Our Story
About Manhattan Wardrobe Supply
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply (MWS) was founded from a simple idea: create a true one-stop shop for costume professionals, wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, and hair professionals working in the entertainment industry.
The idea was born while Cheryl and Tommy were working on the set of the film You've Got Mail. Like many costume and wardrobe professionals, they spent countless hours traveling from store to store searching for wardrobe essentials such as thread, detergents, garment care products, hangers, sewing notions, and production supplies. Frustrated by the inefficiency, they envisioned a single destination where professionals could find everything they needed for film, television, Broadway, theater, dance, circus, fashion, and live entertainment productions.
Working on apple boxes in the back of a wardrobe truck between scenes, Cheryl and Tommy drafted the business plan that would become Manhattan Wardrobe Supply.
On August 1, 1998, MWS officially opened its doors. What began as a small 300-square-foot space with four bookshelves, a desk, and a computer quickly became a trusted resource for entertainment professionals throughout New York City and beyond.
Today, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply remains headquartered at 245 West 29th Street in New York City. The business has grown to occupy an entire floor encompassing more than 6,000 square feet of wardrobe supplies, costume supplies, garment care products, sewing notions, professional tools, and production essentials. Customers from around the world rely on MWS for the products and expertise needed to support their creative work.
Recognizing the growing demand for professional beauty products, MWS expanded in 2014 with the launch of MWS Pro Beauty. Dedicated to serving makeup artists, hair stylists, special effects professionals, and beauty departments, MWS Pro Beauty offers an extensive selection of professional makeup, hair care, special effects products, brushes, tools, and beauty essentials. To help shape the department, Cheryl and Tommy partnered with Academy Award-winning makeup artist Mindy Hall as product and visual consultant.
Today, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply is recognized as a leading supplier of professional wardrobe, costume, hair, makeup, and garment care products for film production, television, Broadway, touring productions, dance companies, circus performers, fashion stylists, universities, and theater programs worldwide.
While the company has grown significantly since 1998, its mission remains unchanged: to provide exceptional customer service, offer carefully curated professional products, and create a convenient one-stop shopping experience for the entertainment industry.What began as a dream on a film set has become a trusted destination for thousands of creative professionals. By listening to customers, understanding the unique needs of the industry, and continually expanding its offerings, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply continues to help bring productions, performances, and creative visions to life.


Cheryl Kilbourne-Kimpton
After graduate studies at Florida State University, Cheryl headed to Atlanta where she worked in Theater and as a stylist for commercials and print, eventually segueing to film work in 1978. She took the plunge into the New York market in 1987. Quickly, she assimilated and was soon a sought-after Costumer and Costume Supervisor. Today, Cheryl has reined in her 30-year film career to devote all of her time to fine-tuning MWS.
Tommy Boyer
A singer and dancer, Tommy seamlessly transitioned into being a Star Dresser on Broadway. Enjoying the challenges and security the wardrobe department offered, Tommy hung up his dance shoes. In 1989, he started in film and rose through the ranks from Costumer to Wardrobe Supervisor. Since MWS opened, Tommy has given up his career as a wardrobe supervisor, but he continues to be a key member of Richard Gere’s team as a star dresser.