Costume drama

A Highlander plaid corset at Jean Paul Gaultier. Gold C-3PO pants at Balenciaga. Marie Antoinette hoop skirts and petticoats at Christian Dior. There’s nothing quite like the engaging theatrics of a runway show to raise the question “Who’s gonna wear that?”

We all know a lot of what’s on the runway is for artistic impact alone and that the most outlandish pieces never see the inside of a store. But with Halloween coming up, why not look for some costume inspiration from the creators who weave fantasies out of cloth all year long?

Jacobs sent out 1990s supermodels in sheeny white shirtdresses and nurse caps at his spring show for Louis Vuitton earlier this month in Paris. Their medical masks were made from dainty black lace to ensure they were “sexy nurses.” London up-and-coming designer Gareth Pugh always makes a macabre statement. His shiny black dress with shredded sleeves and hem would befit a well-dressed witch. And why not be a clown? Especially when it’s a Comme des Garcons clown. A patched and pleated hot pink top and pants would make a great foundation. Add white face-paint, rosy cheeks and oversized purple-and-pink oxfords, and you’ll be the best-dressed clown in town.

Leave it to Jeremy Scott to inspire your inner Bob Vila. Scott closed his spring show in L.A with a garbage-can dress. He accessorized with a wrench cuff, screw-shaped stud earrings and hard hat. Add a white tulle veil to the mix, and you’ve given new meaning to the term trashy bride.