Star Wars Fever: Top 10 Moments

So the first teaser trailer for the new Star Wars film has finally dropped, signalling the beginning of what will become the third trilogy in this long-running (and well loved) saga.  Now the trailer has divided opinion among some online, but I LOVED it – and can’t wait for the film to come out…I’ll be first in line at our local cinema on opening night!!

If you haven’t yet seen it, check out Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens here:

Just seeing the Millennium Falcon shooting across the screen being chased by Tie Fighters made me nostalgic for the originals and, to a far far lesser extent, the prequels.  On top of that it’s pretty obvious that costume parties and conventions are going to become Star Wars crazy again for the next 10 or so years!!

Because of this, just to wet the appetite a little more, I think it’s worth us…no, necessary for us to re-live some of the best moments from a Galaxy far, far away…

10.  The Darth Maul Lightsaber Battle 

Now don’t worry, this is one of only two prequel moments on this list.  There was no way I was going to leave this out though.  This scene has it all:  Two Jedi and a Sith fighting, a double-ended lightsaber, a kick-ass death sequence and no Jar Jar Binks in sight!

9.  The Cantina Scene

We first meet Han Solo and Chewbacca in this bar – so it’s place is well deserved on this list.  We hear the most catchy tune in the entire saga here and meet a band of thugs and outlaws that take an instant dislike to Luke and Obi-wan.  Who can forget the Han/Greedo stand-off?  We all know who shot first, right?

8.  The Final Battle on Mustafar

This was the moment we had waited 30 or so years to see…how did Vader become Vader?  Anakin and Obi-Wan go head-to-head on the fiery, volcanic mining planet in the culmination of the prequel trilogy.  It’s an emotionally charged fight, Anakin fighting to both prove a point to his former master and to continue exterminating the Jedi from the galaxy.  Obi-wan is desperately trying to bring Anakin to his senses, to convince him that he is on the wrong path….neither really achieve what they wanted unfortunately.

7.  Master V Apprentice round 2

Episode IV saw very little in the way of lightsaber duels up until this point where Obi-wan and Darth Vader come face to face for the first time since Mustafar.  The fight has far less flair than the battle before, but more than makes up for that with poignant speeches and foreshadowing.

6.  Lifting the X Wing

Luke has searched out Yoda in order to complete his training to become a Jedi master.  His journey leads him to the Dagobah system and unfortunately lands him in a bog where his ship swiftly sinks.  During his training with the diminutive Jedi Luke learns to face his inner demons and control the force but perhaps the coolest moment comes towards the end of his time here.  In order to leave the planet and come to his friends rescue Luke must get his ship back.  He is promptly shown just how powerful the force can be…

5.  Vader’s first appearance

When the rebel ship is infiltrated by stormtroopers and mayhem ensues a dark, mysterious figure emerges through the air lock.  On top of that we hear this incredibly dark and forboding music that has become synonymous with the franchise.  I know that I was immediately amazed by both the look, and sound of Darth Vader.

4.  The Battle of Hoth

Here we see the first real battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance.  A rebel outpost on the ice planet of Hoth has been discovered and the Empire attacks using one of the most iconic vehicles of the franchise; the AT-ATs.  These seemingly unstoppable forces are eventually taken down thanks to some ingenuity from the Rebel pilots – using rope to tie together the AT-ATs legs.

3.  I Love You…I Know

One of the saddest and emotionally-charged moments of the franchise.  Han is captured and encased in Carbonite to be delivered to Jabba the Hut.  Luke and Leia are held captive and all hope seems lost as Darth Vader has the upper hand.  In a touching moment between Leia and Han seconds before he is encased, Leia finally expresses her love for Han, to which he reciprocates fantastically wiith an improvised line from Harrison Ford that will live long in movie fan’s memories.

2.  Blowing up the Death Star

How cool was this scene?  It was just awesome!  X Wings being chased by Tie Fighters whilst a massive battle goes on overhead.  Luke flys through tight gaps around the edge of the death star as he is chased by Vader.  He’s got to hit that tiny target with those photon torpedo’s in one move…can he hold his nerve??? Spoiler:  Yes, yes he can!

