Pronunciation: [kˈɒstjuːməɹi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "costumery" is not intuitive, as it is not spelled phonetically. It is pronounced as /ˈkɑːstjʊməri/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "-ery" suffix indicates a place or establishment of a particular type, in this case, referring to a place where costumes are made or sold. Although the word may appear confusing at first glance, it is commonly used in the field of theater and costume design.
Costumery refers to the art, craft, or business of designing, creating, and supplying costumes, primarily for use in theatrical performances, films, or masquerade events. It encompasses the process of conceptualizing, researching, designing, sewing, and assembling costumes that are worn by actors, dancers, or participants to represent specific characters or portray a particular era, setting, or theme.
The domain of costumery includes a wide range of skills, such as costume design, pattern-making, cutting, stitching, millinery, garment alterations, dyeing techniques, and prop creation. Costumers work closely with directors, production designers, and choreographers to realize the visual aspects of a performance, ensuring that the costumes not only reflect the artistic vision but also meet the practical needs of the production.
In addition to theatrical contexts, costumery extends to historical reenactments, cosplay events, theme parties, and other occasions where participants adopt a different appearance through the use of elaborate costumes. Because costumery demands creativity, technical proficiency, and attention to detail, it often involves a combination of skills from various disciplines, such as fashion design, textile arts, and historical research.
Overall, costumery plays a vital role in enhancing the visual storytelling and immersive experience of stage productions, films, and related events, providing a means to transform actors into characters, transport audiences to different time periods or worlds, and contribute to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the performance or occasion.
The word "costumery" is derived from the word "costume", which comes from the French word "costume" meaning "custom, fashion, or style". The French term itself originated from the Latin word "consuetudinem", meaning "custom" or "habit". Over time, the word "costume" evolved to specifically refer to the clothing and accessories worn by characters in theatrical or masquerade performances. As a result, "costumery" emerged as a noun form of "costume", referring to the art or practice of making or supplying costumes.
