Meet Your Board: Chang Meng-Freedman, Workshop Coordinator

Why costuming?  What brought you here?

I first became interested in costuming through high school art class when I studied the artworks of Charles Dana Gibson and Harrison Fisher. I was drawn to the clothing depicted in these illustrations and wanted to create my own.

What’s your costuming focus?

I make mostly historical costumes. I especially love niche historical fashion such as the aesthetic dress movement.

Do you do anything else crafty or artistic?

I love making jewelry, accessories, and hairpieces. In addition, I occasionally paint and do calligraphy.

What was the first costume you made? Is there a picture?

My first costume was a Gibson Girl costume made from random pieces from my closet. I wore it to high school on Halloween. (Thankfully there isn’t a picture.)

What’s on the sewing table now?

Right now I am mostly working on historical and vintage inspired clothing I can wear in everyday life. I am also planning several costumes I want to make for future events next year.

What was your first/most memorable costuming disaster/learning moment?

I’ve worn very cheap corsets from eBay for years and I was miserable wearing them. I finally sat down and made a properly fitted corset for the first time. Not only was it comfortable, my silhouette looked far nicer too. I learned the importance of properly fitted foundation wear.

Costume you’re most proud of?

I am particularly proud of my red 18th-Century redingote (as shown in the above photo).

What’s your holy grail costuming project?

My holy grail costuming project would be a real Robe à la Française.

What’s your costuming Kryptonite, the one thing you just can’t master?

I still have a hard time sewing with an even seam allowance…

Tell us one (or two or three) things about you that others might not know.

I have a small library of food history books and I am a huge ice hockey fan.