Carbon Costume Music
Pikotaro from Pen Pineapple Apple Pen
Pikotaro is a fictional singer portrayed by comedian Daimaou Kosaka in the bizarre viral music video for “Pen, Pineapple, Apple, Pen.” Though it has spawned numerous parodies and derivatives, some involving Pikotaro himself, the original music video has earned its fair share of accolades. What’s not to love about a man wearing animal print singing about common household items?
Pierre Bezukhov from Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Pierre Bezukhov is one of the protagonists in the electropop opera Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Based on a part of Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace, the musical revolves around the affair between Natasha Rostova and Anatole Kuragin. Meanwhile, Pierre is a social outcast with a heavy drinking problem. As described in the song “Pierre,” he is rich and unhappily married to Anatole’s sister, Helene. He suffers from depression, but he wants to get better. Pierre plays a crucial part in resolving the consequences of the affair. After comforting Natasha and gaining her affection, he sees the Great Comet of 1812 streak across the sky, resulting in his spiritual awakening. Singer Josh Groban is known for playing this role on Broadway, though Dave Malloy, the composer and lyricist, originated it.
King George III from Hamilton
King George III is the main antagonist of the musical Hamilton, opposite Alexander Hamilton. Neurotic and menacing, the monarch threatens the revolution. After the war, he teases the colonies, questioning their ability to lead and mocking John Adams as president. He sings “You’ll Be Back,” “What Comes Next,” and “I Know Him.” Jonathan Groff, who you may recognize as the voice of Kristoff from Frozen, originated the role on Broadway.
Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton is the title character of the musical Hamilton. Based on the biography by Ron Chernow, the musical details his life from coming to the colonies up until his death in the duel against Aaron Burr. Self-described as “young, scrappy, and hungry,” Alexander is set on helping shaping America gain its independence and lay its foundation, namely with the Constitution. He lets his voice be heard and refuses to throw away his shot. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music, lyrics, and script — as well as originated the role on Broadway! This costume guide includes his soldier outfit from Act I.
The Schuyler Sisters from Hamilton
They’re looking for a mind at work! The Schuyler sisters, Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy, are characters from the musical Hamilton. Angelica (Renee Elise Goldsberry) is the oldest sister who is reading “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine. She exhibits intellect and selflessness. Despite her romantic feelings towards Alexander Hamilton, she puts Eliza’s happiness over her own, and comes to her defense upon the release of the Reynolds Pamphlet. Eliza (Phillipa Soo) is the middle sister who is “helpless” for Alexander and becomes his wife. She continues his legacy after his death, such as raising funds for the Washington monument and establishing the first private orphanage in New York City. Peggy (Jasmine Cephas-Jones) is the youngest sister, nervous about being out after sundown — she’s really only known for her line “and Peggy!”
Matty Healy from The 1975’s “Sincerity is Scary”
Matty Healy is the lead singer and frontman of the British pop-rock band, the 1975. This is his outfit from their 2018 music video, “Sincerity is Scary,” which has over 6 million views on Youtube. The song is featured on their album “A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships.”
Debbie Harry from Blondie
Debbie Harry is the lead singer of the band Blondie. Blondie was one of the frontier early punk bands of 1970’s New York City and played at the famed CBGB’s with bands like The Ramones and The New York Dolls. For Debbie’s hair I recommend using texturing paste and teasing it with a comb. Creating a dramatic smoky eye is essential, look up tutorials if you need a bit of practice. Finish off with a glossy lip and you are ready to go out.
Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac
The band Fleetwood Mac’s lineup has gone through multiple changes since its bluesy beginnings in the 1960s, but their most recognizable sound is thanks in part to the musical contributions of Stevie Nicks and her songwriting partner (then romantic partner as well), Lindsey Buckingham. Flowing black dresses, shawls themed after her hit songs, and extremely high-heeled boots are practically synonymous with Stevie Nicks’ stage presence.
Ed Sheeran
In 2013, Ed Sheeran topped GQ‘s list of Worst-Dressed Males, but that’s just one magazine’s opinion. Ed Sheeran is an unabashedly comfortable dresser, that’s all! After breaking his elbow and wrist in a bicycling accident and bouncing back well enough to still be able to play guitar, he really deserves to dress as comfortably as possible on stage. And for those of us who disagree with GQ, here’s a handy guide for recreating Ed Sheeran’s aesthetic.
Madonna from The Virgin Tour
From the start of her decades-long career of pop stardom, Madonna embraced a scandalous, envelope-pushing image. As tame as it looks through modern eyes, Madonna’s penchant for wearing cropped tops, short skirts, and singing about “sensitive” topics like virginity raised eyebrows in the 1980s. She unabashedly titled her debut concert tour The Virgin Tour, and wore this lacy, white getup consistent that turned the culturally traditional bridal aesthetic completely on its head.
