Deep Space Nine: Grand Nagus Zek

Meet Grand Nagus 'Zek' of Ferenginar. He is the head of all things financial for the Ferengi, and this is his Ferengi costume. We first meet him in the Deep Space Nine episode 'The Nagus'. Here we learn his role in Ferengi society and how he is both admired and feared. In the episode, Zek is about to retire and is about to choose his replacement. Zek's own son Krax accompanies him to Deep Space Nine where Zek is to announce his choice at a conference among other important Ferengi. Unexpectedly, Zek picks Quark to be his successor in an attempt to uncover a plot against him, and see if Krax is ready to take over as the true successor.

Zek appears in a total of seven episodes of Deep Space Nine, such as 'Prophet Motive' and 'The Emperor's New Cloak'. His mix of capitalism and chauvinism made him a fantastic character and fan favorite.

Wallace Shawn portrayed Zek in all seven appearances and this is his first Grand Nagus costume used in the show. This particular Ferengi costume makes three more appearances in the Deep Space Nine episodes 'Rules Of Acquisition' 'Prophet Motive' and 'Ferengi Love Songs'

Deep Space Nine: Civilian Waiter

This Ferengi costume was worn by an unnamed character in the Deep Space Nine episode 'Bar Association'. He is among other Ferengi employed by Quark. To improve their working conditions, they form The Guild of Restaurant and Casino Employees, and strike against him when he cut their pay. Add in Brunt and a couple of Naussicans, and trouble ensues. Ultimately, Quark relents, but still manages to save face. Veteran Ferengi actor Ken Ziff wore this costume in the only episode it was seen in. It is complete with all 5 pieces and looks equally as good in person.

Two Fantastic Ferengi...And Great Guys.

Oh, the benefits of owning such great Star Trek costumes.

This post isn't entirely related to Ferengi costumes, but I had to post this picture of Max Grodenchik, Myself, and Armin Shimmerman. I have chatted with each of them at various conventions and asked them if they would wear their Ferengi costume coat in a pic with me. Each had no problem at all with it, so when I caught up to them at a recent convention, I came prepared...and they honored my request.

I have met these two many times over the years and they have got to be the nicest, kindest, and most generous people you could meet. If you see them at a convention, be sure to thank them for what they did for Star Trek and by extention, for us.

Deep Space Nine: Pel

Pel was the first of only two Ferengi females to be seen in the entire Star Trek universe. Introduced in the Deep Space Nine episode 'Rules Of Acquisition', she left a lasting impression among fans.

In the episode, she disguised herself as a Ferengi male, complete with larger ears, to prove that Ferengi women had the intelligence and ability to earn profit. When her insightful counsel drives a wedge between Rom and his brother Quark, Rom does some snooping and discovers her secret. When her true gender is exposed, trouble ensues and old stereotypes are questioned.
Pel was portrayed by Helene Udy, and I am lucky to have her Ferengi shirt. Since her coat fit so poorly, it seems to me that wardrobe gave her whatever Ferengi waiter costume fit her best. However, being female, her costume top was unique in several ways. The most obvious is that the shirt snaps closed from the front, while all other Ferengi Waiters(and most Ferengi costumes) zip up the back. Also in a rare break from the norm, her costume top does not have her name on the inside tag. This is particularly odd as the shirt was custom made for her, and screencaps clearly confirm this is her shirt.
Interesting footnote: Two different shirts were made for Pel and both were seen in the episode, sometimes in the very same scene!


My luck has paid off more times than I can count, and here is a great example. During the 2011 Las Vegas Star Trek Convention, I was very fortunate to meet Helene Udy at her first ever Star Trek Convention. You likely remember her from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman as the lovely Myra, but her role as Pel was no less remarkable. She is such a treat, and I have to tell you, she was as kind and sweet as she is beautiful. Thanks Helene...as I know you will see this.

Deep Space Nine: Rom

Ya know, for being in only 31 episodes, Rom had a nice wardrobe. This costume was first seen in the DS9 episode 'Family Business' where Rom's mother Ishka makes trouble for the family by earning profit, wearing clothes, and not admitting these were mistakes. This Ferengi costume was also seen in 'Take Me Out To The Holosuite' where Rom manages to come through in the clutch.

This fine piece of Ferengi wardrobe was used by Rom in only 4 episodes like 'Bar Association' and 'Little Green Men' as shown above.

This particular Rom costume is great as it is complete with shoes and headwrap. All of the internal tags have 'Max' or 'Max G'. There are no other tags indicating any reuse of components. There was a stunt version of this costume made, but I can't see why as every time Rom is seen in this outfit, there are no action sequences requiring a double. Stranger things have been done...!

During the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention in 2009, I was given an opportunity to have a few pictures taken with Max Grodenchik. He came out from behind his autograph table and posed for pictures with me. He is obviously a professional as he was concerned about lighting and poses for the best picture. I am told that his this way with all his fans. What a cool guy!

Deep Space Nine: Rom

This is a great Rom costume. It was first presented in the season 4 episode 'The House Of Quark' and was used in a total of 15 episodes, including 'A Call To Arms' and 'Sacrifice Of Angels'.
In fact, the final time we see Rom is in the episode 'Dogs Of War' where he becomes the Grand Nagus and is wearing this outfit.

