About Manhattan Wardrobe Supply

 

Cheryl Kilbourne-Kimpton and Tommy Boyer of Manhattan Wardrobe Supply

How Manhattan Wardrobe Supply Started

Manhattan Wardrobe Supply was born after Cheryl Kilbourne-Kimpton and Tommy Boyer heard the remark “I’m getting too old for this…” on a late night film shoot.  The remark opened a conversation about creating a one stop shop of their dreams: a place with everything a Costume Professional or Fashion Stylist would ever need, whether for film, tv, the stage or circus. Working on apple boxes, in the back of the wardrobe truck while filming “You’ve Got Mail”, they wrote the business plan that would become Manhattan Wardrobe Supply. No longer would valuable time and manpower be lost going from store to store for thread, detergents,hangers etc.; one call or visit to MWS and your shopping list would be satisfied.

About Cheryl Kilbourne-Kimpton of Manhattan Wardrobe Supply

After graduate studies at Florida State University, Cheryl headed to Atlanta where she worked in Theater Inside Manhattan Wardrobe Supplyand as a stylist  for commercials and print, eventually segueing to film work in 1978. In 1987, after working on a Movie originating from New York City, she decided to take the plunge into the New York market. She quickly assimilated and was soon a sought after Costumer and Costume Supervisor. Today, due to the demands of running MWS as a co-owner, Cheryl has reined in her 30 year film career devoting all her time to fine tuning the business with her partner Tommy

About Tommy Boyer of Manhattan Wardrobe Supply

Tommy Boyer, a singer and dancer, began performing in plays and recitals as a child. After a show Tommy was performing in closed, he was given the opportunity to be a Star Dresser on Broadway. Enjoying the challenges and security the wardrobe department offered, Tommy hung up his dance shoes and went on to dress Broadway stars including James Naughton in City of Angels and Keith Carradine in his iconic performance in Will Roger’s Follies. In 1989 he left the basements of Broadway and touring companies for film work. Tommy rose through the ranks from Costumer to Wardrobe Supervisor where his partnership with Cheryl began. Since the business opened, Tommy’s schedule has also precluded him from continuing as a wardrobe supervisor, but he continues to be a key member of Richard Gere’s Team as a star dresser.
Inside Manhattan Wardrobe Supply
The doors of MWS opened one month after those late night, apple box, brainstorming sessions, on August 1, 1998. In the beginning the store was four bookshelves, a single desk and computer housed in a 300 square foot 10th Floor space on West 29th Street. For the first year there was only Tommy and Cheryl manning the store.

Manhattan Wardrobe Supply Today

Today, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply is housed in the same building at 245 West 29th Street. They occupy all 6,000 square feet of the eighth floor as well as 3,000 sq. ft. of the 9th Floor. Employing a staff of twelve, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply is the preeminent purveyor of professional wardrobe care products for film production, tv, circus, Las Vegas, dance schools, stylists and college theater and dance programs around the globe.Fabric Dyes at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply

 Manhattan Wardrobe Supply Launches MWS Pro Beauty!

Since inception,  MWS has always carried a small amount of makeup and hair products. Over the years makeup and hair professionals have requested that they carry a broader range of products  for them as well. In 2013 a void was created with the closing of Ray’s Beauty Supply and in the winter of 2014 an opportunity presented itself to expand to the 9th Floor. With a vast knowledge of wardrobe supplies but minimal knowledge of makeup and hair supplies, they sought the help of Mindy Hall, an academy award winning makeup artist and friend to serve as their product and visual consultant. On October 27, 2014 MWS launched MWS Pro Beauty on the 9th Floor of 245 West 29th Street.  As with MWS, Tommy and Cheryl will continue their policy of listening to the customer, offering products that meet industry standards, providing  great customer service and creating a  “one stop shopping” experience.

 

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