Malabar Costumes: Growing Up With Canada’s Most Famous Costume Company

For many, costumes represent only one day a year-Halloween. But not for anyone born into the Malabar family!

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.

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.

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.

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 Vancouver, Stratford and Shaw Festivals in Southern Ontario. All used Malabars when they were initially formed.

Further into the 50’s and 60’s, large productions such as the Canadian Football League’s halftime shows at the Canadian National Exhibition continued to be fan favourites which included the largest chorus line ever assembled in North America.

None of these premier productions had the impact as late twentieth-century opera which went on to represent the largest client base the Malabar Costumes Company ever had.

As a member of the North American Costume Association, my father never lost sight of his roots. Through meaningful work with local theatre groups, valuable industry insights and ideas were shared.

In closing, there have been, and will continue to be, many costume companies in Canada. However, because of the drive and ambition of my grandmother, her two sons, and her daughter, Malabar Costume Company became an icon in the Canadian theatrical world. And to think, it all started with a trunk of costumes and an idea for a niche business! A passion that grew into several successful costume companies throughout this great country.

And yes, one of the main reasons I wrote this book was to instil the memory of a dedicated Canadian entrepreneur, but more importantly, it’s for all those to relive the magic and wonderment of putting on a costume. This story is for you.

-Tanyss Malabar