About the Book
My Crazy Cousin from the West is a collection of stories and photos of Carnival's underground culture and it's magnificent world of couture costuming.
25 years ago Erin Mahoney was a young fashion design student at San Jose State University when a happenstance trip to Venice Carnival landed her in the middle of a close knit community called the Secret Society. The “family” as they like call themselves is a fiercely private, highly selective group of artists who recreate 18th Century Venice Carnival with a twist each year. At the time, the Secret Society was reluctant to accept the young, American newcomer but she persisted; returning year after year with memorable, standout costumes. She’s now part of the family but she jokingly refers to herself as the Crazy Cousin from the West.
Each of Erin's costumes has a fascinating story but perhaps the most intriguiing story is that of a young, college student climbing the steps of Venetian Carnival high society.
About the Author
Kim Ross James has worked in cinema for over 20 years. She began her career at Industrial Light and Magic on movies like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Star Wars Episode I; and Pirates of the Caribbean, The Curse of the Black Pearl. She's currently a Technical Director at Pixar Animation Studios.
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"Creating images to tell a story has been my life's work. When Erin pulled out an old, vintage suitcase full of photos, I knew there was a story to be told. That was the beginning of our collaboration, My Crazy Cousin from the West."