1.  I am your Father

“No, that’s not true…that’s impossible!!!”  Luke wasn’t the only one shouting that line when they first heard the revelation at the end of The Empire Strikes Back.  How can this monstrous villain be Luke’s father??  And after he’s just chopped his hand off as well?  This scene has become so popuar it is regularly referenced and parodied – almost to the point where you can’t watch the original and not find it a bit funny…or at least recite the words along with James Earl Jones.

So there you have it….how did we do? What did we miss?  How excited are you for the new movie?  Tell us in the comments below.

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Elvis Presley at 80: 2015 Celebrations and Events in the UK

2015 is looking to be a big year for Elvis fans! January 8th 2015 would have been his 80th birthday and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate this fact in the UK this year. I am going to highlight 5 big events that are taking place over the next 6 months for Elvis fans across the country. Most of these are annual events but will take on extra significance this year because of the King’s upcoming birthday.

We at Alterego Fancydress have a lot of love for Elvis Presley and his fans – always making sure that we have a variety of costumes available. We are the only fancy dress retailer in the UK selling a plus size Elvis costume. So this is a reminder to those of you who might be attending one of these events – make sure you’re kitted out appropriately (or you might end up being the only rhinestone-free fan around!!)

European Elvis Championships, 2nd – 4th January 2015, Hilton Birmingham Metropole

This event is held annually on a weekend around the time of Elvis’ birthday. The weekend itself is recognised as the No. 1 European Elvis Tribute Artist Convention. Tribute acts travel from around the world to compete to become ‘European Champion’.

There is plenty here for both die-hard and casual fans alike: Live bands, Elvis showcases, rock n roll, Elvis Merchandise, Elvis Disco, Elvis Video, Elvis Gospel Contest, Elvis Novice Contest and of course the main event The European Elvis Championships.

More info at www.elviscontest.co.uk

Elvis Easter Spectacular, 4th & 5th April 2015, Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Another event now from the same company at the same location. However his time instead of the focus being around a competition the event will instead showcase some of the best Elvis performers from the UK and USA. The organisers promise 100% Elvis day & night, along with the Best Bank Holiday Elvis Event of the year…no pressure there!!

More info at www.elvisspectacular.com

Elvis Party Cruise 13th – 18th April, Harwich to Aarhus, Denmark

Celebrate Elvis’s 80th birthday year on the Elvis Party Cruise, featuring award-winning Elvis tributes Ben Portsmouth and Ben Thompson as well as Elvis discos, film shows and a great Elvis party at sea! Plus there’s an optional visit to Graceland Randers where you will see some amazing original Elvis related artefacts and there’s an American Diner for that authentic lunch.

There is an optional excursion available during the cruise to Graceland Randers, Denmark.  It is inspired by Elvis Presley’s Graceland home in Memphis and is the ultimate tribute to the King. Graceland Randers sees itself as helping to nurture the Elvis legacy, his life, music and memory. As well as the Elvis Museum and Elvis Shop, there’s also Highway 51 (an American Diner), Ballroom, and Mini Movie Theatre. The collection of original artefacts from Elvis’ life is truly amazing and worth a visit.  These include all the Sun records, the trousers that Elvis wore during the I Want You, I Need You, I Love You recording session, a jacket that Elvis wore in 1959, one of Elvis’ guitars from 1975, shoes, documents, letters, concert belt and so much more.

More info at www.arenatravel.com

Europe’s Tribute to Elvis 3rd – 5th July, Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Visit this for an amazing festival honoring the life, music and fans of Elvis Presley.  The third annual Europe’s Tribute to Elvis Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary will be held here.  The event will be hosted by Tees Events Ltd and will feature the Ultimate Elvis preliminary contest, the winner of which will represent Europe’s Tribute to Elvis in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finals in Memphis in 2015.

The festival will also feature Elvis themed shows, including some of the world’s best Elvis tribute artists on stage in the The Empress Ballroom. Plus there are special guests, merchandise stalls, after-show private parties, raffles and much more.

