What We Do in the Shadows Costume Guide

The FX series What We Do in the Shadows has captivated audiences not only with its comedic take on vampire life but also with its elaborate and meticulously designed costumes. The show's costume design, led by Amanda Neale in the first two seasons and Laura Montgomery from the third season onward, plays a crucial role in bringing the characters to life and enhancing the show's unique blend of humor and horror. This guide delves into the costume design of the main characters, the inspiration behind their looks, and where you can find or create your own What We Do in the Shadows costumes.

Main Characters and Their Costumes

Nandor the Relentless

Nandor, played by Kayvan Novak, is a 760-year-old vampire from the Ottoman Empire. His costumes reflect his Persian heritage and his long history.
  • Design Elements: Nandor's costumes often feature rich fabrics, intricate patterns, and layers that evoke a sense of his ancient and noble background. His outfits include long robes, tunics, and capes, often in dark, muted colors with gold accents.
  • Historical Accuracy: Nandor's armor is historically accurate Ottoman armor, a detail that adds authenticity to his character.

Nadja of Antipaxos

Nadja, portrayed by Natasia Demetriou, is a vampire from a small Greek island. Her costumes are a blend of her peasant origins and her husband's Victorian influence.
  • Design Elements: Nadja's costumes are gothic and Victorian, featuring lace, velvet, and dramatic silhouettes. Her outfits often include high collars, puffed sleeves, and long skirts. Nadja's style evolves throughout the series, reflecting her growing power and independence.
  • Signature Looks: Nadja's red plaid gown in the season four premiere is a standout piece, inspired by British designers like Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

Laszlo Cravensworth

Laszlo, played by Matt Berry, is Nadja's husband and a vampire from Victorian England. His costumes reflect his aristocratic background and flamboyant personality.
  • Design Elements: Laszlo's costumes include tailored suits, waistcoats, and cravats, often in rich fabrics like brocade and velvet. His outfits are typically in dark colors, with occasional pops of color or pattern.
  • Matching Outfits: Laszlo and Nadja often wear matching outfits, a detail that highlights their close relationship and shared history.

Guillermo de la Cruz

Guillermo, portrayed by Harvey Guillén, is the vampires' familiar and a descendant of Van Helsing. His costumes reflect his journey from a loyal servant to a vampire bodyguard.
  • Design Elements: Guillermo's costumes become more sophisticated over time, subtly aligning him with the vampires without overtly mimicking their style. His outfits include practical, modern clothing with a touch of old-world elegance.

Colin Robinson

Colin Robinson, played by Mark Proksch, is an energy vampire who drains people by boring them. His costumes reflect his mundane and unassuming nature.
  • Design Elements: Colin's costumes are deliberately bland and beige, emphasizing his character's dullness. His outfits include simple, everyday clothing like sweaters, khakis, and button-down shirts. In season three, his 100th birthday reveals his era as the 1940s, adding a retro twist to his wardrobe.

Costume Design Process

The costume design process for What We Do in the Shadows involves extensive research and creativity. Laura Montgomery, the current costume designer, draws inspiration from various historical periods and modern elements to create unique and memorable looks for the characters.
  • Research and Inspiration: Montgomery's research includes studying historical clothing, fashion designers, and cultural influences. For example, Nadja's costumes are inspired by Victorian fashion, British designers, and gothic aesthetics.
  • Fabric and Construction: The construction of the costumes involves careful selection of fabrics and meticulous sewing techniques. Montgomery often creates custom fabrics and patterns to achieve the desired look, such as the custom plaid for Nadja's gown.
  • Practical Considerations: The costumes must also be practical for the actors, allowing for movement and comfort during filming. This includes considerations for stunts, harnesses, and special effects like blood and water.

Where to Find or Create Your Own Costumes

If you're looking to create your own What We Do in the Shadows costume, there are several options available, from purchasing ready-made costumes to crafting your own.

Ready-Made Costumes

  • CrazeCosplay.com: This website offers a variety of cosplay costumes, including some inspired by *What We Do in the Shadows*. You can find high-quality, tailor-made costumes for characters like Nadja and Nandor.
  • Amazon: Amazon has a selection of What We Do in the Shadows costumes, including Nadja's Victorian Gothic dress and accessories like wigs and hats.
  • Etsy: Etsy is a great place to find unique, handmade costumes and accessories. You can find custom-made pieces for characters like Nadja, Laszlo, and Nandor.

DIY Costumes

Creating your own costume can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are some tips for making your own What We Do in the Shadows costume:
  • Patterns and Fabrics: Look for sewing patterns that match the style of the character you want to portray. For example, McCall's 8134 pattern can be used as a base for Nadja's jacket. Choose fabrics that reflect the character's aesthetic, such as velvet, lace, and brocade.
  • Accessories: Accessories are key to completing the look. For Nadja, consider adding a lace collar, a fascinator, and dramatic jewelry. For Nandor, look for a Persian-style belt and a cape. Laszlo's look can be enhanced with a cravat and a top hat.
  • Details: Pay attention to the details that make each character's costume unique. For example, Nadja's costumes often feature intricate beading and embroidery, while Nandor's outfits include gold accents and historical patterns.

Conclusion

The costumes of What We Do in the Shadows are a vital part of the show's charm and appeal. They reflect the characters' personalities, histories, and evolution throughout the series. Whether you're looking to buy a ready-made costume or create your own, there are plenty of resources available to help you bring the world of What We Do in the Shadows to life. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can capture the essence of your favorite vampire and join the ranks of the undead in style.
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