Exploring the Elaborate World of Halloween in Celebrity Culture
For pop culture’s biggest names, Halloween is akin to esteemed premieres in terms of fashion. Social media becomes flooded by the personas of recognizable characters taken on by celebrities exuding extreme luxury. Some of the most iconic costumes have come from events like Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween bash, where Klum seldom disappoints with elaborate looks like a peacock in 2023, complete with Cirque du Soleil performers, and a slightly disturbing worm ensemble in 2022.
“It girls,” like Bella and Gigi Hadid, the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz and Kaia Gerber have chosen to transform into perfected depictions of superheroes, quintessential film personalities and even other celebrities. To the average person, these spectacles of high-end and sourced vintage pieces paired with flawless makeup create an unattainable standard for what a “good” costume is.
While the talent lies in the beauty and styling teams behind our favorite models and actors, it can feel discouraging to watch the upper class overshadow what is meant to be a universally enjoyed night with their endless resources. However, inspiration can be taken from the gaudiness of Hollywood's Halloween and can ignite our imaginations, encouraging everyone to embrace the “over-the-top” energy of the holiday. Instead of viewing these lavish displays as benchmarks of perfection, we can see them as a celebration of creativity that invites us to explore our own unique costuming ideas.
What keeps reeling in audiences is the dedication these celebrities exhibit — essentially putting on a stellar performance every year. The evolving nature of Halloween is brought forth, morphing into a night of extreme artistry and theatrics.
As we watch stars dazzle in their extravagant costumes, it’s important to note that the heart of Halloween lies in the joy of creativity and transformation. To celebrate a vision come to life, pay homage to our inner child as we play pretend, and bask in the freedom of expression.
Happy Halloween!
Strike Out,
Mia Tanner
Editor: Madeline Jankowski
Athens