Costume tells three concentric stories at once—the first is a visualization of one's inner world--their psychological state and personal values. Zooming out from that perspective, we gain a sense of someone's community--their cultural roots, interests, and local place of belonging. Finally, we can place them on a timeline of humanity, understanding the immutable circumstances of their place in history. Costuming in public creates a liminal space that can cut through these visual signifiers and subvert them. The photos on this page represent some of my costuming for public events and cultural celebrations. Extending costuming beyond the stage and into real life is an essential part of my practice that informs and inspires my private and professional work.

-Aed McMillian