The best in celebrity halloween costumes for Halloween 2009
Celebrity halloween costumes are a tradition nearly as old as trick-or-treating itself. The reason celebrity halloween costumes are so popular is because, well, celebrities are so popular. The point of most halloween costumes is to go as something that’s both clever and identifiable (and sometimes a bit improper), and therefore going as a celebrity has natural cache for the season.
Of course, the best celebrity halloween costumes honor those that have recently passed. In that regard, 2009 is a red letter year for celebrity halloween costumes since we’ve had to bid farewell to so many famous people. Think about it… Michael Jackson, Billy Mays, Teddy Kennedy, Farrah Fawcett and Bea Arthur are ones that jump immediately to mind. Obviously Michael Jackson lends himself to about five different costume ideas just by himself.
Back several years ago I went as John Lieber, a New York yankees pitcher who had died in a plane crash just days before. Sick, obviously, but it’s the type of costume that gets a reaction at the best parties. And that’s the point of dressing up for Halloween in the first place, isn’t it?
NRF.com had a long piece on the role Pop Culture, if not necessarily celebrities themselves, have on the holiday and what people choose to dress as:
Washington, October 2, 2008 As more people plan to celebrate Halloween this year, consumers are looking to Hollywood and the upcoming election as their inspiration for costumes. According to the National Retail Federations 2008 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by BIGresearch, an estimated 51.8 million adults plan to don some sort of costume for the big night. Their children and pets will also dress up for the occasion.
While traditional costumes like witches (14.9%), pirates (4.4%) and cats (2.5%) remain favorites among adults, children are adding a bit more flair by choosing from personas Hannah Montana (#3), and Star Wars characters (#6). Other popular childrens costumes include the top-ranked princess (10.5%), witch (3.9%), Spider-Man (3.5%) and pirate (3.3%).
Hollywood has tremendous influence over what adults, children and even pets wear on Halloween, said Tracy Mullin, NRF President and CEO. Consumers who have their heart set on a particular Halloween costume should start shopping now because the most popular items will go quickly.
So don’t hesitate to look to Hollywood for the best celebrity halloween costumes. It’s a sure winner.
