Convention Costuming History: The Futuristicostumes
Those interested in fan history are familiar with how and why Forrest J Ackerman and Myrtle Douglas wore their costumes to the first Worldcon. Less familiar are the details of their construction or real colors. By examining photos and researching fan publications from that time, a reasonably accurate description is possible.
Parts of Ackerman’s “futuristicostume” still exist in the hands of a private collector.(1) According to the owner of Forry’s shirt and pants, the cape was “long gone”. The shirt appears to be two shades of gold. Examining the pants, they are most likely WWI military surplus – it would have been cheap and easy to find.(2) There are red stripes stitched down a gold-colored thread. There are two references describing it as having been “green”.(3)(4) There is no specific information on color photos of Ackerman wearing a green cape, other than a date of 1993 stamped on the back. The Ebay seller believed that the garment was a recreation – if the original was this color, the shade in the black and white photos should be lighter. However, the two emblems at the shoulders could have possibly been original (note their condition). The star patch looks like it may have been made up of green sequins.* In the book “House of Ackerman: A Photographic Tour of the Legendary Ackermansion”, there’s a color photo of the cape, where it appears to be an antique gold.(5) The fabric(s) Myrtle may have used might explain why.
Both Forry’s cape and her outfit appear to have shiny finishes. Shiny fabrics have frequently been used to create futuristic or fantasy clothing. It’s likely the fabric Myrtle might have used was satin acetate. Some green dyes can produce what is called a “fugitive color”. A fugitive color is a pigment that, when exposed to certain environmental conditions such as sunlight, humidity, temperature or even pollution, is less permanent. This might be why there appears to be no green to it. After many decades, acetate would not hold up very well if not stored carefully. The shirt and pants should last longer, hopefully – attempts to contact the owner for additional historical information have been unsuccessful.
Looking at Myrtle’s outfit in the two black and white photos of them, it appears she is wearing two different outfits – one with a skirt, the other with shorts and a cape. Upon closer examination, it can be seen that the skirt converted to her cape which is held by a small strap around her neck and two clasps on her top for added stability. The same account that describes Forry’s cape also describes her costume as “red”.
(2) http://www.kaufmansarmynavy.com/history
(3) http://diyhistory.lib.uiowa.edu/transcribe/4587/141452
(4) The Forrest J Ackerman Oeuvre, pg. 24, by Christopher M. O’Brien
(5) "The House of Ackerman", pg. 91 by Al Astrella and James Greene
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