Pop culture, emerging artists and the nightlife sub-culture are the inspirations behind costume dept. Shaun Samson and Shawn Kelaka have created a lifestyle brand that captures the eclectic style of underground fashion in their wide assortment of limited run leggings. The duo uses unique patterns, quirky designs, sparkle, gold, and metallic embellishments to create their collection, and there’s some serious buzz building among trendsetters.
costume dept. was conceived in March 2008 when Los Angles-based Samson, who currently works for Jeremy Scott, was creating leggings as holiday gifts for friends. From this he had an overwhelming response of inquiries of where to purchase. Samson soon collaborated with Kaleka, sourcing out deadstock fabric to ensure only a few of each style was created. Each style is individually crafted so no two pairs are the same. As word spread, Samson and Kaleka found themselves looking for more patterns, producing more styles, and ultimately turning a hobby into a thriving business with their online store opening in June of this year.
Since its inception, costume dept. has created over 50 different styles with catchy names such as “Gaudy Gold” and “Kenya Chic”, both of which sold out within a week of their posting. Once a style is sold out, it is gone forever.
Visit www.costumedept.com, quickly!
