A Breakdown of Hollywood Halloween Costumes
For decades, Hollywood has been a hotspot for flamboyant and unique costumes both on and off screen. Every year, Halloween gives everyone the creative freedom to dress up to their liking for a night. However, celebrities continue to raise the bar for us all. Celebrities such as Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, Gigi Hadid, Ariana Grande, and more have surprised us with perplexing, yet stunning ensembles for the spooky season. Additionally, specific costumes in film and television have become Halloween staples.With popular costumes from characters like Mia Wallace, Harley Quinn, Maddy Perez, and Cher Horowitz, there will never be a shortage of media inspiration for Halloween looks.
Vanessa Hudgens as the Black Widow (2020)
In October of 2020, this mesmerizing look debuted on Franz Szony’s Instagram account, depicting singer-actress Vanessa Hudgens as the deadly but glamorous “Black Widow,” entangled in black spider webs. The luxurious, bespoke gown was created by Michelle Hébert, whose work has been seen on Quinta Brunson, SZA, and Kaia Gerber. Nonetheless, their work has also been featured in Vogue Italia and Billboard Magazine. Hudgens’ makeup was done by Ivan Núñez, an LA-based makeup artist who has worked with Doja Cat, Kali Uchis, and Ryan Destiny. The hair for this photoshoot was styled by Tony Medina, an LA-based hair extraordinaire. Medina has done hair for Zendaya, Andra Day, Marina Diamandis, to name a few.
Ariana Grande and Mac Miller as ‘Zoolander’s’ Villains (2017)
Former power couple Ariana Grande and Mac Miller were known for their music collaborations and their matching Halloween costumes. While they were together, they made references to The Matrix, Moonrise Kingdom, and Pokemon. However, their most well known matching costume—at least in my opinion—is the villains from Zoolander. They channeled Will Ferrell’s Jacobim Mugatu and Milla Jovovich’s Katinka Ingabogovinanana. Both donned funky wigs and a blazing red wardrobe, making for a flawless interpretation of the characters. The accessories, choker, sunglasses, thigh high boots, and pink puffer elevated the funkiness of the looks. Grande and Miller surely set the standard high that year for how couple costumes should be executed.
Lupita Nyong’o as Dionne Davenport (2018)
Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o decided to give Dionne Davenport from the cult classic, Clueless, the spotlight at Heidi Klum’s Halloween party in 2018. Wearing Dionne’s most memorable outfit, Nyong’o looked gorgeous in a classic black and white plaid blazer and skirt set, with a complementing red cardigan for a pop of color. The accessories really completed the look, with Nyong’o adding a nose ring, green contacts, ribbon hat, and black bag— all seen on Dionne in the movie. Just like the awe-struck person in the background of the photo, I am also impressed by this classic but thought-out costume.
Megan Thee Stallion as Pinhead (2021)
Pardison Fontaine said, “scary how good you look…even dressed as an acupuncture faced white man.” And I completely agree. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion transformed herself entirely into Pinhead, the main antagonist of the horror classic, Hellraiser. Pinhead is an alien villain, known for his transparent skin and achromatic wardrobe. Megan put her own feminine spin on this character with her sultry black leather bondage suit and boots. The chains and the makeup gave it a sensual twist, which Megan pulled off perfectly.
Halloween is the one day you can wear anything you want with no judgment. October 31st is the day to celebrate your inner artist and create a stunning costume like these celebrities have shown us time and time again. Although we may not have the same resources as celebrities do, we can still have the same fun in crafting our very own Halloween costumes, unique to our personal tastes.
Strike Out
Writer: Tatiana Brown
Copy Editor: Emma Twilley
Content Editor: Gabby Macogay
Orlando
Tatiana Brown is a content writer for Strike Magazine Orlando. If she’s not writing articles, she’s probably watching sitcoms or romcoms. She has an obsession with Mike & Ike’s, and is always snacking on something sweet. You can reach her at tatibrown14@gmail.com.