Ken Tanabe | Halloween 2016: Green Engineer

Halloween 2016: Green Engineer

Why not make heroes of those who work in STEM fields? Or better yet, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, Math)? This costume lets us dress up as the action figure we never had. The overall look is inspired by protective suits for scientific research and exploration. Geometric patterns in the rope evoke suspension cables and lattice trusses found on bridges. The costume takes shape through strategically placed knots and the force of gravity. Many thanks to brilliant photographer Willie Davis and smart stylist Catherine Leung.

MATERIALS:
Bought: Ikea “Krokig” wall storage units (12 x $4.99), Ikea “Frakta” rope (2 x $1.99), pipe insulation ($1.39). Already owned: Kimberly-Clark heavy duty coveralls, Ook invisible hanging wire, power drill, scissors.

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.