More info at https://elvisfestival.co.uk

Porthcawl Elvis Festival 25th – 27th September, Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, Wales

Claiming to be one of Europe’s biggest gathering of Elvis artistes and their fans, this event offers three days of fun and music all over the normally sleepy seaside town of Porthcawl, roughly halfway between Cardiff and Swansea, near to Bridgend.

The feature events are the Official Shows taking place in the Grand Pavilion. These include The Elvies the World’s premier event for Elvis Tribute Artists. In addition, The Hi Tide host over 100 shows over the weekend, many with free admission.  Additionally over 20 venues in and around the town form the fringe festival.

The O2 Arena, London is hosting an exhibition honouring the life and legacy of The King entitled ‘Elvis at the O2’ alongside these events and birthday celebrations.  Britain will get personal insight into the life of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, through the largest Elvis retrospective ever mounted in Europe.

The nine month exhibition will showcase over 300 artefacts direct from the Presley family’s treasured Graceland Archives, some of which have never been exhibited outside of Graceland in Memphis.  It runs from 12th December 2014 to 31st August 2015 and is a must-visit!!

So there you have it – plenty of Presley going on in 2015!

Oh, and if you were considering dressing up for them then check out our exclusive plus-size Elvis costume in action here when it was used in Emmerdale last year:

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Left The Costume Late?? Bring On The Home-made Zombie!

Ok, Halloween is tomorrow night.  You’ve got that fancy dress party in the evening…how did it slip your mind?  You don’t even have a costume yet!  Take it easy, deep breaths, it’ll be ok.  You can MAKE one! Yes, great idea – there’s got to be something around the house that can be turned into a fancy dress masterpiece.  Nope, not that empty television box; too obvious.  How about an apron and gloves an…no, that’s boring.  What can be done at such short notice??

If this is you before Halloween then get ready for our guide on how to ‘Zombify’ pretty much any clothing and have a great costume ready in no time.  Prepare for the Home-made Zombie Apocalypse!

Step 1 – Choose your clothing

First things first.  You need to decide the look of your zombie.  If its easiest then raid your wardrobe for a selection of bits and pieces that you no longer wear (you are going to have to do some pretty permanent modifications to it!) and choose an ensemble that won’t look out of place worn together.

If you have time to get hold of some uniforms or old costumes then you can theme the fancy dress further.  There are endless ideas here – I mean anyone can get bit by a zombie!  Here are some great possibilities:

• Army surplus

• Doctors / Nurses

• School Uniform

• Party / Night out

• Work Uniform

• Boiler Suit

Step 2 – Rough it up

Once you’ve got the clothes chosen it gets really fun!  Now zombies are well known for being clumsy and un-coordinated.  As such they fall down and scrape their clothes or catch them on bushes and walls.  You need it to look as though you’ve been buried and risen from the grave so – get out that Stanley knife!

Start by fraying as many edges as possible.  Work on the cuffs and ankles.

Get the knife and cut random slits across the bulk of the clothing.  Make it look hap-hazard, it’s not about making it look fashionable!  There’s no harm in using your hands to make the slits bigger!

If you are feeling particularly imaginative then you could grab some matches or a lighter and add some burn marks on the clothes.

Step 3 – Gore it up!!

Zombies are all about blood.  They are generally covered in it, dripping from multiple wounds across the body and face.  As you will be doing this from home then you might have to play around with different ‘blood’ recipes (or you can just use red paint).

Start by clearing an area that you can get messy in.  Splatter some blood drops across the items, have lots of the stuff collected around the collar where it has dripped from your mouth!  Pop over a couple of cool looking hand prints across it and you’re all set.

You might also want to dirty it up by rubbing in some dirt / mud.  If you are one of the unlucky zombies that’s had to climb out of their own grave then you’re going to be a bit of a mess!

Step 4 – Make-up

Not everyone is going to have this around the house so you’re going to have to work with what you’ve got.  Find something to pale your face – no blood pumping through your body can really ruin your tan!  Use some more of that ‘blood’ around your mouth if you can.  If you don’t have any of this then some dirt will do the trick.  Just make sure you look a wreck – dirty, bloody, pale – it’s all good.

