Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545089
A System for a New Age: RFID and Modern Inventory At the core of the department's transformation is its RFID inventory system, years in development and now central to how costumes are tracked, cataloged, and pulled at FOX Costumes & Tailor Shop. A significant portion of the collection has been barcoded, photographed, and entered into a searchable database, allowing Costumers to quickly locate pieces both in-house and online. Through the FOX Costumes website, productions can browse inventory by category or keyword, build pulls remotely and begin the rental process with ease. Medina explains that the system was designed to support both in-person and remote workflows: "The intention is to allow Costumers to shop the collection online, build their pulls, and begin the account process seamlessly. From there, we're able to pull, pack, and ship directly to productions." The integration of RFID has also streamlined operations behind the scenes. Pulls that once required manual entry can now be processed quickly and accurately, significantly reducing checkout time and improving overall workflow. As Marina Fortel, a 22-year veteran of FOX Costumes, notes, "We used to type everything by hand, which was incredibly time-consuming. Now, with most of the inventory barcoded, we're able to move people through the process much more efficiently." Sophia Octeau, who has been with FOX Costumes for 24 years, adds, "If a few pieces haven't been entered yet, it may take slightly longer, but in most cases, Costumers are pulling from inventory that's already in the system, so the turnaround is extremely fast." She continues, "Many productions are prepping in the Valley or shooting out of town these days, and with the FOX Studio Lot being on the westside, I recognize that we're out of the way for a lot of people. But when people aren't coming here, they're leaving a stone unturned." This efficiency is especially important for productions working under tight timelines. As the system continues to expand, the majority of in-stock items are now fully integrated, allowing Costumers to move through the space with ease and confidence. Whether pulling in person or preparing remotely, the experience is designed to minimize friction and maximize speed. FOX is not just offering inventory, it is offering a system built for precision, accessibility, and ease. Curated Collections While the scale of the FOX collection is substantial, spanning more than six miles of inventory, the focus is not simply on volume. The department has made a deliberate effort to refine and curate its stock so that what remains is relevant, production-ready, and creatively valuable. Among its most distinctive offerings are its curated sci-fi and vintage collections, providing designers with unique, high-quality pieces that help define character and world-building rather than requiring them to sort through excess inventory. The department also features a strong fantasy collection inspired by the silhouees and crasmanship of the 1500s and 1600s, alongside an extensive range of specialty categories, including Egyptian, space uniforms, cavemen, medieval, and early American historical wardrobe. Together, these collections offer productions a wide spectrum of period- and genre-specific options, all thoughtfully organized for ease of access. For productions looking to add a sense of humor or unexpected visual impact, FOX also maintains a wide assortment of mascot and walkabout costumes from bananas to gorillas and everything in between. These pieces are ideal for commercials, college games, and scenes that call for something playful, surreal, or delightfully unexpected. 34 SUMMER 2026 Right top: Sophia Octeau demonstrates how the RFID heat press machine works; Right: Still life of 1950s wardrobe suitcase. Opposite: Syros Roshandel and Magdy Nakhla in the FOX Tailor Shop.