Costume Society of Ontario: Who We Are

Do you wish to share your passion for costume and fashion?

Do you want to expand your knowledge of the adorning arts?

The Costume Society of Ontario (CSO) is committed, through lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips and publications, to explore the fascinating world of body covering.

The mission of the CSO is:

to promote education in all aspects of dress to individuals who share an interest in costume or textile history, theatrical costuming and related source materials
to encourage the preservation of historic costume and related source materials

We hold no regular meetings (other than an annual general meeting). Rather, we meet at sites of interest to our members - whether it be backstage at the National Ballet's costuming facilities (to learn about ballet costuming), U of T (to hear about blondes in the 20th Century from Marilyn to Madonna) or Hampton Court in London, England (to talk to the Royal Embroiderers). Because the CSO is volunteer-based, and not-for-profit, all of these events are offered at reasonable costs to our members.

In addition to our active field schedule of lectures, seminars, workshops and field trips (where there is a preferred registration fee for members), members also receive the Costume Journal three times a year, filled with upcoming events, new resource materials, book reviews and much more. The CSO News will also arrive twice a year. You will also receive an annual Membership Directory of our members and their individual areas of interest.

Whether your interest is academic or personal, whether you are a curator or a collector, the Costume Society can expand your knowledge of, and fascination with, human finery.