Mess your hair up as well.  Get some gel and run it through your hair.  Then just throw your fingers through it, don’t look in the mirror!  Even better, roll around on the bed to make your hair a real mess!!

Step 5 – Go ‘Full Zombie’

The costume’s now done and you’re wearing it right now.  Your jobs not quite done yet though.  You’ve got to sell this costume now – make people believe that you’re a member of the un-dead.  Remember the ‘Shaun of the Dead’ crash-course in walking like a zombie?  You need to shuffle along, painfully slowly whilst swinging your arms as though they are out of your control.  Maybe drag one of those feet along the ground as you walk.

Get your practice in here (be mindful though, the video does contain some bad language):

Don’t forget the moan!!  Urrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh!!!!!  Braaaaaaiiiiiinnnnnssssss!!!!

So that’s it.  You should have yourself a pretty nifty costume right there – and far more believable that a store-bought costume!  You’ll be the life (or death!) of the party!

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Boo!! Shocking, Spine-tingling, Sensational – Some of Our Favourite Costumes For This Halloween!!

Halloween is nearly upon us yet again.  The pressure is well and truly on to find that costume that’s going to put you ahead of the rest this year.  Last month we highlighted the incredible Ani-motion mask as a top costume choice, however, there really is so so much more on offer from us at Alterego Fancydress!

What I am going to do today is showcase some of the best Halloween choices for you this year.  Enjoy!

For Women

Royal Vampiress

 She is the empress of the night and she will get what she wants. The Royal Vampiress costume includes an elegant black and white dress with attached corset and collar, and cameo choker.

Dreadful Doll

She wants to play. The Dreadful Doll costumes features a sequined dress with lace up trim. Also includes mop cap, stripped thigh highs, and frilled collar.

Naughty Jester

She just can’t help but get into trouble. The Naughty Jester costume features a checkered dress with a laced detailed sweetheart neckline and attached sleeves. It includes a two toned eye mask, a frilled collar, thigh highs and a miniature jester hat.

Dark Alice

On the other side of looking glass there is only her dark smile. The Dark Alice comes with a dress with attached apron, glovelettes and thigh highs.

For Men

Jack The Ripper

This infamous murder carved out his grim legacy in blood.

Night Fiend

Not all vampires care to be suave. The Night Fiend costume comes with jacket, character hands, hood, and ani-motion mask with moving mouth action.

Evil Jester

This guy is not joking around. The Evil Jester costume comes with: shirt, waist sash, jester hood/collar with skull trim and mask.

Big Frank

Still one of our favourites…He is an experiment made to party!  Jacket, Pants, Inflatable Shoulder Components, Socks, Character Mask & Hands included.

Plus Size

Lady Reaper – Magnificent Witch – Dark Red Riding Hood

                      

Evil Unchained – Vampire B Slayed – Jokes On You Jester

                          

Best of the Rest!!

This section showcases some of our best costumes for those of you who might not want to ‘go scary’ this Halloween!!  Sometimes it really doesn’t matter what the theme is…just dressing up is half the fun, right??

Lady of Camelot – Twilight Fairy –  Sequin Flapper – Spanish Pirate

                

Blackbeard Pirate – Electric Mad Hatter – Massive Mobster – King Arthur

                        

So there you have it, just a taste of some of the fantastic fancy dress costumes we have on offer this year.  I hope that we have given you plenty to think about this Halloween!  Just remember – enjoy yourselves!!

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Ani-motion…Unmasking Our Range for Halloween

The Ani-motion mask is a fantastic addition to any fancy dress costume, and a must-have this Halloween.  They add a new and different quality to your chosen costume, an acccesory that sets your dress apart and easily makes you the centre of attention at that local social club do or awkward house party!

Their unique selling point is the ability for the wearer to control the mask’s jaw by moving their own.  It gives the impression of a more life-like appearance.  Click on the videos below some of the following masks to see them in action.

So, I am going to outline some of the best in this innovative fancy dress range, and showcase designs that will fit a variety of styles and themes….these masks are not just for Halloween!

 

Werewolf / White Lycan

                

 

You can truly howl at the moon in these fearsome Lycan masks!!

