It’s spooking time once more. Time to bring out that old Halloween costume or create a new, all-original one.
Here are some ideas from fashion designer Marianne Martin, owner of Nouvelle Haute Couture:
Decide on a look or theme. Once you’ve done this, expand on your design. If you want to dress up like Morticia, the scary matriarch of the macabre film The Addams Family, for instance, start by wearing a corset to achieve an hourglass figure. A push-up bra will define your cleavage. Then get a long-sleeved, form-fitting black dress or gown with bell sleeves and a trailing trumpet hem for that witchy flourish.
Recycle. Repurpose old clothes or fabric by dyeing or diluting its color. Layer on vintage clothes to achieve that gypsy or witch effect.
Accessorize. Add interesting patchwork, beads, sequins, and/or embroidery. Wear necklaces, bandanas, belts, and bangles for that gypsy look. Get an old broom to complement your witch attire. Morticia wannabes can come in a black, straight wig.
Create. Get a piece of cardboard, cut out a pattern, paste black satin fabric, bejewel with a buckle, and you have a witch’s hat! Complement this with a pair of boots, and you’re good to go.
Tap the power of makeup. For that Morticia look, use a light matte foundation with blood-red lipstick and black eyeshadow.
Choose black or gray. This is the traditional color, although you may opt for neon if you want to come as an anime character.
Nouvelle Haute Couture is located at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, White Plains, Quezon City, and soon, Robinsons Ermita. You may also visit its Facebook page.