The Art of Costume Podcast

In this episode of The Costume House with Spencer Williams, we step beyond the screen and into the pages of Bending the Rules: Fashion Beyond the Binary with celebrated costume designer Camille Benda and illustrator, fashion historian, and culture specialist Gwyn Conaway.
Together, Spencer, Camille, and Gwyn explore the fascinating relationship between fashion, identity, and self-expression across cultures and throughout history. Drawing from the book's rich collection of essays, interviews, and visual storytelling, the conversation examines how clothing has long challenged conventions, reflected cultural change, and expanded our understanding of gender through dress.
Along the way, they discuss unforgettable examples from film and costume design, including Sally Potter's Orlando and the Academy Award-winning costumes of Sandy Powell, the futuristic world of The Fifth Element, and the enduring style of Grease through the work of legendary costume designer Albert Wolsky. Thoughtful, insightful, and endlessly fascinating, this conversation celebrates fashion as one of our most powerful forms of storytelling.

Hellooooo! This week on The Art of Costume Podcast, Spencer and Elizabeth are paying a visit to one of the most beloved family comedies of all time, Mrs. Doubtfire.
From Daniel Hillard's whirlwind transformations into the unforgettable Mrs. Doubtfire to the film's lightning-fast costume changes designed by Marit Allen, flawless prosthetics, and one of the most stressful dinner scenes ever put to film, this episode explores how costume became the heart of one man's extraordinary plan to stay close to his family.
So grab a cup of tea, mind the cream, and join us for a conversation that's equal parts comedy, chaos, and heartfelt appreciation for one of cinema's greatest transformations.

As we count down to San Diego Comic-Con, there's no better time to celebrate the incredible creativity of cosplay. In this episode of The Costume House with Spencer Williams, Spencer is joined by Ana Crimmel, winner of the 2026 WonderCon Masquerade Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship.

Together, they discuss Ana's award-winning Scarlet Witch: Hellfire Gala cosplay, the months of research, design, and craftsmanship that brought the look to life, and the unforgettable moment they were announced as this year's recipient of one of cosplay's highest honors. They also reflect on Ana's journey into cosplay, the joy of creating costumes by hand, and what it means to share that work with a community that celebrates creativity in all its forms.

Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or thinking about attending your very first convention, Ana offers thoughtful advice for aspiring creators looking to take the leap, enter a masquerade competition, or simply begin building the costume of their dreams.

It's time to go to the cottage! This week on The Art of Costume Podcast, Spencer and Elizabeth lace up their skates for Heated Rivalry.
Join our hosts as they break down the story of rival hockey superstars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose fierce competition on the ice slowly gives way to a romance neither of them saw coming. From the crisp hockey uniforms and quiet, character-defining costume moments over the length of a decade to the series' most unforgettable romantic scenes, there's plenty to discuss both on and off the rink.
And of course, we have to talk about that outrageous club scene featuring the now-iconic Jean Paul Gaultier mesh shirt, and the costumes designed by Hanna Puley that helped turn one of the year's biggest romantic sensations into an instant classic.

In this episode of The Costume House with Spencer Williams, we journey back to the Continent for a conversation about the fourth season of The Witcher.
Spencer is joined by costume designer Lucinda Wright to discuss the next chapter of the beloved fantasy series, including the arrival of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia. Together, they explore how Geralt's iconic look evolved to reflect a new interpretation while remaining true to the character fans know and love. They also dive into Ciri's journey with The Rats, the ever-evolving costumes of Yennefer, and the ways her life of magic and sorcery influenced the visual language of her costumes.
Throughout the conversation, Lucinda shares how fabrics, textures, and textiles serve as essential storytelling tools, helping define the cultures, histories, and characters that inhabit the world of The Witcher.