Costume College 2018 – The Big Post!

I shared pictures of my own costume line-up in my previous post, so here are some of the many clever, beautiful, and wonderful costumes I saw at Costume College this year! (For those of you that don’t know, CoCo is a 4-day costuming conference filled with classes of all types for various skill levels, with social events in the evening. It takes place in a hotel in Woodland Hills, California). There were 650 attendees, so this is only a small fraction of what I saw.

THURSDAY

The first day (evening) of CoCo kicks of with picking up our registration packets, then heading to the pool party.  I’m afraid the lighting around the pool is not conducive to photos, but the quality of my pictures does improve over the weekend. =) This year’s theme was “In the Realm of the Goblin King.” Here I am with Gloria as the DC Bombshells Catwoman.

I was amazed by the details in these Prince Nuada and Princess Nuala costumes from “Hellboy: The Golden Army.”

I loved this rendition of the Paper Bag Princess by Carolyn. 

Terri as a mouse from Cinderella was absolutely adorable!

Tanya wore a lovely monarch butterfly ensemble.

This Medusa with the light-up eyes was amazing!

The rest of my Thursday night photos are on this Flickr album.

FRIDAY DAYTIME

The ever-lovely Merja in her 18th century!

Amanda was sporting a pretty ensemble, complete with a Burnley and Trowbridge handkerchief. 

Rebecca was perfect in 1890s.

I spotted Mena in vintage and Gina in sailor!

Nicole, Lauren, and Natalie were having a great time! (I have a series of not-so-serious photos of these ladies).

Sherry looked so relaxed in her tropical outfit. I adored her necklace.

And our brave adventurers! (Photo by Gloria of In the Long Run).

FRIDAY EVENING

The Friday night social brought out a lot of fancy outfits!

Here’s Abby looking sassy.

Vanessa looked so regal.

Jez did an amazing Gamagori cosplay!

Ginger had a beautiful Regency ensemble with a diadem.

Jennifer did one of those crazy English regency court gowns!

A showstopper from Emily.

Breanna hand-painted this gown to recreate the famous Schiaparelli lobster dress!

I finally got to see Adria’s Her Universe fashion show entry “Rebellion Reborn” as well! Definitely check out her Instagram for better pictures of this amazing beaded and feathered ensemble!

Kelsey is always a vision in pastels.

Elizabeth’s Crimson Peak dress had so many beautiful details!

And Adrienne was appropriately creepy as well, with her hand-formed leaf details.

I have a detailed breakdown of my Crimson Peak costume for a future post.

The rest of my Friday photos are in this Flickr album.

SATURDAY DAYTIME

I didn’t take a lot of Saturday daytime photos because I was busy with classes and my Maid Brigade meet up (photos by Gloria of In the Long Run).

Since we have been called each other’s names repeatedly throughout the years at CoCo and other costume events on both the West and East coasts, for your reference from left to right, with links to our Instagram and blog names: Vivien of Fresh Frippery, Christine of Sewstine, A.J. of Confused Kitty, Ashley of Evil Sewing, Adrienne of Wax Sealed Costumes, and Gloria of In the Long Run.

SATURDAY EVENING

The theme was “Royals” so there were plenty of people pulling out all the stops! (Please keep in mind not everyone attends the gala, and plenty of people dress casually and watch the red carpet as paparazzi, and the royals theme encouraged over-the-top costumes. These outfits are not representative of everyone or every year, so don’t think you have to “costume at a certain level” to attend Costume College!)

First up, my friend Kelsey in her amazing Queen Amidala! She spent so much time on all these details, hand-beading her gown!

Natalie’s court presentation gown was absolutely gorgeous.

Lauren and Emily had fun with the bourdaloue.

Karen’s Alien Queen was so creative and wonderful.

Katherine’s 1920s Cersei was lovely!

Aimee’s Grandmaster was a hoot.

There were some amazing queens.

Stephanie, Jessie, and Kim made a beautiful trio.

I loved Maria’s Mayan wedding ensemble and her detailed explanation of it!

Check out all the details of Twila’s 1924 Viola Dana costume!

Beth looked gorgeous!

Behold some impressive royalty from Atlantis!

The Homemade Historian and Seamingly Vintage were 1950s beauties!

Ashley’s dress reminded me of candy!

The rest of my Saturday photos are in this Flickr album.

SUNDAY

The last day of CoCo started out with a line to get into the bargain basement! It’s a can’t-miss for me each year; I always find something interesting to take home and the proceeds from the donated items go to the Costume College scholarship fund.

I skipped the tea this year but there were many delightfully dressed attendees. I thought Val’s chess costume was very clever.

Tanya’s dragonfly suit and clever lilypad fascinator made up a chic ensemble.

There were some ladies who decided to do a “Dress of Wrong” theme, using non-historically correct fabrics to make a historically correct silhouette. These 18th century outfits by Gretchen (Strawberry Shortcake) and by Taylor (Beauty and the Beast) were part of this group.

Some people opted for stylish comfort during Sunday. Kelsey sported a glamorous vintage PJ ensemble.

Natalie’s robe volante was a big fluffy pink sack of silk!

The rest of my Sunday photos are in this Flickr album.

Thanks for reading; that was a lot of photos! I’m looking forward to the fabulous fun of next year!

If you are interested in attending Costume College next year, take a look at their website. You can also ask questions on the Facebook forum. The classes change every year and will be announced later. Don’t worry about being “good enough.” Many people do not dress up for the classes and not everyone attends the evening costume socials. There are attendees of every skill level and interests vary from cosplay to historical costume to vintage to steampunk! Come join us and have a wonderful time!