Carbon Costume Posts by A.C. Rodgers
Mother Gothel from Tangled
Mother Gothel (voiced by Donna Murphy) will do anything to get her hands on that magic flower. Including raising the princess whose hair holds that power. Okay, ‘raising’ is a bit of a stretch when Rapunzel lives her life locked in a tower. But that’s enough for Mother Gothel so long as she has access the power she needs.
Gothel’s magic might be complex but her costume is pretty straightforward. A long curly black wig and burgundy velvet gown make up the brunt of her costume. All you need after that is a black cloak, black shoes, and a brown cord belt. Finally, a basket with an ornate brush and comb set make for the perfect accessories.
Laszlo Cravensworth from What We Do in the Shadows
Matt Berry knows how to make people laugh. And he takes it to a new level with his role in “What We Do in the Shadows”. Laszlo Cravensworth was known for his beauty and then for his musical prowess. Now, however is best known for two things. His love for his wife, Nadja, and “Bat!”.
Laszlo has several costumes but there are a two things that hold true throughout all of them: His thick hair and his meticulously shaped facial hair. A wig can get you close to his hairstyle while fake facial hair and extra adhesive can help you with his beard.
With those two elements in place you can’t go wrong with his general outfit. A black brocade coat over a black vest and white button down with a black jabot. Black slacks and black boots finish off the outfit while a nice set of fangs complete the whole look.
Holland March from The Nice Guys
He’s not the best P.I. out there. And, okay, he might not get the job done. But when it really matters, Holland March (played by Ryan Gosling) puts his all into the job. Even if that means cozying up to the guy hired to beat him up and keep him from asking questions.
Typical of a suave guy in the ’70s, March is prone to bright colors. A bright blue suit with a light patterned undershirt and a coordinating tie are his go-to work look. Add in a gold watch, a gold pinky ring, and a trim goatee and you’ve got an essential ’70s vibe. After that all you need to finish off the look is a brown leather belt and a pair of shoes to match. And, of course, March’s cigarette (go for a fake one).
Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop
Eddie Murphy has been a household name for decades. And one of the roles that cemented his status was Axel Foley in 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop. Murphy brought his usual charm and charisma to a character who could have easily been made bitter by everything he has to face. But when justice for his friend on the line, Murphy’s humor just keeps Foley going and made viewers everywhere root for him.
Because Foley knows his job is an active one, he tends to keep things casual. A pair of trainers, jeans, a grey pullover sweatshirt, a letterman’s jacket, watch, and a pair of sunglasses make up the bulk of his look. For Foley’s jacket you can either go for a generic Letterman’s coat or you can get a replica, depending on the investment you want to make. Then grab your badge, gun, and holster and you’re ready to solve your own case!
Carol Brady from The Brady Bunch
Florence Henderson is best known for portraying one of television’s most beloved mothers, Carol Brady. The matriarch of a large blended family that has more than its fair share of adventures, Carol is the cool and compassionate leader when things go astray. When, that is, her kids let her in on the mischief. After all it’s not easy keeping up with six kids with appetites for adventure like the Brady kids have!
Carol’s look straddles the split between the ’60s and the ’70s. She wears her hair short and usually opts for dresses over pants, though she can be found in pants when she’s got business to take care of. For a look close to period-accurate, go for a plaid dress with a Pater Pan collar and long sleeves. Accessorize with a white patent leather belt and matching boots over nylons as well as a headband over a wig that matches Carol’s bob. Finish the look off with Mrs. Brady’s wedding ring for the ultimate TV mom look.
Sandman from Spider-Man 3
Thomas Haden Church is no stranger to playing the bad guy. His iconic George of the Jungle role is proof enough of that. But his turn as Flint Marko (also known as Sandman) in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 was definitely one of the highlights of the film. It introduced a whole new generation to the character and made him a fan favorite villain for people everywhere.
Flint’s cosplay is easy to pull together and, depending on your other characters, the pieces can serve in a variety of other costumes. The most difficult part is his shirt. Finding striped shirts in the right shade is a little tricky so you will be better off making your own. Start with a medium green t-shirt and add in the stripes using either black dye or black fabric paint. After that all you need is a brown belt, brown shoes, and a pair of olive cargo pants.
KnowsMore from Wreck-It Ralph 2
Have you ever wondered what happens when you send out a search request? Well in the world of Wreck-It Ralph, a little person in the computer searches up the answer and sends it back to you. And if you use the KnowsMore browser, that little person is KnowsMore himself. Voiced by Alan Tudyk, this studious fellow is as brave as he is smart. Though it takes him some time to figure that out!
KnowsMore is a great cosplay, so long as you don’t mind a little purple body paint. And while you can also use a bald cap to cope his domed head, you can also opt for purple hair dye or a purple wig to put your own little spin on his look.
Once you’ve got your purple preference locked in, you’ll need a white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, a dark blue suit, and loafers. His cap will take a little extra work, however. You’ll have to switch out the blue tassel with a gold one and remove the 2021 pendant which is easily done with a pair of snips or pliers. Grab a pair of spectacles and you’re now ready to answer the internet’s questions. Just keep an eye out for viruses!
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Grigori Rasputin from Hellboy
Rasputin is one of modern history’s most mysterious figures. Mike Mignola’s take on the man in the original Hellboy comics published through Dark Horse. And there is no denying the sinister air Karel Roben brings to the character in the 2004 film adaptation.
Part of what sets Rasputin apart even from his Nazi henchmen is his penchant for dark near-religious regalia. In the 1940’s he wears a flowing black robe trimmed at the neck with black fur and decorated with cold cordwork designs. While the exact coat is hard to find, a plain black overcoat can be altered with a segment of fake black fur and appliques attached with either fabric glue or safety pains, depending on your skill level and if you want to use the coat for other costumes.
The same coat can be used without the fur and with additional brocade decoration down the front and cascading across the shoulders. Both this look and the ’40s look are worn over black pants and black boots, skipping the shirt.
Between his two ritual-esque looks, Rasputin favors a black suit, black dress shoes, a black overcoat, and a draped purple scarf as well as some iconic black sunglasses.
All three looks are rounded off with a bald cap and a goatee.
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