The Fun Art of Dress Up

Wearing fancy costumes is the usual practice whenever there’s an annual celebration such as the Yuletide season, hence costumes can be synonymous to the word “fun”. The most anticipated event for costume aficionados in most parts of the world is Halloween, which has been a well-renowned traditional happening for centuries. It was the Celts who initiated the belief that wearing costumes that resemble the dead on the eve of Halloween will drive away evil spirits who return and whose scheming presence bother those who are living.

In the United States, costumes such as infant costumes, toddlers costumes, and children’s costumes are more in demand during Halloween and Christmas Day, while teens and adults buy or rent costumes in time for themed costume parties or the Mardi Gras. Costumes in the United Kingdom of conventional and out-of-the-box designs, either created by local couturiers or imported from Far Eastern countries for a much cheaper cost, are used not only for Halloween but likewise for Victorian-themed fancy dress parties (which originated from the early masquerade balls held in the 18thth century and favored among members of British Royalty then and now), retro parties (carrying themes related to eras heavy on Western pop culture such as the 1970’s, 1980’s), theatre productions, the charity event for endangered animals Great Gorilla Run, and the high-end affair for philanthropists called the Chelsea Arts Ball. Anime character costumes are always a hit in Japan and in other Asian countries because of costume parties called cosplay.

There are many types of costumes for all ages and occasions. Theatrical costumes are made to be worn by theatre, TV and film actors and their styles closely follow those of the story’s heroes, heroines and villains. National costumes are for events that give importance to a country’s history and culture like Independence Day parades and beauty pageants. Thematic costumes are best for Halloween and Christmas parties and the Mardi Gras. Sacred costumes are made for religious customs such as the Jewish holiday Purim and the Muslims’ Eid al-Fitr. Mascot costumes are representations of an event or a cause like those of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the NBA team mascots. Infant costumes and children’s costumes are often based on fairy tales and other fiction books, Halloween, cartoons, celebrities, common occupations and animals and also function as means of performing role play and self-exploration of people and things around them.

There are countless shops selling costumes around town where one can try them on and see for himself what kind fits him best. In case of limited selection inside outlets within the neighbourhood, online dealers such as My Costume Express are always reliable when it comes to choosing that perfect costume--adult costumes, children’s costumes, couples costumes, dog costumes, infant costumes, toddler costumes, plus wigs and costume accessories.