On Stage essentials: Las Vegas’ inclusive costume hub

Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour, and nonstop entertainment, but until recently, there wasn’t a dedicated space for costume lovers, performers, and creatives to find quality materials and a supportive environment all under one roof. That changed with the opening of On Stage Essentials, a new costume shop founded by a brilliant fashion designer by the name of  Natali Germanotta Dolan, along with her husband a gifted photographer and designer, Alex Dolan, as well as  Emmy Award-winning designer Perry Meek.

The idea for the store came naturally to Natali, who has spent years immersed in the world of fashion and performance. While in Las Vegas to help design costumes for her sister, Lady Gaga, Natali quickly noticed the lack of a reliable, community driven costume resource in town. “There was really nowhere in Vegas where people in the costume community could get their essential needs,” she says. With Perry adding “We understood the niche, and we knew there was a need to fill it.”

The shop is also the product of a deep personal and professional relationship. Perry Meek, who has known Natali and Alex for over a decade, mentored Natali early on in her fashion journey. Years later, the three have come together to build something lasting. For Natali and Alex, the collaboration has been both creatively fulfilling and personally rewarding. “It’s really amazing to work with your partner and to be creative together,” Natali said. After more than ten years together, the couple has developed a strong professional rhythm. “We complement each other, and where one exceeds at one thing or if someone has a gap at the other, we can compliment each other in those skills,” Alex shared.

What truly sets On Stage Essentials apart is its commitment to community and inclusivity. “We want it to feel welcoming and inviting,” Natali shared. “We have a beautiful group of staff that work here that are really well-versed and knowledgeable about all the products that we carry.” She added, “It’s really important to support the community in a way that feels natural.”

The store isn’t just geared toward traditional performance costumes. It carries a wide selection of culturally significant attire, from quinceañera dresses to Carnival-inspired looks. “We know how important it is for every different type of community to have a creative voice,” Natali said. From milestone celebrations to cultural festivals, On Stage Essentials is intentionally stocked with options that reflect a broad range of traditions.

It’s also become a safe and celebratory space for the drag and LGBTQ+ communities, offering bold and festive Pride pieces in a setting that embraces authenticity. For Perry, that mission is personal. “We made a place that’s welcome, that people feel welcome, that don’t feel threatened and don’t feel intimidated, and we have a place for people from all genders and ethnicities,” he said. Alex added, “We want to make sure we stock things in a wide range of skin tones and sizes so it’s as inclusive a place and a community as we can make it.”

Affordability is another key pillar of the store’s mission. “We want this to be a place for every budget,” Perry emphasized. Whether someone is shopping for a custom gown or picking up costume basics, On Stage Essentials aims to meet people where they are. Natali also emphasized how important it is for staff to be able to help customers learn. “It’s not just about what you’re buying, it’s about feeling empowered to use it.”

With decades of combined experience in fashion and entertainment, all three founders have heartfelt advice for aspiring creatives. Perry shared his mantra: “Don’t take no for an answer and keep learning.”  Natali encouraged individuality and focus: “Hone all that energy into what you’re doing and you don’t have to be like somebody else to be successful, you can be yourself.” And Alex added a reminder that dreams don’t expire: “It’s never too late to try something new.”

With passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart, On Stage Essentials is more than just a costume shop, it’s a cultural hub, a creative haven, and a new staple in Las Vegas. It’s a place where artistry meets accessibility, where people from all walks of life can find not only the materials they need but also a sense of community and belonging. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a drag queen preparing for your next show, a teen planning a quinceañera, or simply someone with a love for fashion and expression, this shop was made with you in mind.

On Stage Essentials is located at 3550 E Post Rd Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89120

Photos By: Alex Stechschulte