Fancy That Costumes
OUR MISSION is to encourage people – particularly adults – to PLAY more – to better connect with themselves & each other & make the world a happier place!
We opened in 1987 after 2 women in the costume department of TV’s “It’s a Knockout” were wondering what to do with a whole host of unforgiving lycra ensembles! Fast forward to 2011 & Deb & Liz passed the feather boa on to Belinda - a corporate escapee actively looking for a way to smooth the spikey bits off modern adulthood, encourage people to be unapologetically, authentically themselves & spread fun & laughter whilst doing so.
The business has grown substantially since 2011, relocated twice, survived two pandemic lockdowns & seen countless crazy customers become friends. We're more excited than ever to be keeping the magic of costuming - & the strength & community of local small business - alive.
We look forward to serving you soon!
Meet The Team
"We're all mad here." All the best people are, right?
Flying our freak flags high, the Fancy That! team are passionate about building a service business with heart & soul that you'll love coming back to again & again. We love making people smile, celebrating life's special moments & keeping the magic of costuming & balloons alive.
Belinda
Director
... & balloon artist, book-keeper, customer service manager, inventory controller, marketer ... with the energy & enthusiasm to power a small city! You could say dressing up is in Bel's DNA. Her Dad grew up in the iconic Palais Royale Hotel in Katoomba, where his family owned the hotel & fancy dress events in the grand mirrored ballroom were legendary.
A passionate advocate for small business, genuine customer service, authenticity & more play in adulthood, Bel created Fancy That! as her own wonderfully whimsical corner of the world to soften the spiky edges of adult life. It's too short to be taken seriously all the time. Look hard enough & you'll find a reason (& we've got the way) to Play Everyday!
Kirsty
Wardrobe Manager
If Fancy That! had a heartbeat, it'd probably be Kirsty. Our right-hand woman extraordinaire has done it all – nurse, florist, caterer... so it's no surprise she can handle absolutely anything the day (& Bel) throws at her!
Equal parts organised, creative & just a tiny bit OCD, Kirsty somehow keeps the shop looking immaculate while keeping the chaos running smoothly. Must be her capybara spirit animal. Honestly, we're not entirely convinced this place would function without her!
Abi
Stylist
If Abi had a business card, it would say "Pop Culture Guru!" She's an Arts groupie - there's rarely a weekend where she's not off reviewing a movie or sitting front stage at a dramatic theatre event. Abi brings her knowledge & love for all things movie, tv & music-theme related to the Fancy That! team, where her creativity & customer service shine.
She's also been running the Design Ranch studio since 2010, specialising in custom illustration, graphic design & art direction (what CAN'T this woman do?!)
Arnon
Prep + Stylist
Equal parts cosplay connoisseur & tabletop gaming guru, Arnon is our resident Monday Mastermind, tackling the mountain of costume returns in our Hire department, laundering & prepping every one for its next adventure. When not at Fancy That!, you'll find him running tabletop gaming tournaments, dreaming up his next cosplay masterpiece, riding his motorbike or recording voice-overs in those dulcet tones.
With ever-changing hair, unmistakable style & just a hint of Jack Skellington energy, Arnon is a true original... & we're bloody glad he found his way to us!
Bianca
Tailor
Bianca's happy place? Mountains of fabric, sequins, geeky science things.... & cats! A passionate cosplayer for more than 10 years, she's the wizard behind many of the costume repairs, alterations & little touches that keep our hire wardrobe looking fabulous.
When she's not surrounded by fabric & thread, you'll probably find her wandering craft stores, dressed as an anime character at yet another convention, or soothing mums & bubs as a masterful midwife. But please don't throw your bubs at her instore. Every midwife needs a reprieve (!)
Gino
Balloon Artist
Italian-born & impeccably stylish, Gino brings an artist's eye for colour, design & detail to our Saturday Balloon team. An award-winning portrait & fashion photographer, he has a knack for turning ordinary into extraordinary... whether it's behind a camera or with a bunch of balloons!
When not creating balloon magic, you'll find him delivering smiles for Australia Post. And yep, he's Bel's ex... proof that with enough goodwill, you really can stay friends after the credits roll (it also helps that all instore weapons are non-lethal...)!
