Premium Photoshoot: Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark (Halloween 2021)
Added 2021-10-29 19:45:38 +0000 UTCCelebrating 40 years of a camp, melodramatic gay icon. And it's Elvira's anniversary too 😉
My decision to cosplay Elvira for Halloween was inspired by a viewing of last year's seasonal Scooby-Doo movie which featured the Mistress of the Dark. I mentioned it in passing on my story and a few of you got quite excited at the prospect, so I decided to make it a reality.
With delightful serendipity, Elvira has been marking her 40th anniversary at the same time as I have been celebrating my 40th birthday, so it is the most apt photoshoot to end this special month. I couldn't have planned it better if I tried.
The costume has been a year in the making, partly because of the restrictions of the full lockdown at the start of 2021, then due to my hectic schedule in the second half of the year. As soon as the shops re-opened in the summer, I was one of the first through the door at Abakhan to secure a couple of metres of stretchy black fabric (heavily discounted, in another twist of fate).
The hair is achieved thanks to two wigs, a tip I picked up from Michael Davids at Bouffant Delacroix. The gorgeous long black hair is from Amazon and the height is achieved by placing a boy's wig from China on top. Much better than the Amy Winehouse wig I had been contemplating (although bizarrely, when Gareth tried on the Elvira hair - wearing nothing but a small pair of red pants - he looked just like Amy. And yes, there is photo evidence).
The dagger is a plastic retractable toy from China which I have spray painted and customised with beads to create an accurate replica, then I made the ring and wristbands myself from various bits and pieces in my craft box.
We took the photos in Cardiff at the beginning of this month and I am so pleased with the end result. Turning 40 while channeling an absolute diva. Darlings, life has only just begun.
