For over a quarter of a century, she’s been called on by thousands of monsters in need of a makeover. She’s fitted vampires for their daunting teeth, she’s given pirates their formidable swords and menacing eye patches and sits patiently with the grim reaper as he tries on ominous robe after ominous robe. But while some of her clients are couriers of the dead and dreary, she also caters to little angels looking for their wings, little ballerinas looking for their tutus and Santa Clause himself who’s looking for a new holiday suit in Husker red.

So just who is this befriender of the beauties and the beasts? Her name is Phyllis Spahn, owner of Fringe & Tassel Costumes located under the viaduct at 7th and O.

The rental costume shop, which was once a vintage furniture and clothing store on 27th and Vine, has been operating out of the Haymarket since September of 1984, and Phyllis has owned it since May of 1985.

“We rent costumes for parties, plays, holidays, business promotions, etc., and sell wigs, makeup and costume accessories,” she says. “We have over 20 Santa suits, Elves and Easter Bunny costumes, as well as some for Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving and St. Patrick’s Day; you name it.”

Phyllis’ love for theater is what sparked her interest in owning her own costume shop.

“Before buying the shop, I worked as a costumer at the Lincoln Community Playhouse and other venues for a number of years.”

 
Working mostly backstage for venues like The Lincoln Light Opera and The Lincoln Community Playhouse, as well as numerous college musical productions, Phyllis says operating her own costume shop has been rewarding in a number of ways.

“The joy of helping others have fun with ‘dress-up,’ answering unusual requests, and helping costume a successful production” are among some of her favorite things about owning the shop.

There a few local schools and theatres that use Fringe and Tassel’s services for their productions, but Phyllis says the majority of their business comes from eastern Nebraska schools and theaters.

From New Year’s to Christmas, and everything in between, Fringe & Tassel has costumes and accessories for every occasion, and with a selection so wide, you’ll be limited only by your imagination.
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Fringe & Tassel on Facebook

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am-6pm
Sat: 10am-4pm

735 O St. Lincoln, NE, 68508
Phone: 402.475.9861

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