Malabar Costumes: Growing Up With Canada's Most Famous Costume Company -- Tanyss

For many, costumes represent only one day a year-Halloween. But not for anyone born into the Malabar family! <br /><br />Being a Malabar meant you were an active participant in forming the history of Canada's premier theatrical supplier, one costume at a time. From its humble beginnings in Winnipeg Manitoba, to the recent closing of its flagship store in Toronto, the Malabar name holds its rightful place in the echelon of Canadian costuming. <br /> <br />The Malabar Story began in 1904 when movies were barely present and the main source of entertainment was live theatre. Whether a small troupe or a large ensemble, there was a growing demand for costume rentals. This urgency took root across Canada contributing to stores opening in Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg.<br /> <br />Fuelling this need was the patriotic duty to use live forms of amusement to offset the brutalities often presented during the First and Second World Wars. Many groups, including military authorities, would routinely perform songs skits and cross-dressing acts dependent on costumed performers.<br /><br />After the wars in the late 1940's and early 50's, high schools across Canada often staged various Gilbert and Sullivan shows and by late 1950, formal wear came into vogue. The late 50's also spawned popular shows such as Bonanza, and its spin-offs, that required Western-themed costumes for their actors. This era also included indoor and outdoor Canadian festivals such as Theatre Under the Stars in Vancouve