The CIC was created in June 2020 to advocate for the survival of their vital but fragile ecosystem of small businesses — that employ over 500 artisans, craftspeople and costume experts — to ensure their employees will have an artistic home to which to return once the pandemic is over.
Katherine Marshall, owner of Tricorne costume shop, worked on the gown and still has a picture of herself and her young son standing next to it on a dress form at Matera’s. “Working on the gown for the inauguration was a definite highlight for everyone working at Matera’s at that time” said Marshall. “It was a top-secret mission shared amongst the staff, which we were all so very proud to be a part of.
“That was an email I never thought I’d write, but when we thought of her love of live performances coupled with the inaugural gown — we had to take advantage of the opportunity,” said Blythe. “To have her respond was definitely thrilling.”