KILLER COSTUMES
Tips and tricks (or treats) for the right Halloween
look
There’s nothing scarier than running into someone
wearing the same Halloween costume as you. Avoid the nightmare by planning a one
of-a-kind Halloween look, and then show it off at one of Vegas’ many holiday
parties.
Jason Egan, creator and owner of Las Vegas’ popular
Fright Dome, believes scary television characters will be a big inspiration
this year.
“A fun and exciting trend that’s going on right now is
that some of the most popular shows on TV — ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘American
Horror Story’ — are frightening,” he said. “Girls are also going a lot scarier
with their costumes. There’s still some sexiness going on, but they’re bringing
the horror back into Halloween.”
Since “American Horror Story” focused on witches this
past season, Egan expects to see plenty of hags lurking around the Strip.
Zombies will roam Halloween parties. And there will be fewer pre-packaged
costumes as more people get creative.
When creating your own look, it’s best to have a plan.
“If you’re going to be a witch, how are you going to do your hair?” Egan asked.
“Will you wear it up ‘Hocus Pocus’-style like Bette Midler or down like a
character from ‘American Horror Story’? And if you’re going to be a zombie,
what kind of zombie are you? Remember, everyone’s been killed off: cops,
construction workers, even military guys.”
Makeup is a critical factor. “It’s important not to
skimp on makeup jobs,” Egan said, “as it can make or break a costume.”
Several salons in Las Vegas offer special makeup
packages for Halloween, including Michael Boy chuck’s Color. Its Spooktacular
Beauty Package, available from Oct. 27 to 31, includes a hairstyle and makeup
that’s custom fit to your attire. Platinum Entourage also does special FX
makeup, with glamour makeup, monster makeup and body paint options.
Egan also suggested Star Costume & Theatrical
Supply, with its “amazing selection of makeup” as well as an extensive
inventory of costumes for sale. The location also features a rental department
with mix-and-match pieces to get the right look.
Thrift stores are an excellent option for putting
together costumes. Egan noted that savvy shoppers could save money and create a
more authentic appearance with the wide variety of used items available.
Uniform shops can be a goldmine, as actual work
garments are sometimes a better deal than their costume equivalents. For
popular looks, it might be easier to find a specific size or fit during the
busy pre-Halloween rush.
Once you have your costume, it’s only natural you’ll
want to show it off.
Several Vegas nightclubs have Halloween costume
contests, like Body English, The Bank and Light. Fright Dome will also be
hosting a costume contest during its first Day of the Dead party, an
adults-only affair on Nov. 1. Cash prizes will be awarded in various
categories, including Most Original and Scariest.
Egan warns that whatever your plans are, allow
yourself plenty of time because, as he knows well, “Halloween comes quick.”
Get the Look
Color Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702.731.7791 www.michaelboychuck.com
Platinum Entourage
6670 S. Tenaya Way
702.664.5500 www.platinumentourage.com
Star Costume & Theatrical Supply
3230 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite 120
702.731.5014 www.starcostumelv.com
Show It Off
Body English Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
4455 Paradise Road
702.693.5555 www.hardrockhotel.com/party/bodyenglish-nightclub-las-vegas
The Bank Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702.693.8300 www.thebanklasvegas.com
Light Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702.693.8300 www.thelightvegas.com
Fright Dome Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702.794.3939 www.frightdome.com
