Chicago Custom Costumes Inc

In most parts of highland Ecuador, people still identify themselves as indigenous and as belonging to a particular ethnic subgroup by the clothes and ornaments they wear. Although formerly the most distinctive costumes tended to occur among the more isolated and independent groups, today their use has more to do with the degree of political or ethnic consciousness felt by each group. Some people are even wearing ethnic dress as a political statement against forced assimilation.Costume and Identi... [Read More]

Entertaining, unexpected, and full of charm, the follow-up to Jessica Kerwin Jenkins’s Encyclopedia of the Exquisite presents a miscellany of engaging stories, detailing the intriguing customs, traditions, and guilty pleasures pursued throughout the ages. All the Time in the World takes its cue from an iconic component of medieval life, the book of hours, which prescribed certain readings and contemplations for certain parts of the day throughout the year. Divided into more than seventy-five ... [Read More]

An extraordinary exploration of footbinding that encompasses Chinese art and mythology, social and political history, and truly exotic eroticism. The author's vast collection of historical and contemporary photographs, plus 40 full-color "portraits" of her most prized slippers, creates a uniquely poignant and evocative panorama.

Religions constrain the bodies of their members through dress. In many cases, dress immediately identifies a member of the community to the outside world and separates them from a society that members believe is threatened by evil forces. Dress identifies the wearer's community to other groups and communities, and may also reflect one's status. Most interestingly, perhaps, dress is a measure of one's level of commitment to the community. While communities vary greatly in terms of what is permiss... [Read More]

A study of the significance of bathing in Japanese mythology and the historical development of communal bathing.

A photographic exploration of the modern revival of piercing, tattooing, scarification, and body painting that reveals its origins in tribal culture and practices.  Since earliest times, tribal cultures around the world have used body marks and modifications to indicate membership and rank within the group, identify with spiritual totems, express sacrifice and loss, and enhance physical attraction and sexual enjoyment. Today we are witnessing a renaissance of interest in body adornment that man... [Read More]

Recent interest in 'vintage' and second hand clothes by both fashion consumers and designers is only the latest manifestation of a long and complex cultural history of wearing and trading second hand clothes. With its origins in necessity, the passing of clothes between social and economic groups is now a global business, but with roots that are centuries old. To move from one social and cultural situation to another used clothes must be 'transformed' to become of potential value to a new social... [Read More]

The acclaimed photographer of African masks turns her lens to the astounding mask cultures of MexicoSince 1985, photographer Phyllis Galembo has traveled extensively to photograph sites of ritual dress in Africa and the Caribbean. In her latest body of work, collected in this new publication, Galembo turns to Mexico, where she captures cultural performances with a subterranean political edge. Using a direct, unaffected portrait style, Galembo captures her subjects informally posed but often stri... [Read More]

Police Pretend Role Play set. Realistic Looking and Best Police Accessories. High Quality. Durable. Superiors Quality. Deluxe Set. Super Value Pack for Role Play. Perfect for Police Pretend Play Accessory, School Classroom Toys, Chicago PD Pretend Play, Party Favor Supplies, Police Novelty Toys, Pinata Filler, FBI Themed Birthday Party Supplier. CHILD SAFE: Non-Toxic. Meet US Toy Standard. Safety Test Approved.

Out at night this feline likes to prowl, you'll know when she's finished because she lets out a howl. It's time for some frisky feline fun in this sexy, body-hugging metallic black bodysuit with ripped front pant leg and shoulder detailing, attached tail, belt, and headpiece with mask.