Costumes and Chemistry: A Comprehensive Guide to Materials and Applications

by Sylvia Moss

Based on 14 years of research and experiment with plastics and various non-traditional materials, this book supplies information to designers and interpreters on specialized techniques for use in costumes for theatre, film and TV. Also included are charts detailing the effects of dry cleaning and laundering on adhesives, coatings, colourings and metallisers, allowing the designer to make appropriate choices for specific needs and longevity. This reference delivers many exciting new choices to designers and craftspeople, with the bonus of improved safety, maintenance, comfort for the wearer and visual effects for the audience. The author has worked and lectured in costume for many years; she was Professor of Costume Design at the University of California, Los Angeles; and her research has taken her throughout Europe and Asia..

Genres: Reference, Fashion

464 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my go-to reference guides for discovering new materials, and playing with new techniques. It is so inclusive; don't let the price tag put you off!

If you are even a casual costumer or cosplayer, pick it up and have this book on hand - I truly never do know when I need it, but when I get stumped (how to make something very lightweight that looks like leather but does not cause the actor to swear to death like faux leather or weigh them down like real stuff, for example) I crack it open, flip through, and find something I can try.

There are so many tabs if sticky notes with ideas written on them hanging out of my copy it's crazy. Believe me, you'll become addicted to experimenting with new ideas after flipping through this book a couple of times!

[Miyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

must book for anyone in theatrical costuming. advanced technical applications. Not for a novice. Incredible section on adhesives and plastics.
This is one of my bibles of costuming.