About Us

Staff

Kyra Stewart – Founder

The business launched in 1999 when a life-long passion for making and collecting costumes, and dressing friends, turned from hobby to vocation. It started in my home, a condo, with a personal collection of about 500 used costumes. Some are stage worn, some vintage, some fan-made, some wearable art, and all interesting — not the usual stuff you’d expect to see in a costume shop. Over the last 20 years, we have blossomed and transitioned. I am thankful especially to the many gifted associates who have lent time and talent, soul and spirit, and left their marks as they moved on, or are with me still. Those you might meet now, when you come in the store, share this page with me, below.

Together, we lean into our gratitude that we have an opportunity to serve you. Notably, over 60% of independent costume shops have gone out of business in the last 5 years, as people shop differently and real estate (rent) prices go up. However, luckily, and thanks to YOU, we are still here. What is next? Taking the show on the road, stepping outside the brick-and-mortar confines. We have launched our MOBILE WARDROBE SERVICE for rentals and sales. We take small curated sections of the collection to medieval and renaissance faires, pirate and viking festivals, photobooths, pop-up shops, theme parties and events, weddings, and more. Please invite us to YOUR EVENT!

Shawnie Fitch – Managing Partner

Shawnie started at A Masquerade in 2008, jumping in the deep end with two feet the day she stopped in with resume. Her diverse talents include professional make-up artist, wardrobe stylist, seamstress and costume designer, buyer, and myriad other skills. She has taken professional sabbaticals over the course of her tenure at A Masquerade to pursue developmental internships at Ghost Ride Productions, and other industry-related facilities, to deepen her understanding of fabrication processes and stretch her artistic muscles. She recently returned to A Masquerade after spending the better part of 2018 as a partner in her own business in the beverage industry. I am delighted that she now also adds the title “partner” here at A Masquerade, after a decade of leading us as if this were her own business anyway. Now it is.

Alex Holetz – Lead Makeup Artist

Ally’s talent in makeup artistry was cultivated in the haunted house industry for years before she joined our team. She is a mad genius with makeup, transforming herself and clients in amazing ways. When she is not doing makeup, she offers her skills and experience as a cosplayer to help customers find the right look in our collection, or offer advice. Ally’s time is split between our shop and pursuing her college degree, and we are fortunate that she accepts additional makeup appointments outside of her scheduled shifts.

Drew Ellis – Wardrobe Stylist, Merchandising Superhero

Drew is a creative costumer, assembling and building many of his own designs that he adds to the collection of A Masquerade. His customer service is unsurpassed, giving time and attention to details to get the look just right for each person. And, when he puts the store together, his merchandising makes us all look good. We enjoy Drew’s mad skills on a very limited basis, sharing him with the film industry, so you may also work with Drew on set anywhere across the country if you are an actor or on crew.

Angie Glasser – Certified Makeup Artist, Wardrobe Stylist

Angie started at A Masquerade in 2003, and has very limited hours on our staff these days as she develops new skills. She is also available independent of our store by appointment, for makeup services at your event or in your home. Her experience as a performing artist and as a professionally-trained certified make-up artist make her a knowledgeable resource when you find her in our store. It is a treat to get transformed head-to-toe by Angie!

On behalf of the whole team, let me say we love to dress you up!
– Kyra

Press

Seattle Times | March 21, 2021
City of Redmond…tourism: giving visitors money (In photo carousels)

National Costumer’s Association | December 18, 2019
Masks – Unmasked!

King 5 | October 31, 2019
King 5 Evening – Georgetown Morgue

King 5 | October 17, 2019
King 5 Evening

King 5 | October 17, 2013
Parents spooked by sexy Halloween costumes for kids

Seattle Times | October 29, 2005
More adults getting boo-tiful

Seattle Post-Intelligencer | October 23, 2003
Playing “dress up” leads to costume business