Did you know that there used to be an official week dedicated to costumes? That's right, February 22 through March 1, 1955 was declared National Costume Week. NCA President Irvin H. Dawson at the 1954 convention came up with a plan to set aside a National Costume Week. Past President C. Arthur Landes became chairman of this endeavor. He had the idea of presenting awards to the best costumed stage and motion picture. These awards would be presented during National Costume Week.
Art and his son Joe Landes, and backed up by the President and Board of Directors, successfully promoted the first National Costume Week. State Governors were requested to proclaim this week in their state by personal letter from Art Landes. Large window posters were sent to all members and miniature reproductions were sent in sticker form to attach to letters and packages. It was a boost to the costume industry and brought national recognition.
National Costume Week dissolved in 1962 due to lack of interest.