Something for everyone at Watford costume shop

Jeanne Harper could hardly be better qualified for her role as manager of Masquerade Fancy Dress Shop on Langley Road in Watford. Jeanne, who has had an interest in amateur dramatics throughout her life, began collecting some of the costumes she wore and soon ended up with a building in the garden full of costumes. It was inevitable that Jeanne’s passion would influence her career and since Masquerade opened, she has never looked back. She said Masquerade offers much more than conventional fancy dress shops. She explained: “Quite a lot of other shops just sell packet costumes so there is a limited choice. We do both. We have 15,000 hire costumes and we’re always adding and making as well as buying in new costumes. We’ve got plenty of car parking so people can spend plenty of time trying on costumes.” Jeanne’s passion for her job is infectious and Masquerade has an enviable reputation. She said: “The same people come again and again. We put the costumes out and help our customers – I just love dressing people up. If I didn’t, I would have retired ten years ago. It’s definitely a happy place to spend a day. We don’t get grumpy people and it’s a nice atmosphere. I can’t think of a job I could do or want to do that would be as much fun as dressing people up for their parties.” Masquerade’s reach extends beyond Watford. Jeanne has had some peculiar requests over the years. She said: “Unusual hires include long distance customers – we had a customer who arrived from Australia for a wedding in the UK – and romantic. We dressed a customer as a knight and he then rode on horseback to propose to his girlfriend. Unusual costumes requests have included a Christmas Cracker, alien and an iceberg.” Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Masquerade. Jeanne added: “We try to help the customer by offering advice and trying to select the outfit to suit the customer. We have made outfits for customers – most recently a Pearly King costume – but that’s unusual, mostly there will something for everyone from our existing stock.” Masquerade also has costumes for weddings and frequently gets asked about ideas for themed parties. Masquerade is at 23, Langley Road, Watford WD17 4PR. Phone 01923 243842 or go to www.amasquerade.co.uk for more information.