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.

Together, we lean into our gratitude that we have an opportunity to serve you. 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!

Caspian Kelly -- Store Manager

Caspian first joined us a seasonal Halloween associate in 2021. We are grateful he accepted the invitation to stay year-round, and gradually keeps taking on more roles. He has a passion for fashion, that translates well in the costume world. He is a knowledgeable buyer, and keen decisionmaker, which translates into great selection for our customers. He is instrumental in changes underway with how we do everything, all the way to his key role in migrating our POS and website into the modern world. This business is a work in progress, with Caspian keeping it all running smoothly. If he is your Dresser, or your Cashier, on your next visit, then you will experience why we are getting great reviews on Google Business. Thank-you, Caspian, for being the face of A Masquerade to our customers, and the soul behind the mask.  

Sadee Towner -- Visual Merchandiser, Designer

Sadee jumped into the deep end of the pool during our move in 2023! She brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences with her, along with a strong work ethic. All that being said, she is not shy when comes to the dirty work either. She shines when making sections of the store "look pretty" as she says. Sadee can take a blank grid wall and a box of merchandise, and do magic. She is handy with both power tools and sewing machines, and many materials yield to her creativity. Sadee is a builder, a maker, a do-er!

Elizabeth Shipman -- Wardrobe Stylist, Designer

Elizabeth broke the fourth wall to join our team, having frequently been a customer in various roles in her life -- actress, costume designer, director, teacher. Often she is juggling multiple shows simultaneously, and we are professional resource to her. She knows the inventory like it's her own stock, since she has spent so much time shopping here. When I asked her for employment referrals to anyone she might know with a passion for our little costume shop, she agreed to fill the shoes herself! If you want something done, ask a busy person, is how the saying goes, and we are grateful she squeezes time for the shop into her busy schedule.

Shaun Kelly -- Wardrobe Stylist, Designer

Shaun has been in our inner circle since 2012. He first came in as a customer, but soon discovered he loved helping other customers put together their own looks. He began giving GREAT customer service in his free time, when he stopped in the shop, according to people who were checking out. “That guy was so helpful” would be met with “He doesn’t even work here, he’s also a customer. He just likes helping people assemble outfits.” Shaun is now officially working for us part-time, while still managing the workload of his own family-run business full-time, too. Shaun is also passionate about MAKING clothing and accessories, with his own fashion line HOUSE OF SHAUN. Some of the fabric he uses features his own illustrations, as well. You can see some samples by HOUSE OF SHAUN, in store. See more of his work IG house_of_shaun_ (note the extra underscore at the end). Talk to him about making something unique just for you!

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

Press

An Eclectic Collection, A Photo Essay by Josie Fenske | April 23, 2022
An Eclectic Collection

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