Saloon Girls – these are often very suitable for a burlesque style costume
A couple of days ago we were mentioning Australian actress Cate Blanchett and by coincidence we have cause to mention her compatriot Nicole Kidman today, as it’s the anniversary of the US premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Moulin Rouge’ in 2001, which featured both Miss Kidman and Ewan McGregor in all singing/dancing roles. For some reason it took until September for the film to open here in the UK but in the meantime, thanks to the efforts of a rather raunchy pop video from the diverse diva talents of Christine Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Pink and Mya, there was plenty of pre-publicity. Many cite this movie as the point at which enthusiasm for the burlesque costume look really took off, although there have been plenty of other films since (notably 2010’s ‘Burlesque’) which have inspired demand for the short and sexy look. Some may say that this is a trend that discriminates in favour of the ‘bright young things’ yet experience shows that the look, has in fact proved popular with all ages – it is just a matter of attitude!
Vampire costumes are still one of the most popular costumes, all helped by the ongoing release of another vampire film. Due out on general release today in the UK is the movie ‘Dark Shadows’. This is another Tim Burton film, which stars Johnny Depp, alongside Michelle Pfeiffer (who last worked with Tim Burton as Catwoman in ‘Batman Returns’ back in 1992) and Eva Green (possibly best known as Vesper from the Bond film ‘Casino Royale’). Actually billed as a comedy/fantasy film about vampires, and set in the early 1970s (with an appropriate soundtrack), it is difficult to know how this will be perceived by the general public, although it can probably best be described as a sort of updated Addams Family with attitude.
At Props & Frocks we are often asked for various Johnny Depp costumes from his varied stable of characters, and the Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman is also a popular choice (even if there is a new version in the offing in the latest Batman movie). Looking at the trailers, the costumes from this film are not likely to be particular trendsetters, but we may be pleasantly surprised. For those of you who are going to see it, we would love to hear your views on the film and the stars performances.
Yesterday we were talking about the musical Shrek costume ideas, which turned our mind to other hit musicals, where we are regularly asked for costumes. The sing-along-a type shows are still doing the rounds, with versions of Hairspray, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Grease, Sound of Music, all possibly playing at a theatre near you (depending of course where you live). Alongside these are various tribute nights, where participants are encouraged to dress up in the style of the appropriate stars. Abba is by far the most heavily requested type of costume for these type of events, but Blues Brothers, Elvis and Madonna can also be hot favourites. Here at Props & Frocks we have all sorts of pop stars and celebrity costumes available, from many different eras and we look forward to helping you out with your chosen idol.
It was on this day in 1663 that arguably the first London theatre, now known as the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, opened. A result of the Restoration of Charles II, it was only one of two buildings in London, licensed by the King to perform ‘talk drama’ as opposed to musical entertainment (possibly because Charles’ ‘significant other’, Nell Gwynn, was an actress, amongst her other talents). Despite the odd mishap (loss in the Fire of London) and closure (during plague), the venue has survived through four reincarnations and is currently playing host to the highly popular stage musical version of Shrek.
When it comes to costumes, Shrek is rapidly becoming one of our main costume themes, given that it has links with so many fairy tale characters (many of which are Disney costume characters).
Here are just some of the popular choices of characters for this particular costume theme.
Christmas Fancy Dress in May, seriously, we are not joking!
So, we are just over a third of the way through the year and thoughts turn to Christmas Costumes! Well at least those of Irving Berlin did 70 years ago, as he wrote and registered the song ‘White Christmas’ about now in 1942. The song is said to have sold the greatest number of copies ‘of all time’ (as opposed to Elton John’s ‘Candle in the Wind’ which sold the greatest number of copies ‘since UK & US charts started’). It is a perennial favourite, although it initially did not perform too well – possibly because it was released as part of an album of Bing Crosby songs in July of that year, but as Christmas grew nearer, the song caught on and acquired its now legendary status. Oddly enough, Christmas in the summer is not that rare an occurrence as here at Props & Frocks we are frequently being asked for Santa outfits and other festive wear. Usually this is when someone has the idea of a novel twist for an Australian theme to go with a British summer-time barbeque. Sometimes the weather also plays its part!
This is also the time of year when Christmas Calenders, cards etc. are being planned and photographed, and also when Santa grottos start being designed. Please let us know if we can help you with your festive plans in any way.
Today is the anniversary of the death of Frank L Baum in 1919. Although the name may not be immediately familiar, it was Baum who created the land of Oz, and the books about it, the best known being The Wizard of Oz. Although almost everybody knows the 1939 film of the story, featuring Judy Garland, Baum was a prolific writer and amongst his many other works, there were in fact thirteen books written about Oz and its inhabitants. Baum even created his own film company to make movies of the books himself! The original film is, of course, a classic, but in recent years there have been other developments – not only the successful ‘Wicked’ musical featuring the ‘back-story’ of the witches of Oz, but also the new Andrew Lloyd Webber stage version of the tale.
Next year we are promised a new big-budget prequel to the ‘main’ story – ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’, telling the story of how the Wizard came to arrive in Oz. It is expected to hit screens in March 2013. In the meantime, today you can celebrate the characters of Oz, the ones you know – Tin-Man, Scarecrow and Lion, and the ones you can perhaps create from your imagination – the Tik-tok Man, the Patchwork Girl and the Woggle-Bug!
Other Oz Characters for some Wizard of Oz Costume Ideas… (there are many more where these came from, but they should give you a start!)
Sea Serpent
Army of Oogaboo – Tik Tok is a Private in the army
Aunt Em
Auntie Henry
Betsy Bobbin
Glinda – wear a pink long dress
Guardian of The Gates
Hungry Tiger
Cowardly Lion
Jack Pumpkinhead
Tin Man
Scarecrow
The wizard of Oz
Dorothy
John Dough – Gingerbread Man
Kabumpo – an elephant
Kalidah – body of a bear, head of a tiger
King of Bunnybury – a rabbit king
Wicked Witch Of The West
Wicked Witch of The North
Wise Donkey
Winged Monkey
Shaggy Man
Boq – a Munchin
Cap’n Bill – Sea Captain with a wooden leg
Ervic
Frogman – a man size frog, dress in Georgian style costume
Today we take a look at Elvis costumes. Yesterday, we were discussing America (or at least its States) and today we head towards the Wedding Capital of the World, Las Vegas, situated in the Nevada desert. Why particularly today? Well, 45 years ago on May 1st 1967, one Elvis Aaron Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu in Vegas.
Despite his death, just 10 years later in August 1977, Elvis is still one of the most iconic and widely recognised stars when it comes to costumes. His Vegas style jumpsuit is one of the enduring images of the Twentieth Century and it is an extremely popular costume request for all sorts of themes such as 1970s, Pop Stars, Musical Stars and Dead Icons. Although the traditional look is white, it does come in a range of assorted colours and styles. Coupled with the Elvis wig, trademark sunglasses, bling jewellery and medallions, you are sure to make an impression.
