To celebrate ten years of Halloween costume tradition, I designed a matching set (male and female). Both costumes use similar modular components to create different effects. They are inspired by winged armor and helmets worn by the Vikings and Marvel’s Thor character. It was also inspired by winged shoes by Jeremy Scott for Adidas and fashion photography. Many thanks to Catherine Leung for modeling and assisting with construction, and to John Blackford for skillfully taking these photos.

MATERIALS:
All items listed are for each costume. Bought: 25 (5 packs of 5) Flyt magazine files from Ikea ($9.95), three cans of Montana Gold “gleaming pink” spray paint ($22.39), two Montana Gold soft fat caps ($0.82), assorted nuts, bolts, and washers ($7.96). Already owned: black turtleneck, black jeans, black socks, black costume gloves, ruler, X-acto blades, gaffer’s tape, scissors.

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Halloween Costumes
Halloween Rules
1. Make it yourself.
This is the best way to be original. A store bought costume is better than no costume, but you can do better than that!
2. Use your whole body.
If you wear your usual clothes and throw on a mask, is that really a costume? Go from head to toe.
3. Keep it cheap.
Anybody can spend a zillion dollars on a costume and look cool. The real challenge is making it happen on a budget.
4. Don’t rely on recognition.
Do not dress as a celebrity or a movie character. Standard characters like vampires are off-limits, too.
5. Don’t rely on sex.
Don’t get me wrong – being sexy is great and all. Just don’t rely on it to make your costume work.
6. Don’t rely on horror.
Sure, blood and guts are a Halloween tradition, but don’t feel limited. Take advantage of the day you can wear anything!

Do you make Halloween costumes that follow these rules? If so, contact me.