Harry Potter Costumes

The boy who lived...

Harry Potter is the title character and main protagonist of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The majority of the books' plot covers seven years in the life of the orpahn Potter, who, on his eleventh birthday, learns he is a wizard. Thus, he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to practice magic under the guidance of the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, and other school professors. Upon venturing into the wizarding world, Harry discovers that he is already famous throughout the novel's magical community, and that his fate is tied with that of Lord Voldemort, the feared Dark Wizard and murderer of his mother and father.

The series chronicle the adventures of Harry and his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts. The main story arc concerns Harry's quest to overcome the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, whose aims are to overcome death, to conquer the wizarding world, subjugate non-magical people and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry Potter. Potter represents the resistance, and eventually comes to symbolise good triumphing evil.

Since the release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on 30 June 1997, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. As of June 2011, the book series has sold about 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages, and the last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history. The books, with the seventh book split into two parts, have been made into an eight-part film series and is the highest grossing film series of all time. The series also originated much tie-in merchandise, making the Harry Potter brand worth in excess of $15 billion

The huge success of the Potter franchise has led to the massive popularity of Harry Potter costumes. Whether you want to dress up as Harry Potter himself, or be his loyal sidekicks Ron and Hermione, you'll easily be recognised as a student of Hogwarts! Why not wear a Death Eater costume and attempt a Death Eater's kiss? Or do you want to be he-who-must-not-be-named? Dress up as the Dark Lord Voldemort for your next fancy dress party!

Harry Potter Adult Costume

Harry Potter Boys Costume

Lord Voldemort Adult Costume

Death Eater Mens Costume

Harry Potter Wand, Robe, Glasses, Childrens Dress Up

Harry Potter is the most easily recognisable character from the series. You can easily replicate his look by drawing on a lightening bolt scar on your forehead, wearing his signature round glasses, and having his shaggy, untidy black hair! You'll be at hit at your next Harry Potter party, fancy dress party, group costume party and more!

Flapper Costumes

Flapper costumes are instantly recognisable and perfect for your next costume party! Whether you have a 1920's party to go to, an era's party or a decades party, you'll be the bees knees in a flapper costume!

Flapper in the 1920's was a term applied to a "new breed" of young Western women who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was considered acceptable behaviour. Flapper's beaviour was considered outlandish at the time and redefined women's roles. The image of flappers were young women who went by night to jazz clubs where they danced provocatively, smoked cigarettes through long holders and openly drank alcohol, a defiant act in the American period of Prohibition.

In addition to their irreverant behaviour, flappers were known for their style, which largely emerged from French fashions, especially those pioneered by Coco Chanel, the effect on dress of the rapid spread of American jazz, and the popularization of dancing that accompanied it.

The flapper style made girls look young and boyish: short hair, flattened breasts and straight waists accentuated it. Flapper dresses were straight and loose, leaving the arms bare and dropping the waistline to the hips. High heels also came into vogue at the time, reaching 2-3 inches. Boyish cuts were in vogue, especially the bob cut. Finger waving was used as a means of styling. Hats were still required wear and popular styles included the Newboy Cap and Cloche Hat. Jewelry usually consisted of art deco pieces, especially many layers of beaded necklaces.

Flapper Fabulous 1920's Deluxe Womens Costume

The evolving flapper look required heavy make-up in comparison to what had been previously been acceptable. With the invention of the metal lipstick container as well as compact mirrors bee stung lips came into vogue. Dark eyes, especially Kohl-rimmed, were the style. Blush also came into vogue.

Flapper - 1920's Womens Costume - Red

Although the appearance typically associated now with flappers (straight waists, short hair and a hemline above the knee) did not fully emerge until about 1926, there was an early association in the public mind between unconventional appearance, outrageous behaviour, and the word "flapper".

20's Cutie Flapper Womens Costume

You'll be the cat's meow in one of our Flapper Costumes!

Perfect Party Costume... THE PANDA.

Ever wanted to dress up as a panda for a fancy dress party? We know we have! Pandas make perfect costumes for parties with an animal theme, jungle theme, 'P' theme, black and white theme, funny costume theme and heaps more! And besides their usefulness for wearing to parties, a panda costume makes for great everyday attire!

Cute Panda Costume!

Everybody always dresses up in gorilla costumes, but we want to know... Why not panda costumes?! These cute creatures make for a great costume, and look so good in black and white!

Cutest Panda Yet!

