Once Upon a Con

Upon first glance, you would think you are looking at an item from days gone by. Diamond-knitted wool, hand-stitched leather, and hammer-rolled edges on armor; these are all marks you will find on a garment produced by Collin The Necromaker. Known for his anachronistic and “set-ready” fantasy designs, Collin strives to create one-of-a-kind costumes for lovers of all things fantasy.

There are many historical garment making materials and techniques that have faded over time with the rise of modern technologies. However, Collin takes it upon himself to learn about those bygone materials and techniques, believing that his audience subconsciously registers those types of details, adding to his immersive designs. Some of those materials and techniques include: herringbone and diamond-knitted wool, linen, hand-stitched leather, hand-finished running stitches, and tool-filed buckles.

Collin will have one primary collection and one mini collection for Once Upon A Con’s 2025 fantasy runway show. He plans to bring the seven High Lords to life, inspired by the book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses. This collection will bring powerful men’s royal wear into the spotlight. His mini collection, also ACOTAR inspired, will consist of only two designs. Mixing warrior and fashion, Collin will bring to life two Illyrian sentinels, acting as escorts for the seven High Lords. Collin hopes his designs will allow people to witness the full power books can have on the imagination. 

Nothing destined Euriell to be a fantasy dress designer. After a dozen years of professional cello training, followed by a degree in art history from the prestigious Musée du Louvre and a master’s degree in Egyptology, Euriell had her sights set on a career as a research professor. Alongside her studies, she began making dresses to go to fantasy events, and during Covid this passion took on a new dimension. With nothing else to do in lockdown, Euriell started spending her entire days sewing. It was thanks to the social media’s on which she regularly posted her hobby that Euriell received her first order, and then everything followed quickly. Her love of fantasy worlds and princess dresses, which had existed since childhood, could finally be fully expressed. Thanks to her success on social media’s, Euriell can now live entirely from her passion and is able to be the Fairy Godmother of fantasy heroines all over the world.

Fascinated with fantasy, magic and all things adventure, I’ve been a creative and storyteller since I was a child, which would later manifest in adult form as a frequent renaissance faire go-er and DnD player obsessed with world building. My love of immersive storytelling took off after finishing my MFA in Production Design from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2015. The path that followed took me to New York, then to Atlanta, working in various design positions in film and theater.

The Goddess Armory actually began as my “I need something to do during quarantine” project in 2020 and has evolved into the fully realized concept that it now stands as – a badass fusion of handwoven armor and fantasy dresswear and the creative concepts of personal character. 

My first collection, Generals of the Continent, will feature 10 looks each representing the female generals and their respective nation’s cultures in a larger story unfolding in the world of Idria. And dare I say, the most exciting and prolific creation I will make as a designer!

Born in Australia to British parents, Verity has been making dress dreams come true for the past 5 years! She began drawing intricate dress designs and accessories at eight years old and started sewing at 13, later taking summer fashion classes at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).  While studying for her BFA in Fashion Design at Moore College of Art & Design, she showed her first collection at New York Fashion Week, starting her brand in 2018 after graduation. Her work has been showcased at the Century 21 Department Store and other local venues in Philadelphia. Although sought after by fashion houses in New York, Verity wanted more creative control of her own designs so she decided to start her own couture business.

I’ve sewn my whole life, whether it was quilts like my grandma, or clothes like my mom taught me. When I was six my mom taught me to crochet, and when I was old enough she taught me to sew on the machine. It has been my joy and my therapy my whole life. 3 years ago I was in a crafting rut. I went to Joann’s to find inspiration. I found a pattern for an 18th century gown and wonderful fabric. Once I started I could not stop! 3 years and 70+ gowns later I am addicted to creating historical and fantasy gowns in my little sewing room.