My Favorite Costume

Marc Salls and his wife have owned Star Costume & Theatrical Supplies in Las Vegas for 19 years. The store, which debuted some 35 years ago, offers what its website calls “the greatest variety of different types of materials available to create your best or worst illusion.” There are wigs, more than 300 kinds of hats, and one of the largest theatrical departments for makeup in the city, and “costumes range from demure and dainty to daring and from elegant to exotic.”

The shops array of Elvis costumes rank among the most popular — and among Salls’ favorites.

“Elvis is an iconic costume for our store…we sent out nine yesterday and 36 in the last two weeks. And it is regularly like that,” Salls told The Costumer during a late May interview in which he shared more information about his Elvis inventory.

The Costumer: How many Elvis costumes do you stock? marc salls: We have 55 to 60 Elvis-inspired costumes for rent in the store, with close to 100 for purchase. This includes nine different styles, with the white jumpsuit style being the mostasked-for Elvis costume.

The Costumer: You said Elvis is an iconic costume for your store considering your location. Do you have any especially entertaining stories about someone you rented an Elvis costume to or an

Photo by Aimlee Photography

event you rented one for? salls: Elvis performed and entertained us here in Las Vegas for many years. His fame does not just include those in the Las Vegas area. We have visitors from around the world who come in to buy or rent a look that is inspired by him. His is one of the most-asked-for and soughtafter costumes for men in the store by visitors. But there were many women who wanted similar outfits, too. This led to an expanded line [to appeal to] female patrons. We recently completed a female version for Victoria Hogan, the owner of Sure Thing Chapel. The chapel offers Elvis-themed weddings, with “Elvis” as the officiant.

The Costumer: Did the pandemic significantly limit the number of Elvis costume rentals? Or was there still demand for them? salls: The pandemic greatly slowed rentals and sales. We are currently beginning to have more businesses open and hope to get to more normal. Last week, we had 15 people come in and want an Elvis-inspired look for a wedding party. In a few weeks, we have 32 going out for a bachelor event. It is a timeless outfit that continues to live on throughout the eras.

What is your favorite costume? To be considered for an upcoming My Favorite Costume profile, email Editor Kathleen Furore at kfurore@yahoo.com.