Art Speaks: Notes from Costumers: Santa Suits
Guests joined Colleen Kahn for a discussion all about Santa costumes during this special Notes from Costumers Art Speaks program!
Colleen Kahn is an accomplished garment maker based in the Twin Cities. Colleen became involved in the creation of Santa costumes because her father was a Dayton’s Santa. Once Dayton’s became Macy’s, she was brought on to create new trademark-compliant Santa suits for the Macy’s costume shop as well as the Thanksgiving Day Parade. There, she was dubbed “The Santa Suit Lady” by the Thanksgiving Day Parade performers and crew! Colleen’s experience building Santa suits introduced her to the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, where she has worked with members to create costumes and has exhibited her work at their local chapter’s gatherings.
During this presentation, Colleen shared some tips and tricks on how to create convincing, comfortable and well-constructed costumes – focused on the Santa variety!
Notes from Costumers is a new, quarterly Art Speaks series with Textile Center focused on costumes and wearable arts, bringing you tips and tricks from sewers and designers in our Twin Cities community and beyond.
About the artist: Colleen Kahn
Colleen Kahn (she/her) learned to sew as a child through 4-H and had the great luck to be mentored by dedicated and patient women. Colleen earned degrees in Clothing Design from College of St. Catherine and London College of Fashion. Over the years, she completed additional training and gained expertise in bridal, men’s tailoring, millinery, costume making, alterations, dyeing, surface design, and more. Colleen has spent many years sewing custom wedding and formal wear in the Twin Cities. Colleen is also the founder of Stitch Masters Sewing School.