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Week in Review 10.08.06: Costumes
By Choice Sliter | October 8, 2006
Ah October. The only month capable of fighting off an additional 31 days of MUZAK Christmas carols and fake evergreens as far as the eye can see. That is because October is home to that fabulously frightful, creatively costumed day that you and I refer to as Halloween. With Halloween fever sweeping the grid like a self-replicating object, I thought it only appropriate that I pick costumes as the theme for this week’s review. If the scourge of costumes keeps spawning, I may cary the theme over for a couple more weeks. Without further delay, I bring you the standout Halloween releases for this week.
Canimal: Leeloo and Laura Croft
For many geek boys and geek girls alike, The 5th Element holds a special place in the heart. The name Leeloo brings a smile to the lips. It flips off the tongue like a back handspringing Mila Jovovich. It’s a fond memory, with iconic costumes. Ones that multiple designers are bound to be attracted to. Canimal’s release of Leeloo is the second version of the costume to debut this week, in company with the fifteen witches and seventeen naughty nurses. With costumes there is bound to be an overlap in concepts as we all have similar pop cultural references and shared fantasies. The important thing is that the final creation be a unique and individual expression of the designer’s hand. One princess design is not the princess design and buyers are free to choose the one that fits their tastes. What caught my eye about Canimal’s version of Leloo was the overall presentation of the product. The hand drawn quality, the hue of the pants, and the overall softness of the textures gives this costume a fantastic and dream-like quality. But the sweetest choice is Canimal’s decision to use action figure-style packaging in her ads and as the sales vendor. It takes this costume from being merely nostalgic and interesting to downright irresistible for a fan of the film. View designer’s post. W=N, R=N, F=N
Man, I was all set to post this when I get an off world message from the Celestial City Update group. And it says two words that bring a quiver to the lips and a moistening of the thigh to every geek who has picked up a game controller since 1995: Lara Croft. Okay, that may be overstating it. But let’s face it, Lara Croft looms so high in fictional character sexiness, the only person who could play her (in an admittedly horrible film), was Angelina Jolie. But what sells this costume is the inclusion of some awesome accessories: backpack, gloves, and thigh-mounted gun holsters. And, just like Leeloo, Canimal has packaged these in action figure display boxes. I’m crazy over this one and had to add it to the standout list. View designer’s post. W=N, R=N, F=N
Celestial Studios: Pirate Wench and Living Ragdoll
With such a wonderful collection of costume releases, this entire Week in Review could be dedicated to Starley Thereian of Celestial Studios. Starley released six costumes that are each everything that woman’s Halloween costume should be: a bit sexy, full of fantasy, and tailored to fit a woman’s body. Every single one of the releases fits these qualifications. I particularly liked this year’s Pirate Wench, because it feels like a complete, head-to-toe costume (i.e. you don’t need to buy shoes, or hose, or something else to complete the look). The red overskirt, the prim boots, and the eye patch are extra touches that make this finished and detailed costume. It also allows you to see the evolution of the designer, as Starley has made the 2004 and 2005 versions of the pirate costume available.
But my overall favorite of the releases is Living Ragdoll. From the evocative, Beetlejuice-like sleeves and stockings, to the headless Jooky doll and rag doll hair, there is there is something darkly comic about this costume. I feel like I could wear it to a party, down tequila shots, and the stumbling around would only make it better. The rag doll skin, however, is not yet available. Although there are others on the grid that would work, I dare say we must ask dear Starley to heed the call and release it. View designer’s post. W=N, R=N, F=N
Draconic’s Sadistic Kiss: Latex Bat
Now I would be lying if I didn’t say that Choice has never lathered herself up in KY Jelly and slipped into latex gear. but it doesn’t mean I can’t spot a great costume, even when it presents itself in fetish form. Many latex designers are making pretty, glossy suits that look more like spacesuits and less like the suffocatingly lascivious creations they should be. Although a couple of designers have released Halloween costumes in latex, there is a difference between those who stop by Fredricks of Hollywood and buy a latex skirt to celebrate their wedding anniversary, and those who live for the tight compress of non-breathing skin. This costume is for the latter people. And for such latex lovers, Draconic Lioncourt has released a number of “traditional” latex costumes, including a mummy and a witch. I, however, preferred the simple kink of this bat design, which was released as part of the lanimals collection. It’s what Bat Girl would wear if she listened to Rammstein and went to fetish balls. It’s a costume perfectly suited for swinging, sweaty fun. Or for letting your freak flag wave proudly on All Hollow’s Eve. View designer’s post. W=N, R=N, F=N
Material Squirrel: Spider Queen
Earlier this week, Celebrity and I both got so excited by the release of this costume, we both posted about it at the same time. Spider Queen by Kala Bijou of Material Squirrel is one of the most captivating fantasy pieces I have seen lately. It is a Tim Burton-inspired outfit that is a sexy, lacy delight for all the vamps, goths, and dark faeries out there. The set is a wonderfully imaginative. The design conveys a visual sense of silky webbiness, which is so different from the spider cut outs and applique styles I am used to seeing. It’s very lovely, especially the semi-transluscent skirt. I think this set could be equally amazing in pastels or white, but it’s devlishly delicious in black. It’s a wonderful costume that doesn’t forget to be a well-designed garment first. View designer’s post. W=N, R=N, F=N
TART: Goth Raggedy Ann
Earlier this week, I told you about the launch of nessinger Loveless’s costume shop, which included the debut of her Sexy Hermione costume. One of my favorites of the release was the Raggedy Ann costume (second from left in photograph). But when I met Ann’s goth twin, my love for the original became a distant memory. What I love about this costume is the way that the high-contrast black and white make all of the shapes appear graphic and bold. In high school I regularly sported a look quite similar, and was labeled the Queen of Mixed media in a yearbook photo. While a bit similar in concept to to Starley’s Living Ragdoll, the interpretations of the theme are quite distinct. Goth Raggedy Ann isn’t very raggedy at all, and the look here is less costumey and almost too wearable for a costume. but it’s sweet look that I couldn’t take my eyes off of. Goth Ann is sexy and dangerous, whereas her colorful sister is sweet and adorable. View designer’s post. W=N, R=N, F=N
Winter Moon: Hogsworth Costume
Oh yes. One for the boys and oh how I am dying to jump on–I mean spot--the male cuties running around in this on Halloween. I mean what else needs to be said? It’s a Hogsworth uniform. And what geek girl worth her keyboard doesn’t get a little weak in the knees for boy wizards and (ahem) magic wands? Not to mention the fact that the wrinkling on the pants and shirt are so damn delicious, I’m expecting Draco Malfoy to come crawling through my monitor any second. So yes, I was totally excited at the possibility of becoming a sexy Hermione, myself. But I am absolutely giddy at the idea of running into my male counter part while trick or treating. View designer’s post. W=N, R=N, F=N
Notes
- Disclosure information has been abbreviated to the following: W=Seen in world, R= Review copy received, F=On friends list, Y=Yes, N=No
- Items are presented in alphabetical order by brand name. No ranking should be implied.
Topics: Classified Highlights, Costumes |
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