"Guilty Witch" via @nadialeelee
It is often said that holidays are for amateurs: Valentine’s Day is when people who never go on dates try to be romantic, New Year’s is when people who don’t party go out, and Halloween is when people who never dress up buy a cheap costume from Party City to pass off as a disguise. While there were plenty of half-hearted looks yesterday, there were also some jaw-droppingly good looks to be seen from designers, make up artists and photographers. Here, are some of our favourite moments of costuming done by the professionals:
Fecal Matters as Voldemort
This was a wildly self-aware costume from one of Instagram’s premiere otherworldly creators. While it is close enough to the hairless look Hannah Dalton regularly dons (especially with the platform skin heels), the serpentine nose and veins lend the look an eerie likeness to Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal as the Harry Potter villain.
Nadia Lee Cohen’s costume catalogue
The photographer and model, known for her full fantasy images, gave us not one, but six Halloween looks this year including, ‘jester’, ‘roller waiter’, ‘gangster’, ‘showgirl’, ‘witch’ and ‘matador’. While we are all used to seeing these costumes, Nadia Lee Cohen uses her masterful pop culture imagery to elevate the disguises to works of art.
Lochie Stonehouse’s diamante Pale Man
While the Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth definitely falls into the classic scary costume category, YSL and Armani beauty head Lochie Stonehouse gives Guillermo del Toro’s monster a slightly more glam look, covering the bald head in rhinestones. We’re creeped out, but also captivated.
Janelle Monáe as Ziggy Stardust
Janelle Monae is always here for a fashion moment, so why should Halloween be any different? Paying homage to the late David Bowie’s flame-haired Ziggy Stardust phase, the singer recreates his powder blue suit and turquoise eyeshadow combo from the Life on Mars music video.
Ismaya French’s vegan kitty
There have been countless satires mocking the ubiquity of cat costumes on Halloween, but we are here for make up artist Ismaya French’s take on the look. Instead of cutesy cat years, she opted for a black wig, spiked into two cat ears. She also foregoes whiskers in favour of simple feline markings on the eyes and lips. While she is pictured lapping up milk, the caption makes it clear that it’s from oats.
John Galliano as a couture clown
This year, it seems everyone has brought in the clowns, from a sea of terrifying ITs, to the more psychological complex Jokers and the sexy Harley Quinns. The master of couture created his own version, which is definitely still scary, but also well-put together.