Get in character this Halloween in Vegas

Few holidays engender the kind of excitement Halloween does in Las Vegas. Yes, we host a party like no other city in town. But it’s primarily the costumes that get everyone pumped. And the level of commitment some partiers put into their getups is seriously inspiring. Gone are the princess and Mickey Mouse costumes we used to wear as kids; these are transformations that make even the most jaded Halloween fan do a double take.

Every year, this city sees thousands of mind-blowing renditions of everything from nurses to superheroes, many of which end up earning their wearers a grand prize at the parties they attend. But here’s the challenge for the serious Halloween fan: How do you improve on last year’s costume? Where will your next stroke of inspiration come from?

On that note, might we suggest seeing a Las Vegas production show—or two or three? Because if there’s one thing we at Las Vegas Magazine know for sure, it’s this: Shows in Las Vegas feature some of the most amazing, unique costume designs in the world. If you need inspiration, you can draw from them.

Looking for the perfect Halloween costume? All you need is The Beatles LOVE—specifically the Sgt. Pepper outfit. We asked RuBen Permel, wardrobe supervisor for the Cirque du Soleil show at The Mirage, how the look is achieved:

The Beatles LOVE

How long does it take to create this costume? 

209 hours. That also includes facial hair.

How many people were involved in its creation? 

For a role like Sgt. Pepper, every element varies. For example, the jacket has many steps to be created. From fabrics sourcing to supply kitting, pattern makers, cutters, stitchers/first hand, fabric dyer, textile painting or printing, accessories application, accessory makers and quality control. Each garment is custom to the artist, so many hands are involved. I would say no less than 20 individuals are involved.

What types of material are used in the creation of this costume? 

There are more than 164 components needed to build one full Sgt. Pepper look. From cotton, linen, silks, leather, moleskin, poplin, metal, Lycra, tricot, taffetas, elastic, etc.

Jabbawockeez

The Jabbawockeez dance troupe at MGM Grand has evolved its show several times over the years, keeping the show fresh and hugely popular. But there’s one thing they haven’t altered: Their appearance. It’s simple but so iconic. By wearing the same mask and bucket hat, all dancers are equal. It’s the perfect way for the troupe to appear as one, despite the large cast. 

Achieving this look is easy—and, right now, affordable. At the show’s Wock Shop, you can get a bucket hat and mask combo at a discounted price of $79 (as well as hoodies, pants, jackets and T-shirts, all helping get you close to that Jabba look). Even better? If you post your look and tag the troupe on its Instagram feed (@jabbawockeez and @the wockshop) and hashtag #wocktober 2022, you’re instantly entered in a costume contest. The winner, who will be announced sometime after Halloween, gets two tickets to the show (second place wins an autographed white camo Funko Pop!).

Katy Perry

The new kid in town, costume-wise, Katy Perry’s Play residency at Resorts World Las Vegas is the most eye-popping production to come to town in some time, not only for its larger-than-life props (including a giant toilet and giant cereal box) but for its mind-boggling array of outfits, both on Perry and her backup dancers. (We don’t know about you, but going to the next big Halloween bash dressed as a walkie-talkie or a large sock sounds pretty cool to us).

There are plenty of great looks on Perry, but the one we’re looking forward to seeing replicated is one that literally stops the show: The “Beer Can” outfit, featuring two cans over her chest, one of which actually dispenses beer! This look, courtesy of Zaldy, Heather Picchiottino and Johnny Wujek, can be yours for just the cost of some silver, thigh-high boots, a metallic bustier and, of course, the largest beer cans you can find.

Piff the Magic Dragon

Piff the Magic Dragon, who’s packing houses at Flamingo as well as touring, would look at you quite quizzically if you asked him how his costume is created; after all, he insists that he is not a man in a costume, but a real, fire-breathing serpent who stalks fair maidens and hoards gold! But if you’re ever at a performance, be sure to check out the crowd: It’s not unusual to see youngsters sporting a Piff knitted hat (complete with red, orange and green highlights) or even infants in quilted onesies with the spines on the back.

So if you want to look like Piff, you’re certainly welcome to give it a shot, but, well … he’d tell you, you can’t, as you don’t have dragon DNA. 

Absinthe

One of the best shows in town also has some of the most memorable characters in the history of Las Vegas entertainment. Absinthe at Caesars Palace features an ever-rotating series of acts, but one constant is the Green Fairy, whose singular costume has become “an iconic Vegas look over the years,” according to Lijana Wallenda, resident costume designer for Absinthe.

“It’s a really fun one to do for Halloween,” she said. “Every little girl pretended to be a fairy growing up, and our fairy is extra sassy and covered in rhinestones. Who doesn’t want to be dripping in crystals? It’s my favorite way to be.”

If you want to replicate this look yourself, Wallenda has you covered: “If you’re doing this look for Halloween, think dark-green velvet, bright lime green feathers, and lots of rhinestones. If you can get your hands on a green corset, that is a nice touch, but a cute little green dress or short sassy skirt and top will do. The sparklier the better.” But don’t stop there! “And whatever wings you can find, add glitter… lots of glitter. You can try using spray adhesive and then sprinkle glitter on them. Top it off with a pair of sparkly heels and a bejeweled feather in your hair and you’re ready to go! You’ll look like a Gazillion bucks.”

Tournament of Kings

Over at Excalibur, one of the Strip’s longest-running productions is still packing houses, and that’s because medieval-themed shows never get old (Game of Thrones fans will confirm this). Tournament of Kings features, arguably, some of the most convincing costumes you’ll see outside of a museum, and its team of artists worked hard to achieve the look, which ranges from suits of armor to wizard robes and page styles. Costume designers Frédéric Pineau and Jerome Boudin said it can take up to a month to complete each costume using materials ranging from silk and cotton to leather, metal and polyester.

iLuminate

Fans of America’s Got Talent will no doubt have already seen the technical marvel that is iLuminate at The STRAT, featuring costumes that come alive through lights as those wearing them bust serious moves. 

The technology, created by Miral Kotb, breaks down into three different “suits”: pixel suits with LED tape; El Wire suits; and Fiber Optic suits. Depending on the costume, there will be patches on arms, legs, feet, gloves, shoes and helmets. In each case, the lights are connected by a wire to a backpack and power source.

If you want to re-create this look, lead light suit technician/programmer Nathan Davis has some helpful tips: El Wire neon kits can be purchased at Amazon or eBay. If you’re a bit more budget-conscious, you can purchase LED strip lights and attach them to your clothing. Your costume will definitely stand out, especially at parties where the lights are low!

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