The Art of Costume Podcast

We are feeling thirty, flirty, and thriving on The Art of Costume Podcast! In this week's episode, Spencer and Elizabeth revisit the beloved rom-com 13 Going on 30.

Join our hosts as they celebrate the unforgettable costumes designed by Susie DeSanto, from Jenna Rink's iconic Versace-inspired "Thriller" dress to the colorful, trendsetting fashions that perfectly capture the spirit of the early 2000s. Along the way, they revisit the ultimate '80s birthday party, relive some of the film's sweetest romantic moments, and discuss why 13 Going on 30 continues to charm audiences more than two decades later.

So grab your favorite fruity drink, a pack of Razzles, and join us for a conversation that's equal parts nostalgia, fashion, and appreciation for one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 2000s.

In this episode of The Costume House with Spencer Williams, we step beyond the screen and into the pages of Bending the Rules: Fashion Beyond the Binary with celebrated costume designer Camille Benda and illustrator, fashion historian, and culture specialist Gwyn Conaway.
Together, Spencer, Camille, and Gwyn explore the fascinating relationship between fashion, identity, and self-expression across cultures and throughout history. Drawing from the book's rich collection of essays, interviews, and visual storytelling, the conversation examines how clothing has long challenged conventions, reflected cultural change, and expanded our understanding of gender through dress.
Along the way, they discuss unforgettable examples from film and costume design, including Sally Potter's Orlando and the Academy Award-winning costumes of Sandy Powell, the futuristic world of The Fifth Element, and the enduring style of Grease through the work of legendary costume designer Albert Wolsky. Thoughtful, insightful, and endlessly fascinating, this conversation celebrates fashion as one of our most powerful forms of storytelling.

Hellooooo! This week on The Art of Costume Podcast, Spencer and Elizabeth are paying a visit to one of the most beloved family comedies of all time, Mrs. Doubtfire.
From Daniel Hillard's whirlwind transformations into the unforgettable Mrs. Doubtfire to the film's lightning-fast costume changes designed by Marit Allen, flawless prosthetics, and one of the most stressful dinner scenes ever put to film, this episode explores how costume became the heart of one man's extraordinary plan to stay close to his family.
So grab a cup of tea, mind the cream, and join us for a conversation that's equal parts comedy, chaos, and heartfelt appreciation for one of cinema's greatest transformations.

As we count down to San Diego Comic-Con, there's no better time to celebrate the incredible creativity of cosplay. In this episode of The Costume House with Spencer Williams, Spencer is joined by Ana Crimmel, winner of the 2026 WonderCon Masquerade Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship.

Together, they discuss Ana's award-winning Scarlet Witch: Hellfire Gala cosplay, the months of research, design, and craftsmanship that brought the look to life, and the unforgettable moment they were announced as this year's recipient of one of cosplay's highest honors. They also reflect on Ana's journey into cosplay, the joy of creating costumes by hand, and what it means to share that work with a community that celebrates creativity in all its forms.

Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or thinking about attending your very first convention, Ana offers thoughtful advice for aspiring creators looking to take the leap, enter a masquerade competition, or simply begin building the costume of their dreams.

It's time to go to the cottage! This week on The Art of Costume Podcast, Spencer and Elizabeth lace up their skates for Heated Rivalry.
Join our hosts as they break down the story of rival hockey superstars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose fierce competition on the ice slowly gives way to a romance neither of them saw coming. From the crisp hockey uniforms and quiet, character-defining costume moments over the length of a decade to the series' most unforgettable romantic scenes, there's plenty to discuss both on and off the rink.
And of course, we have to talk about that outrageous club scene featuring the now-iconic Jean Paul Gaultier mesh shirt, and the costumes designed by Hanna Puley that helped turn one of the year's biggest romantic sensations into an instant classic.