Where Fashion History Comes to Life
Costumes by Schell creates bespoke historical garments inspired by centuries of fashion — from the stately elegance of the Tudor court to the dramatic glamour of the Jazz Age. Each garment is developed with careful attention to period silhouette, fabric, and visual character, resulting in pieces that feel both historically grounded and visually unforgettable.
- Historical inspiration presented with couture-level craftsmanship
- Ideal for fashion shows, collectors, educational programs, museum collaborations, and staged events
- A portfolio built on real costume design and historical storytelling
- Garments created to make an impression both on stage and in close view
Luxury presentation with historical character
The work of Costumes by Schell is designed to feel at home in spaces where history and visual spectacle meet. Each garment is created with the presence and refinement expected of museum exhibitions, historic houses, and curated fashion presentations.
Fashion Through History
A living pageant of historical fashion presented by Costumes by Schell, this special event brings iconic silhouettes and period styles vividly to life through a theatrical journey across centuries of dress.
Costuming that feels researched, theatrical, and beautifully made.
Costumes by Schell is dedicated to the art of historic couture — garments inspired by the elegance, drama, and craftsmanship of fashion history. Each costume is designed not simply as clothing, but as a visual experience that captures the spirit of the era it represents.
The atelier focuses on expressive silhouettes, luxurious textiles, and period-inspired details that allow each piece to feel authentic while still possessing theatrical presence. Whether created for performance, exhibition, education, or private commission, the goal is always the same: to bring the beauty of historical dress vividly to life.
From Tudor courts and Georgian salons to Victorian ballrooms and the glittering world of the 1920s, Costumes by Schell celebrates the artistry of historical fashion through garments designed to be admired, remembered, and experienced.
Dennis Schell is the founder and designer behind Costumes by Schell, a studio devoted to the creation of bespoke historical garments inspired by centuries of fashion.
With more than forty years of theatrical costuming design experience, Dennis Schell has developed a deep understanding of historical silhouette, stage presence, and the visual storytelling power of dress. His work reflects a lifelong appreciation for the artistry of historical fashion—its craftsmanship, elegance, and ability to transform both performer and audience.
Professional offerings
Structured to present the atelier as polished, serious, and commission-ready, while leaving room for artistry, collaboration, and individual vision.
Bespoke Historical Costumes
Custom garments designed for clients who want historical beauty, dramatic silhouette, and unmistakable individuality.
Fashion Show & Exhibition Pieces
Statement-making costumes developed for runways, museum-inspired presentations, educational programs, and fundraising events.
Consultation & Design Development
Era selection, silhouette direction, trim choices, styling, and visual planning tailored to the needs of each project.
Luxury Trims & Finishings
Rich fabrics, refined detailing, and couture-minded finishing chosen to elevate each piece from costume to presentation garment.
A Gallery of Historical Dress
The collection presented here reflects the creative work of Costumes by Schell, where historical inspiration, craftsmanship, and theatrical presentation come together. Visitors are invited to explore the gallery much like a museum collection—taking time to appreciate the silhouette, detail, and character of each piece.
A Wardrobe of Centuries
Fashion is one of the most powerful visual languages of history. Through changes in silhouette, fabric, and ornamentation, each era tells a story about the culture and society that produced it. Together these influences form a wardrobe that spans centuries—celebrating the artistry, imagination, and enduring fascination of historical fashion.
Tudor & Renaissance
Court dress, noble attire, rich trims, and historically grounded silhouettes created for spectacle, presence, and authenticity.
French & Georgian Court
Paniers, silk taffeta, embroidered satin, garden dresses, and formal court elegance with dramatic presentation value.
Victorian & Edwardian
Bustles, ballgowns, tailored daywear, and refined evening silhouettes shaped with period character and couture finish.
Jazz Age Glamour
Fluid movement, shimmer, beadwork, and Art Deco drama for unforgettable entrances, presentations, and display pieces.
Fashion Through History
A living pageant of historical fashion.
Presented by Costumes by Schell, Fashion Through History is a theatrical journey through centuries of dress, bringing iconic silhouettes and historic styles vividly to life.
This special presentation features a curated sequence of historical costumes—from the grandeur of Renaissance courts and the elegance of eighteenth-century fashion to the dramatic shapes of the Victorian era and the shimmering glamour of the 1920s.
Designed as both entertainment and education, the event invites audiences to experience fashion history not as something confined to books or museums, but as a living art form.
Where craftsmanship and imagination meet
At Costumes by Schell, historical costume is approached as both craft and artistic expression. Each garment begins with the study of period silhouette, textile character, and the visual language of the era that inspired it.
Research & Inspiration
Rather than simply reproducing historical clothing, the goal is to capture the spirit and atmosphere of historical fashion—its elegance, drama, and theatrical presence.
Historic Couture
Through thoughtful fabric selection, careful construction, and attention to proportion and detail, each piece becomes a garment that feels alive with historical character.
Transformation
Every costume is ultimately designed to do what great historical dress has always done: command attention, evoke another time, and transform the person who wears it.
Ready to commission a piece?
Whether the project is a single statement garment, a historically themed presentation, or a larger event commission, Costumes by Schell welcomes inquiries from collectors, performers, organizations, and lovers of historical dress.
Email: dschell@costumesbyschell.com
Location: Wisconsin
Brand: Costumes by Schell • Historic Couture
Inquire About a Commission