Joseph Ponton Costumes

The story of Joseph Ponton Costumes begins in the 19th century. Circa 1860, a comedy troupe arrived in the port of Montreal to perform. It remained in Canada for a few years, accumulating costumes and accessories along with the acclaim of audiences. In 1865, the gang decided to climb aboard the first ship back to France. “So they sold all their costumes to a barber in Montreal, Joseph Ponton,” relates current owner Dominique Brossard. “Hence, Joseph Ponton began to rent costumes. After his retirement, his son took over the business, then three different owners relayed each other until passing the torch to my father, in 1979,” she explains.

Today, Dominique runs Joseph Ponton Costumes with her partner, Carmel Gagné. And while the business got its start with a collection of 100 costumes, it has since grown to over 15,000 incarnations, from the most obscure period dress to the policeman uniform, along with a host of masks, makeup choices, wigs and hats.

“Rentals are a very popular aspect of our business. These are costumes that people will only wear once, for a special occasion. Renting is an obviously more convenient option for them,” says Dominique.