For nearly half a century, Ursula Boschet has run a legendary costume shop in Los Angeles. Enter its doors, and ghoulish masks of past presidents stare down at you from above a wall of wacky, colorful wigs. An impressive collection of stick-on mutton chops, mustaches and goatees — all made of real human hair — is neatly arranged underneath a glass counter. Signed headshots of Hollywood stars decorate the walls, a who’s who of the shop’s famous clientele. Now, the shop will close its doors for good. “It’s not like it used to be,” says Boschet, the 90-year-old owner and costume designer. Fewer customers come in to see the costumes in person, she says, because of online shopping. And she says rent and the cost of employees is too high for her to afford. Plus, she’s ready to retire — “I can’t wait ‘til I’m 100!” she jokes.
She also worked with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn. Her designs were often featured in magazines and newspapers. Ursula Boschet’s journey in the world of fashion began at a young age.
Boschet, a dedicated costume maker, has been crafting handmade costumes for years. Her passion for creating unique and intricate designs has led her to accumulate a vast collection of costumes in her store. Despite the challenges she faces, Boschet remains determined to see her business through one more Halloween season. Boschet’s journey began with a simple love for costume making. She started by creating costumes for her own children and quickly realized her talent for designing and sewing. Her creations were not only visually appealing but also comfortable and functional.
Kate Beckinsale, Victoria Tennant, and Steve Martin are among the celebrities who have visited Boschet’s store. Boschet’s reputation in Hollywood was so strong that she was offered roles as an extra in several films. Kate Beckinsale, a renowned actress, has been spotted at Boschet’s store, a popular destination among Hollywood’s elite.
Herman and Ursula Boschet, known for their iconic roles as Cleopatra and Marc Antony, have taken their passion for theater into the realm of customer service at a unique establishment. Here, they serve as the creative consultants, helping patrons transform their imaginative concepts into tangible reality. This innovative approach to customer engagement has garnered attention and admiration, as it combines the art of performance with the practicality of product design.
Ruby’s passion for cosplaying led her to create a YouTube channel, where she shares her experiences and tips. Ruby’s channel has gained significant popularity, attracting a large audience interested in cosplay.
The shop, which has been a staple in the Los Angeles fashion scene, has been a go-to destination for costume designers and enthusiasts alike. The owner, who has been running the business for decades, expresses her sadness over the closure, emphasizing the loss of a creative space that has been a part of the community for generations.
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