How cute is this baby! Dress up your little munchkin, and raise awareness for pandas!

Have your own panda costume!

There's nothing like dressing up as panda for your next trip to the zoo! Come on, we dare you!

Panda costume not your thing? Plenty more animals where those came from! Browse through our Animal Costumes.

Decorations for You and Your Furry Friends.

Not only can you decorate your tree and home this year, here at Costume Direct we recommend you decorate your pet too!

How cute are these two Christmas Pet costumes!

Christmas Pet Elf Costume

Christmas Pet Santa Costume

Check out these cute Christmas Decorations for you to adorn your house with!

Giant Christmas Stocking

Christmas Standing Characters (SO CUTE!)

Christmas Cushions

Santa Door Cover

Christmas Wine Bottle holders

Here at Costume Direct, the more decorations the merrier.  Have a look at these fabulously decorated houses!

So decorate your household and everyone in it this christmas with fabulous Costume Direct Christmas Accessories!

Christmas is on the Way!

Christmas is rapidly approaching which means we need to start thinking about putting up the Christmas tree, buying presents for anyone and everyone, decorations, Christmas cards, wrapping and of course your Christmas staff party! 

Here at Costume Direct, we can be your one stop costume shop to fulfill all your family Christmas costume fantasies. 

Father Christmas for dad

Mrs. Clause for mum

Little Elves for the kids

 Maybe you're looking for something to wear to your Christmas staff party this year?

Santa's little helper

Crazy Christmas Elves

Do you work in retail and want to spread a bit of Christmas cheer?

Christmas Apron

Elf Hat

Santa Sack

As Christmas is still 2 months away, we're just getting started, giving you a little taste of what is to come...  Here at Costume Direct we love ANY excuse to dress up but here are a few of our Christmas favourites! 

Ginger Bread Girl

Polka Dot Christmas Helper

Classic Christmas Elf

What do you think? 

Happy Halloween to all you Crazy Critters

Halloween is quickly approaching and we all know what that means: costumes, candy... and more costumes!

Halloween, formerly known as All Hallow's Eve, is a long standing tradition which has evolved over time from bonfires and costumes worn to mimic evil spirits as they cross over from the supernatural into the natural, into parties and trick'or'treating in your local neighbourhood dressed as anything from beastly, to beautiful.    

We love Jack Skellington!

Edward Scissor Hands always scared me a little bit... but this costume is fabulous!

What a sweet little witch costume for this halloween!

A vampire is a classic costume idea for boys who want to look spooky this halloween!

As well as celebrating our superstitions on Halloween and satisfying our sweet tooth, it gives us an excuse to have spectacular, spooky parties! 

Halloween parties also give us a reason to get creative in the kitchen.  Check out these kooky cupcake creations we've found for you, supplied by Disney's Family Fun. 

We love cute cupcakes and unique food ideas for halloween parties!

So get excited all you boils and gouls and keep your eyes peeled this month for more of our Halloween interests and ideas in the countdown to October 31! 

International Speak Like a Pirate Day... Arhhhh!

I'm counting down and there's only 3 full days until International Speak Like a Pirate Day. Taking place on the 19th of September each year, International Pirate day just keeps getting bigger. From its origins in 1995, people around the world have been catching onto the 'Speak like a Pirate' day and it has even been celebrated on the International Space Station.

Here's a handy site to get you speaking like the scurvy sea-dog of a Pirate that you are. We recommend a little practice to get you in fine pirate form for this monday...

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html

And then there's the 'Pirate' Translator. 

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/translator.html

But it shouldn't stop at speaking like a pirate - lets declare it International Dress Like a Pirate day too!

The Pirate theme has always been popular, and with the likes of Johnny Depp playing the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, it's only getting more so. 

Think beards and dreadlocks, hooks and feathered hats, boots, buckles and billowy shirts. It's a good excuse not to shower for a few days and have a bit of fun dressing up.

Classic Captain Jack Sparrow Costume

Arrrrh! This boys Pirate Costume is fit for a Pirate.

Who said Pirates can't be sexy? This Pirate Wench Costume is perfect for sailing the seven seas!

One of the most infamous Pirates is Captain Hook, villain of the timeless Disney tale Peter Pan. But you can't be 'Hook' without a hook!

We've got shiploads more Pirate costumes at Costume Direct - click to go to our Pirate Costume Category. Ahhhhr - and don't forget to check out our Pirate Competition on Facebook - you could win a $100 gift voucher!