Words by Taylor Kern
Southern Comfort is elevating Halloween to make it ‘So Tasteful’ . The notable spirit brand has commissioned HARRI, designer behind Sam Smith’s viral BRITs outfit, to create three dreadfully good haute couture costumes. Shockingly, the collection is available to the public to rent this Halloween from Costume Boutique, located near Portobello Road.
Research commissioned by Southern Comfort revealed Halloween enthusiasts are keen to upgrade their seasonal dress. Three quarters of partygoers have the ‘ick’ about past costumes, and one in six felt embarrassed that their previous costumes were ‘boring and predictable’. HARRI was enlisted to turn those tired, old Halloween costumes from tragic to magic. Using his signature exaggerated silhouettes and latex materials for a tasteful reimagining via the ‘SoCo x HARRI Halloween Collection.’
The Red Witch
First, HARRI has reimagined the classic witch troupe as the luxurious Red Witch. Wrapped in a wine-coloured latex jacket with an inflated skirt, exaggerated hips and an avant-garde hat, the Red Witch costume is a bewitching masterpiece. Completed with a statement necklace designed to fit a SoCO 5cl mini bottle.
The Villain Vampire
Next, HARRI delivers the ever mystical, Villain Vampire. A meticulously crafted black latex coat with inflated shoulders, exaggerates and compliments the classic vampire attire and signature fangs for a dramatic impact. The Vampire tie sports a hidden bottle holder for a Southern Comfort 5cl bottle.
The Golden Pumpkin
Finally, you can’t have Halloween with out the true mascot. HARRI presents us with the Golden Pumpkin. Featuring an inflated skirt silhouette mirroring the iconic shape. Carefully crafted in golden metallic latex fabric, completed of course with a mini SoCo bottle holder pockets.
Designer Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai – aka HARRI – said: “In this collection created for Southern Comfort we wanted to push the boundaries of familiar costumes to prove Halloween does not need to be boring or monotonous by reinventing the most traditional costumes in a fun, creative way that encourages self-expression. These costumes are designed to make the wearer stand out from the crowd with a SoCo Venom cocktail in hand, and be remembered for years to come.”
Renters must pay a refundable £100 deposit to rent the costume and return in good condition. Essentially, you can rent a couture costume for free. The SoCo x HARRI Halloween Collection will be available on a first come, first served basis from 9am on Wednesday 25th October. For more information and to book an appointment to try the costumes on, visit www.costumeboutique.co.uk.
