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In 1982, with a single clothes rack and a fashion-design degree under her belt, Susan Handler and partner Linda Carcaci embarked on a career in costuming. The popularity of their original creations for adults resulted in expansion to a Garment District address and the landing of a huge corporate account as costume makers for Macy’s parades. When not busy supplying outfits for TV shows, off-Broadway productions, and cocktail waitresses, the staff scours their crammed rows of make-believe pieces—set up dry-cleaner style—to help narrow the thousands of options available. And though the first-time visitor is usually overwhelmed by the seemingly chaotic layout of the place, the staff have memorized–sans a computerized system–the location of every bow, bead, and beard. Halloween is naturally their craziest time, and requests vary from the common (pirates, belly dancers, generic superheroes) to the quirky (Lady Godiva, Canadian Mountie, Yoda). Alterations are also included, so even the portliest fellow can bypass the obvious Santa getup and slide into Peter Pan tights with relative ease, while curvy gals can finally channel their inner Cleopatra. — Chanize Thorpe

Star Approved

B-list celebs like Star Jones, Raquel Welch, and Tempest Bledsoe have donated props for authenticity.

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