Are you wondering about what costumes are trending this Halloween or Carnival?
I’ve recently been asked this question, and I must admit that as an artisan maker I don’t really look at yearly trends. There are the usual big hit film productions (Willy Wonka, The Adams Family, Demon Hunters, Minions, Dune, Acolyte, Inside Out, etc, etc) that capture the kids’ imagination as well as some social media fads parents and children will get excited about.
Sustainability over short term fads
But since I like my costumes to last longer than one season, I am looking at some longer-term trends. And there are some good news:
Stick to classics. The adventurer and the princess will never go out of fashion. You can reimagine them for every generation, but in essence all our children want is go on a journey into their imagination.
Luckily, there seems to be a notable move towards more eco-friendly costumes. As awareness about environmental issues grows, more parents are seeking sustainable options for their children. What fibres are the costumes made of? Where are they produced and how are they manufactured?
In tandem with eco-friendly options, there is a growing demand for costumes that are durable and can be worn multiple times. Quality Over Quantity, Adjustable Sizing and Versatile Designs.
Classic costume characters get a twist
And classic characters are making a comeback, – but with a twist. Parents and children are rediscovering the charm of timeless favourites, reimagined with new details and whimsical touches. Superheroes turn vintage 1950s, fierce dragons are made from textured fabric scraps, and costumes make sounds.
Then there are more and more parents who dare to challenge their children’s imagination. What would a rain cloud costume look like, lightning or an Olympic torch? These are fun and abstract costumes that spill over into children’s fashion or the other way around.
Handmade and home made
And lastly, people are returning to the homemade and upcycled. This might go against what my small business of selling costumes is all about, but I love this trend. Use dad’s oversized clothing and stuff a cushion in for a clown outfit. Make a cardboard crocodile headpiece during an afternoon of crafting. A great costume outfit can be put together from your regular clothing together with some key costuming accessories and a bit of make-up or face paint.
And if you run out of ideas, contact me. If you are interested in more of my work subscribe to my newsletter, here.