Owning a Legend

"We'll have a special Dusty's space. The students will know they're wearing Dusty's custom originals". Louise Nielsen and Eleshia Crotwell have made theatre magic together for decades. From Elf the Musical to Stage Beauty, Louise and her staff would bring Eleshia's desire for beautiful costumes to life.

When it came time to share with the theatre community that the Arlington location of Costumes by Dusty would be closing, the outpouring of love was unexpected. Everyone wanted to own at least one Dusty original costume.

Dr. Rodrigue tells the story of needing costumes for My Fair Lady, and learning that if you go to the back door of Collins Park Florist in Arlington, late at night, and knock very loudly 4 times (only 4 times), Dusty will let you in. That little costume company now resides in 10,000 square feet of warehouse space.

When Dusty passed unexpectedly in 1997, the Dallas Morning News included him with great fashion icons Princess Diana and Versace. His sister and partner, Louise Nielsen, continued his legacy. Four generations of the Nielsen/Thompson family and friends have contributed to the success of this mom-and-pop shop.

September 17 will be the last day of the brick-and-mortar location. Costumes by Dusty will still make magic in DFW but has been forced to downsize. The focus will be special events such as Scarborough Renaissance Festival, the magic of puppets at the State Fair, and custom creations.

"Just yesterday, one of our dedicated clients bought the Angel wings that are so large, we have to hang them from the ceiling of the warehouse. Another bought the Tiffany Lamp costume originally used by Holiday on Ice in the 70's. We're running through the shop and the warehouse locating items that clients wore for a show or an event, and now want to own. It's made this transition, well - almost beautifully designed" said one of the CBD staff.

The staff has been at what they lovingly call "the shop" for 15, 25 and 40 years! Together with the family, they are working through this liquidation of inventory. But more importantly, they are finding joy in the stories each customer has to share as they choose the perfect Legendary Dusty Original to own.