Around The World is today’s fancy dress theme suggestion as, today we celebrate the birthday of one of Britain’s jolly good chaps, Michael Palin. Originally best known for his comedy work, especially with Monty Python’ Flying Circus, he has since graduated to becoming something of a globetrotter and author, with his various travel programmes being regularly repeated on one channel or other almost every week. In a few days time (on the 8th May) it will be naturalist Sir David Attenborough’s 85th birthday, so countries, animals or even a non-PC circus theme could be good today.
Props n Frocks has a great range of country costumes for all the family – in fact if you use this link, it will give you loads of information regarding which costumes will be suitable for various countries. You may also want to have a look at some of our other blogs regarding Around The World Costume Ideas
Some other costumes that you could use for a Country Theme include:
Belly Dancers or Camel Costume – use for India, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco
Cleopatra costume – Egypt
French Maid – France
Leprechaun costume – Ireland
Kangaroo Costume – Australia
Christmas Costume – Christmas Islands
Gangster Costumes – Italy
Roman Costumes – Italy
‘Around The World’ is such a huge subject, it basically covers everything. You may also want to think about major landmarks, animals, names of capital cities, or events that have happened. Let us know your thoughts…
Continuing with our Movies fancy dress theme, today we look at two other potential “themes within a theme”, based around two significant births. The first is that of the ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, Movie Star, James Dean, who would have been 80 on February 8th (born 1931), had not his life been cut short at 24 due to a tragic car accident, on September 30 1955. For those wanting to portray James Dean for a Movies (or perhaps a ‘Dead Icons’ party), this is an easy costume to do. All it requires is Jeans, T-shirt and the right hairstyle. However, as when portraying any movie star, it helps if you have got similar features to the character you are trying to portray (not everyone has the dark brooding looks of James Dean). There are some specialist character masks available that can give you a ‘head start’ when portraying particular celebrities, although we are not too sure whether a James Dean one is currently available.
If you do want to stick tot he tried and tested Movie theme, take a look at our selection of film costumes - this page will give you loads of costume ideas.
The other theme within the Movies theme is based on the original book written by Jules Verne ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. No prizes for guessing the theme! The author of the original book was born on February 8th 1828, in Nantes, France. His classic adventure story about Phileas Fogg has been turned into two movies (1956 & 2004) and a play. For those old enough to remember you may also remember Monty Python star Michael Palin did a travel series of the same name, which was first screened in 1989. At Props n Frocks we have some fantastic country costumes from all around the world. So, whether you want Oriental, African, European, American or Australian costumes, you know where to come.
Today’s fancy dress theme is ‘Wonders Of The World’. There are many different lists that make up ‘official’ wonders of the world but even we think it will probably be quite difficult going to a fancy dress party dressed as The Great Wall of China, or the Taj Mahal. So what about dressing up as people from those areas? Some ideas are below, but look at some of ’7 Wonders Of The World’ lists as this will give you even
Roman Centurian Costume
more ideas…
Taj Mahal – Indian costumes – we also stock turbans
The Great Wall of China – Chinese costumes – we also stock coolie hats, Chinese hats, Chinaman moustaches
You could also argue the fact that everything is a ‘wonder of the world’, so this leaves this fancy dress theme wide open with potential costumes coming from any country, and about anything. You can’t get anything more wonderous than a new baby being born – so why not dress up in a baby costume?
So why did we choose this costume theme today? Read on and all will be revealed…
As some of us start planning journeys to be with our relatives and friends over the Festive Season, today we celebrate the achievement of Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager who on this day in 1986 completed the world’s first circumnavigation of the world in an aircraft – the Voyager – without landing or refuelling in any way. A substantial achievement and home just in time for Christmas. On a different note, whilst you would think people would be busy with their festive preparations, in Oaxaca City, Mexico, the 23rd December sees an acclaimed festival ‘Night of the Radishes’ in which sculptures featuring a locally grown large radish are displayed and prizes are won. Just goes to show that entertainment takes many forms, and our suggested theme for today is Wonders of the World.
Today’s fancy dress theme idea is ‘Around The World’ or Countries as September 6th (although some sources say the 8th) marks the completion of the first circumnavigation of the globe, by Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition in 1522. Magellan was originally Portuguese but ‘became’ Spanish, when Charles I of Spain offered to fund an expedition to find the Spice Islands.
He then spent many of his voyages avoiding Portuguese fleets and territories because of the conflict of national interests. In fact Magellan did not complete the trip himself as he was killed in battle at the Philippines. Of the original 237 souls who set out, (in five ships) only 18 returned on the ‘Victoria’ which was what remained of the fleet (some others who had been captured or ‘mislaid’ en route returned to Spain later).
Though a Spanish costume theme might seem a good idea it can be rather limited when it comes to finding appropriate costumes, particularly for males. Even items such as Matador costumes and Ladies Spanish Dancers and mens Rumba costumes are manufactured more for females. An ‘Around the World’ fancy dress theme offers much more scope, and with our fabulous selection of costumes and accessories from America, Asia, Europe and Australia we’re sure we can find a fancy dress costume to suit. Take a look at our ‘Around the World’ Costume ideas for all the family for some more inspiration.
