This is the world of Ursula’s, a haven for all things theatrical, a place where dreams of characters and costumes come true. Ursula’s is more than just a shop; it’s a community. It’s a place where actors, filmmakers, and artists gather to find inspiration, collaborate, and share their passion for the performing arts.
Her passion for fashion has led her to create a unique and diverse range of designs, catering to a wide array of clients. From the beginning, Boschet has been committed to quality and craftsmanship. She hand-stitched her first garment, a simple dress, and has continued to hand-stitch many of her creations.
There are still hundreds of handmade costumes in the back of the store, many designed and sewn by Boschet herself. The small, cramped section in the back used to be the rental department, but now, there are price tags on all the merchandise — everything is for sale. Boschet hopes to make it through one final Halloween. Although, as her website reads: “Every day is Halloween at Ursula’s Costumes.” Racks of costumes stretch from floor to ceiling, adorned with velvety Renaissance dresses, chain-and-leather glam rocker getups and everything in between. Maggie Shannon for NPR / Boschet flips through a lookbook full of her custom designs.
These are not just decorations; they are the faces of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. The restaurant, called “The Enchanted Garden,” is a beloved local institution in the animal kingdom of the city. It’s a place where families can gather, where children can be children, and where adults can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
She grows nostalgic as she flips through the pages of a lookbook, many of which feature old photos of Herman and Ursula dressed as Cleopatra and Marc Antony, Morticia Addams, and Herman’s favorite: Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. “We did everything you could think of,” she says. Maggie Shannon for NPR / Ghoulish masks of famous political figures, ornately beaded headpieces and props hang from the walls and ceiling. Customers can come in and share their ideas with Boschet, and she helps them bring that vision to life. Even when Herman would protest wearing a costume to a party, Ursula says she would lay one out for him, and when he’d return home from work, “he didn’t say a word.” He would put on the costume “and he would have the most fun,” she laughs. “Because costumes are fun! You can be whatever you want.”
A. The Rise of Online Costume Retailers
B.
* Boschet is a company that specializes in custom-made costumes. * Boschet faces fierce competition from online sellers. * Despite this competition, Boschet still enjoys a loyal customer base. * Actor Jamie Lee Curtis is a long-time customer of Boschet.
The shop, located in the heart of the city, was a beloved institution for decades. It was a haven for children and adults alike, offering a wide array of costumes for all occasions. From everyday wear to elaborate theatrical productions, Ursula’s Costumes had something for everyone. Ursula’s Costumes was more than just a shop; it was a community hub.
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