Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
The fashionable career of Racked contributor Payton Wang began in a typical retail situation—at an independent punk-hippie-run costume/gift shop in Athens, Georgia. Daily tasks included: fighting for air in a cloud of incense, vacuum-packing $10.00 wigs, occasionally sporting a penguin costume (fondly called Pay-Pay at the time) and, oh yeah, coordinating hundreds of costumes for the local mega-Greek weekly themed "socials." Here, Payton channels those ideas that went unworn into a series of Halloween How-Tos.
So you've been wanting a new colorful blazer or to invest in one of fall's many print-on-print wild ensembles, but couldn't find an excuse to purchase one? Here's your chance—dress up as our favorite scandalous British fashion designer, John Galliano for Halloween! Any of these outfits would be perfect, and made oh-so-Galliano with the simple addition of any bizarre hat you can get your hands on.
If you're feeling less flashy, go for an easy, but equally as well-known ensemble, all-black. If in more of a flamboyant mood, the sailor look comes to mind. Regardless of which of his many looks you decide on, make sure a lot of cleavage is involved.
One of the many other choices with your John Galliano costume you have is which scandal? Sure Galliano himself is relevant in fashion, but it wouldn't be a popular culture Halloween without context. We have belligerent in a cafe Galliano, rehab Galliano, or even fired Galliano to choose from after the jump.
First things first, the face is where the authenticity is. John Galliano's signature hair would be a tough obstacle in costume coordination, luckily, we already located this "Top Model" wig retailing for $29.99 at some place called Costume Super Center for you. Throw on a bandana or any hat, glue on some fake flowers if you please, and you will practically be his twin. If the wig is too messy for your taste, braiding it into a fishtail, would be another easy look, and that way there is no worry of polyester fibers sticking to your face mid-Halloween debauchery. The facial hair—a soul patch and mustache in between a pencil and English silhouette (as we recently learned on Hudson's Complete Guide to Facial Hair) can be easily drawn on with an eyebrow pencil. We suggest Covergirl's Brow Makers in Midnight Brown for that soft look.
As far as accessories and choice of scandals go, the variety is great. Feeling frivilous or just getting sick of looking at that fake Dior you bought back in high school? Put an "X" over all those labels and show your pride as Fired from Dior Galliano. Not willing to make that kind of statement (or just not willing to deface a designer bag in the name of costume authenticity)? This beer stein purse is an affordable alternative. Belligerent in a Cafe Galliano is a more attainable option, as those 21 or older, may already have alcohol in tow. Top that off with some chain smoking and blatant rage towards strangers, and this costume is effortless. Those abstaining from drinks are simply the final option of Rehab Galliano.
Where can you get these inspired costumes?:
Picture 1 (from left to right)—Clemens en August printed silk shirt, $139 at The Outnet; Vivienne Westwood "Pluto" box striped trousers, $144 at My Wardrobe; Unique "Devore" jacket, $300 at Topshop; Topshop fuschia floral trousers, $76 at Topshop; Galliano Mannequin; BCBG "Bowie" leopard tux, $248 at BCBG; Yestdat Millinery "feline fedora," $358 at Anthropologie; Desigual "Whimsey" blazer, $159 at Buckel; Gryphon sequin cotton pants, $140 at The Outnet
Picture 2 (From left to right)—face/hair reference picture; "Top Model" wig, $30 at Costume Supercenter; Rubie's silver anchor sailor hat, $9 on Amazon; Covergirl brow makers pencil in midnight brown, $3.50 at Target; Rika black suede hat, $150 on StyleBop; Durashape top hat, $18 on Buy.com; San Diego felt fedora, $59 on Amazon; White daisy silk floral bouquet, $8 on Amazon; Stella McCartney red rain hat, $295 at Kirna Zabete; Susan Daniels Greek art print scarf, $40 on Bluefly
Picture 3 (clockwise from top)—Nuage espresso cup and saucer, $9 at Able Kitchen; beer stein purse, $15 at Spirit Halloween; Puff cigarettes, $3 at Halloween 31; brown paper bag (50 pack), $2 at Greenfeet; Libbey 7.5 ounce martini glass (set of 12), $20 at Bed, Bath, & Beyond; Elope beer goggles, $12 on Amazon
And there, you have it—an easy, fashion-related, pop-culture-related, costume with re-usable pieces and a built-in excuse to yell at people.—Payton Wang
· All John Galliano Scandal Posts [Racked]
· John Galliano [Official Site]
· All Halloween Related Posts [Racked]