 

Night Fiend

                      

 

With large, gruesome teeth and a skeletal face, this mask is absolutely terrifying.

Last Laugh

                

 

You will be the only one laughing in this terrifying clown mask…

 

 

Dark Harvest

                   

 

This pumpkin won’t be turning into a horse-drawn carriage any time soon.

 

Zombie

                      

 

If you’re looking for a mask with horrendous dental hygiene then this is your guy!

 

Torment

                     

 

With a angry grimace and lifeless eyes, this one is the epitomy of tormented…

 

Now, along with Ani-motion masks, there is another range available; known as Rippers.  These masks, instead of having moving mouths, have a skin layer that ‘decays’ and peels away to reveal a ghoulish skull behind!

 

Bad Seed

                 

 

 

Muck Mouth

                    

 

 

In Stitches

                

 

 

ScreeeMachine Mobile App

Is the mask alone not enough?  Oh, alright then….introducing the ‘ScreeeMachine’ app, available on the iOS and android stores.  This app will give you the option of playing sound effects in-time with the movement of the mask’s mouth.  Cool, right?  It features 11 sounds, one for each Ani-Motion Mask, which allows users to enhance their masks with unique, custom made sounds. And it’s TOTALLY FREE!  To view it, click here.

 

 

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

 

Comic-Con 2014 – Our Favourite Cosplay Attempts

So…Comic-con 2014 has come and gone.  Spare a moment to think of the San Diego convention centre cleaners, now pushing prosthetic ears and screwed up head-shots around the floor with a brush.

One of the highlights of this event is the lengths that visitors will go to in order to have the most accurate or outlandish costume around.  Cosplay itself tends to be slightly different from standard fancy dress because the wearer is generally attempting to mirror a specific character as opposed to a general theme.  Most engage in a type of role-play, really becoming the character to a certain extent.

As such some really incredible costumes make their way here each year and we have a collection of our favourites below!

Which was your favourite??  Leave us a comment down below…

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

5 Cool and Unusual Fancy Dress Party Themes

Have you ever complicated your party planning by deciding that it should be fancy dress?  Normally it wouldn’t be an issue; a non-structured fancy dress do will easily please most and you will still have yourself a fab night.  You’ll have Pirates mingling with Cowboys, perhaps a sparring match between a Centurion and a Ghostbuster on the dancefloor, a plethora of sexy emergency service representatives dotted around and, if you’re lucky, perhaps a couple of Psy’s, gangnam-styling it over by the bar.  However if you are looking for a particular theme or structure for the evening, coming up with an enticing idea that sets your party apart can sometimes be difficult.

Today we will look at some of the best ideas for unique party ideas that will make the night unforgettable and really really test the party-goers imagination when concocting a suitable costume.

We have listed 5 of our favourites here…

5.  The ‘Many Faces of…’ party.

 

Anyone who has seen the 2014 Seth Rogen & Zac Efron film Neighbors will no doubt remember the frat-boys ‘Robert De Niro’ themed fancy dress bash.  

The concept is simple – a movie star is picked and anyone who attends needs to come dressed as one of this movie star’s characters.  A lot of fun can be had with this – imagine the film scenes being acted out around you and people shouting quotes at the most hilarious times!

If you think about it – the possibilities are endless!!

4. Accident & Emergency Theme.

This one’s great for a budget!  Cheap and easy for everyone, the A&E party can be great fun…especially with copious amounts of fake blood! 

3.  Cartoon Characters Party.

We love this one!!  Why wouldn’t you want to spend the evening as your favourite animated character?  

Whether it be from film or TV, I’m sure everyone has a favourite!

2. Medieval / Renaissance Fayre

This one’s especially good for outdoor parties. I’m thinking marquees and bicycle jousting…great ideas, right?

One of the great things about this theme is that costumes are so readily available, ranging from the authentic to the bargain shop ‘Shield and Sword’ combo.

1.  Drunk Babies Party!

Who doesn’t love babies??  Especially massive ones getting drunk at a party?

Thanks for reading, hope that you have had some inspiration for your next party.  If you need costumes then go on and visit www.alterego-fancydress.com for all your needs!!

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.