Business Members

Christopher Hardwick is a beloved figure in the downtown art scene, known for his deep passion for costumes, creativity, and celebration. A true artist at heart, Christopher embodies the spirit of self-expression, transforming every gathering into a visual spectacle. Whether designing elaborate outfits, collaborating with fellow artists, or bringing a touch of theatricality to any occasion, he thrives in spaces where imagination runs wild. His presence in the costume community is more than just about dressing up—it’s about storytelling, connection, and celebrating the joy of artistic freedom. Christopher is a vibrant force, always ready to bring people together in a whirlwind of color, energy, and fun.

Renata Bergan is a multifaceted costumed artist whose talents encompass singing, belly dancing, percussion, stilt walking, fire dancing, acting, filmmaking, and photography. Her @reneegadepix makes documentary films with a social conscious. Hoping to raise awareness and improve this planet!

Let's do this! lets goooo! I'm ready!!

Marz Katz is a creative force with a strong passion for community engagement and artistic expression. Known for a unique personal style, Marz often shares fashion inspirations, attributing craftsmanship to family heritage. With a keen eye for aesthetics and storytelling, Marz uses social media to showcase individuality, creativity, and a deep appreciation for culture.

Christine Geiger is a New York City-based performance and makeup artist, known on Instagram as @kaleidoscopicdream. Her work showcases a fusion of dynamic performance art and intricate makeup designs, reflecting her innovative and artistic vision. Christine's performances often feature elements such as stilt dancing, where she exhibits her skills adorned in elaborate headpieces and costumes. For instance, in one of her performances, she danced on stilts wearing a beautiful headpiece by @thornedarrell, bedazzled by the queen herself. In addition to her performance art, Christine is an acclaimed makeup artist. Through her Instagram, Christine shares her artistic journey, offering followers a glimpse into her creative process and the vibrant world she inhabits.

Ali Luminescent is an internationally celebrated performance artist and educator, dazzling audiences with her mesmerizing fusion of hoops, fire, stilts, and aerial arts—sometimes all at once. Since discovering the hoop in 2006, she has expanded her movement artistry, captivating stages, screens, and print worldwide. Ali’s dynamic performances have earned her features in Marie Claire, Juxtapoz Magazine, W Magazine, India Times, Australia’s Mix Magazine, and The New York Times—as well as a triumphant moment on Project Runway, where she embodied a winning, stilt-walking masterpiece. As a dedicated teacher, Ali brings the same grace and precision to her instruction as she does to her performances. Her background as a speech-language pathologist informs her ability to break down complex movements, making them accessible to students of all learning styles. She believes in the transformative power of practice—unlocking new dimensions of self-expression and movement for all who step into her world. From high-fashion runways to fire-lit stages, Ali Luminescent is a radiant force, illuminating the intersection of art, motion, and costume.

Darrell is a force of creativity and connection. The founder and creative director of Darrell Thorne Studios, he discovered his primary loves of costume and transformation, and the joy of hosting gatherings and events at a very young age. A completely autodidactic artist, he honed his unique skill set through 15 years of experimentation and performing in nightclubs and theater, while working full time as a hospital administrator. With the launch of Darrell Thorne Studios a decade ago, he realized a life long dream of creating art combined with performance and connecting with people, while uplifting parties and events.

Max Steiner is a sculptor, mask maker, jewelry designer, modelmaker, product designer, technologist, and 3d modeler. A native of New York, he lives and works in Bushwick, Brooklyn.