see it.

[Mrmovieprop]

I might try to tell you more about the bendable wire frame mannequin forms and other such things with links when I find time also. I did a bit of checking on cheap ways to display wardrobe a while back myself.

[zhulien]

if in a box, is it best in a plastic bag within the box? (which is how I presently have them). I was affraid moths or other insects might otherwise eat them...

[LeadingMenCollection]

If you are short on floor space and want to invest more in wardrobe and props than in displays, a great way to have a wall full of your favorites is to hang them on a wall on a half-mannequin form. You may want to lightly stuff the legs of long pants with tissue so they don't droop.


The advantages to these are: they are very easy to dress and change; size is less important as clothes can be gently pinned behind; they are very inexpensive; they make great wall art; they now come in white, black and flesh colors; they store inside each other when not in use; they add dimension and life to your displays.


Right now there are several people who carry them on eBay. I was very, very happy with my eBay seller who offers 5 of these for about $55 delivered! The ebay store was called the Competitive Store. If there is a combination of colors or ages/genders you do not see, you just send him a message and he will create a listing for you to buy. There are also plenty of other styles and vendors out there.

I love mine. Simple. Good looking. Lightweight. And Cheap!

Just keep your costumes away from direct sunlight and gently vacuum them from time to time.

[Watchmaker]

good tips.
Recessions weed out the weak businesses.
You need to work hard and plan for the future. You need to be better than everyone else and offer the best value to your customers. In other words, it's a lot of HARD WORK

[crestiksa]

I am always working on lists. Lol and they are often changing. I want to do an x-wing pilot by May. I also want to do one for MS. I have some other stuff to do for MS too. I also am starting to plan my costume for the Ball.