This Particular ferengi costume was sought after by me for a couple of years before the owner agreed to part with it. I am very lucky in that this costume is complete with all components including the original boots. All of the components say 'Max G' and have no other names indicating reuse. Two jackets were made for this Rom costume, and both say 'Max G'. After some use, one of the jackets was demoted to 'stunt' status as there is an additional marking on the tag in red pen added at a later date noting 'stunt'.

During the Phoenix Star Trek Convention in 2011, I brought with me one of Max's Rom jackets. He held it up and allowed a few fans to take pics of him with it. Great stuff to be sure!

Deep Space Nine: Rom

This costume was worn by Rom in just 6 episodes. It made it's first appearance in the Deep Space Nine episode 'Little Green Men' ( as seen below),and lastly in 'Under A Paper Moon', and is one of his best looking Ferengi costumes.



Proving some versatility, Rom wore just the jumpsuit and shirt during baseball training in 'Take Me Out To The Holosuite'.


This particular Ferengi costume is incomplete. It is missing the coat, boots, and headwrap. It appears two of this costume was made, as a complete one had been sold at the 2006 Christie's Star Trek auction. Unfortunately, the fate of the costume is as of yet unknown. For me, this presents a small mystery as all of my costume components say Max Groedenchik. What did the buyer actually get? Is it a hero coat with the rest being stunt? We may never know, but one day I will find out.

The Next Generation: Season One

This Ferengi costume is from Star Trek: The Next Generation, season one. When the Ferengi were introduced, they were slated to be the reoccuring enemy of the Federation instead of the Klingons. The results were so bad, they became the butt of jokes for viewers everywhere. For this reason largely, this costume gets little respect.

Throughout Star Trek, we see Ferengi military, doctors, businessmen, and marauders. This is the earliest known Ferengi military uniform shown in the entire Star Trek universe.

This style costume was seen in such episodes as 'The Last Outpost' and 'The Battle'. Perhaps in an attempt to reinvent the Ferengi, these are the only times this version was seen, as they were changed from season 2 and on.

Six of these Ferengi costumes were made, and mine was used in 'The Last Outpost' as the boots had a lot of sand in them when I received it. This particular one was worn by veteran stuntman Richard 'Dick' Hancock...'D. Hancock' as identified by the inside tag. Sadly, this costume is missing it's fur vest and belt. However, mine is the only one that has the ultra rare and unique headwrap.

Deep Space Nine: Grand Nagus Zek

The Grand Nagus is the head of all things financial on Ferenginar. Accordingly, his wardrobe left nothing to spare. Grand Nagus Zek had four different outfits in just 7 episodes that he appeared. They have to be some of the finest examples of costuming in the whole of Star Trek. This version of his costume was first seen in the Deep Space Nine episode 'Prophet Motive' then lastly in 'Ferengi Love Songs'.












This particular costume is the stunt version worn by Dennis Madalone and was used only once in Deep Space Nine. It is seen in the episode 'Prophet Motive', where Quark has a vision from the Prophets and sees Zek jump from the upper level of the Promenade.






It's original jumpsuit was used for another Ferengi costume (I know which one), so I don't have it. With the advantage of owning so many Ferengi costumes, I was able to examine, pattern, and fabricate a darker velvet jumper for it. It came out very well for my first attempt. Also, the stunt costume was devoid of any metal detailing so there was nothing to harm the stuntman. It is virtually impossible to locate the exact type of metal greeblies, as I have tried. I have attached some approximations in an attempt to make it more presentable.

Deep Space Nine: Grand Nagus Zek

Grand Nagus Zek appeared in just 7 episodes, beginning with the Deep Space Nine episode 'The Nagus' and ending in 'The Dogs Of War'. His corrupt business practices and chauvenistic view of women were contrary to the staff of DS9, but critical to his enormous charm.


Wallace Shawn's magical portrayal of Zek made him a fan favorite. It is a known fact that he did not like to wear these facial appliances, so he averaged one episode per season. For this fact, I am lucky to have these unused hand and facial prostetics in my collection.

Deep Space Nine: Grand Nagus Staff

The Grand Nagus carries with him a staff that is traditional for an individual to kiss the head of after receiving advice from the Ferengi leader. The Grand Nagus possesses the ability to appoint a Grand Proxy to act in matters in which he is unwilling or unable, and he might also travel with the cane as proof of authority given from the Grand Nagus. The staff can be seen in several Deep Space Nine episodes, such as 'Rules of Accuisition', 'Profit and Lace', and Voyager 'False Profits'. There were many staffs made during the the production of the show (perhaps as many as 15), and this is one of them.

I realize this is not a costume, but I feel it is an important part of the Grand Nagus character and costume, so I have included it here.

Deep Space Nine: Maihar Du

No self respecting Nagus would be caught without his Hupyrian servant, so for the final post of 2012, I thought I would post this Ferengi related costume:  Maihar'du.  The character appeared in 7 episodes, but this costume was only in 4.

The first appearance of this costume was in the the season 3 episode 'Prophet Motive'.

The second appearance was in the season 5 episode 'Ferengi Love Songs'.

Season 7 gave us the final times we would see Maihar'du and this particular costume with 'The Emperor's New Cloak' and finally 'The Dogs Of War'.

The character of Maihar'du was played by Tiny Ron and all of the costume components have tags with his name.  The sheer size of the costume precludes the use of a standard sized mannequin, so regrettably, I have to use the auction photos here.