There’s magic in the air, for Halloween soon will be here. In Gastown, there are a handful of interesting shops selling costumes, masks, wigs, shoes, vintage clothes and other bizarre and curious oddities; things that are perfect to dress up in, to go dance in the dark and haunt the night!
New World Designs has been operating for 27 years and they specialize in alternative, Pin up, Burlesque, Vintage inspired, Retro, Rockabilly clothing and accessories. There are lots of costume ideas that can come to life at New World: 40 ‘s – 50’s characters, Mad Men, Pin ups, Dia de Los Muertos, Zombie burlesque dancer, Grease and Rocky Horror. It’s a really fun shop and the service is top notch. The clothing can be worn well after Halloween, so it’s a good investment for your wardrobe as well as covering your costume list.
Community Thrift and Vintage is like opening up an old trunk that one has discovered in the attic. It’s full of treasures – weird hats, neckwear, retro frocks, sequined tops, body suits, leather pants, rustic leather bags, and old-fashioned shoes that you can choose from to create your own vintage inspired costume or character. The prices are fair and everything is unique, so dig deep and leave no stone unturned; the perfect piece is waiting for you to find it and make your Halloween costume totally awesome.
Deadly Couture is for those who wish to delve into the neither world of Halloween costumes. The shop is stocked with a diverse mix of alternative and gothic styles, suitable for Halloween or dressing to show your darker side. On the upper floor, you’ll find walls of frilly costumes, intricate lace and printed tights, tutus & crinoline skirts, and wigs of practically every colour. Deadly Couture’s lower level houses more fetish-inclined merchandise from latex costumes to neon pigmented makeup and hair dye.
photo: poststreet.wordpress.com
Salmagundi and Uniques Collectibles, located sided by side on West Cordova, are almost like film sets right out of a Hitchcock movie or a Twilight Zone episode. They both house a treasure trove of things that bizarre, rare and odd. Salmagundi sells Victorian paper masks and costumes, Halloween curios and cards and many other interesting collectibles, perfect for the witching hour to come. Over at its neighbour, Uniques, you’ll find a pleasant assortment of vintage and antique jewelry; adornments that may just add that sparkling finishing touch to your costume.
Kimprints is not only a custom framing shop but, oh so more more! This floor to ceiling stuffed shop is loaded with tons of awesome gifts and Halloween items. They sell many different rubber, paper and plastic masks (with such characters as unicorns, zebras, and black horses!) including fun fake mustaches, zombie t-shirts and other fun, weird things. If you plan on sprucing up your space, the shop also carries funky hanging décor, cards, kids jewellery and other Halloween knick-knacks like mini pumpkin holders, spider stands, spooky toy eyeballs and slinky glasses.
For Halloween makeup: the very talented students at John Casablancas are now taking bookings to transform you into whatever character you choose. Check out their site for previous work. Contact: [email protected] with a detailed description of what you would like to get done.
For Halloween nails: Queens provides nail design beyond the basic one- colour or French mani, offering incomparable nail art for those who desire a creative and unique paint job.
