Laszlo Cravensworth, the endearingly awkward vampire from What We Do in the Shadows, has captured hearts with his charmingly clumsy demeanor and impeccable fashion sense. His costume, a blend of 18th-century elegance and modern-day nonchalance, is a fan favorite for Halloween, cosplay, and themed parties. This guide will delve into the intricacies of recreating Laszlo’s iconic look, from head to toe.
The Foundation: Hair and Makeup
Laszlo’s hair is a key component of his overall appearance. It’s a voluminous, slightly tousled style that frames his face perfectly. To achieve this look, you’ll need a wig or a lot of hairspray. If you’re working with your own hair, consider using volumizing products and a curling iron to create gentle waves.
For makeup, the focus should be on a pale complexion. A light foundation or powder will help create the desired vampire look. A touch of blush can add a subtle hint of color to your cheeks. Laszlo’s eyebrows are typically well-groomed, so ensure they are neat and defined.
The Wardrobe: A Masterclass in Vampire Chic
Laszlo’s wardrobe is a delightful mix of historical and modern elements. The core of his outfit is a white, high-collared shirt. This is often layered under a waistcoat and a long, dark coat. The waistcoat should be fitted and adorned with intricate details like embroidery or lace. The coat, on the other hand, can be a bit more relaxed. A black or navy coat with a touch of velvet or satin will add a touch of vampire elegance.
Trousers are typically black and fitted. Leather boots complete the look, adding a touch of ruggedness to the overall ensemble.
Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Laszlo’s accessories are as important as his clothing. A long, flowing scarf can add a touch of drama to the outfit. A pocket watch or a vintage ring can also be incorporated.
One of Laszlo’s most iconic accessories is his glasses. He often sports a pair of round, gold-rimmed glasses, which add a touch of intellectual charm to his character.
DIY or Buy: Making Your Choice
Creating a Laszlo Cravensworth costume can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With a little creativity and patience, you can assemble a costume that is both authentic and impressive. However, if you prefer a hassle-free approach, there are many pre-made Laszlo costumes available online.
When purchasing a pre-made costume, pay close attention to the details. Look for a costume that accurately replicates Laszlo’s signature style. If you can’t find a complete costume, consider buying individual pieces and assembling them yourself.
Going the Extra Mile: Characterization
A great costume is just the beginning. To truly embody Laszlo, you need to capture his essence. Practice his signature awkwardness, his charming smile, and his witty one-liners.
Consider watching episodes of What We Do in the Shadows to study Laszlo’s mannerisms and speech patterns. Immersing yourself in the character will help you bring him to life.
Beyond the Costume: Laszlo and Fandom
The popularity of Laszlo Cravensworth is a testament to the show’s success. Fans from all walks of life have embraced the character, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic community.
Whether you’re attending a Halloween party, a cosplay event, or simply want to express your love for the show, a Laszlo Cravensworth costume is a fantastic choice. It’s a costume that allows you to unleash your inner vampire, while also paying homage to one of television’s most beloved characters.
Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling the Costume
Essential Components:
- Black Tailcoat: The foundation of the Laszlo look.
- White Shirt: A classic dress shirt.
- Black Waistcoat or Vest: Essential for that vampire elegance.
- Black Trousers: Formal and sleek.
- Jabot: A decorative ruffled collar.
- Accessories: Cufflinks, cane, and possibly a wig.
Step-by-Step Assembly:
Base Layers:
- Start with the white dress shirt. Ensure it fits well and is tucked into the trousers.
- Put on the black waistcoat or vest, ensuring it’s buttoned up properly.
The Tailcoat:
- Put on the black tailcoat. Ensure it fits well and covers the waistcoat or vest.
- Check the length of the coat to ensure it reaches the knees.
Jabot:
- Attach the jabot to the shirt. It should cover the top of the shirt and be visible above the tailcoat.
Trousers:
- Ensure the trousers are the correct length and fit well.
- Consider adding suspenders if desired, though they are not strictly necessary.
Accessories:
- Add cufflinks to your shirt cuffs.
- Carry a cane for that classic vampire look.
- If you’re using a wig, style it to match Laszlo’s hair.
Customization and Finishing Touches:
- Distressing: For a more authentic vampire look, consider distressing the tailcoat and trousers slightly.
- Makeup: Apply pale foundation and red contact lenses for a vampire-like appearance.
- Embellishments: Add lace, ribbons, or other decorations to the jabot or tailcoat for a personalized touch.
DIY Jabot:
If you can’t find a ready-made jabot, you can create one using:
- White or off-white fabric
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Lace or other decorative trims
- Cut a rectangular piece of fabric for the base of the jabot.
- Gather the top edge of the fabric to create ruffles.
- Add lace or other trims to the edges for decoration.
- Attach the jabot to your shirt.
Simple DIY projects for customizing pieces
Laszlo Cravensworth is a character known for his impeccable vampire style. While you might find some base pieces at thrift stores or costume shops, adding a personal touch can elevate your costume to the next level. Let’s dive into some DIY projects to customize your Laszlo look!
Focus on the Details
Laszlo’s costume is all about the details. Here are some ideas to enhance your look:
Embellish Your Jabot:
- Lace and Frills: Add layers of lace or ruffled fabric to your jabot for a more dramatic effect.
- Beading or Embroidery: Incorporate intricate beadwork or embroidery for an extra touch of elegance.
- Vintage Brooches: Attach vintage brooches to the jabot for a unique and personalized look.
Customize Your Coat:
- Fabric Paint or Dye: Experiment with fabric paint or dye to add patterns or distress the coat for a more aged appearance.
- Velvet or Satin Accents: Add velvet or satin lapels or cuffs for a touch of luxury.
- Brocade or Tapestry: Incorporate brocade or tapestry fabric patches for a unique and textured look.
Accessorize with Flair:
- Handmade Cufflinks: Create your own cufflinks using resin, polymer clay, or metalworking techniques.
- Custom Cane: Decorate a cane with ribbons, feathers, or even small trinkets.
- Wig Styling: Experiment with different hair styles and products to achieve Laszlo’s signature look.
Vampire Makeup:
- Pale Skin: Use white face paint or foundation to achieve a pale vampire complexion.
- Red Eyes: Apply red contact lenses for a more dramatic effect.
- Fangs: Create your own fangs using dental impressions or purchase a pre-made set.
Additional Tips:
- Thrift Stores: Explore thrift stores for hidden gems like vintage coats, vests, and fabrics.
- Online Tutorials: Search for DIY tutorials on techniques like fabric dyeing, embroidery, and costume making.
- Patience and Creativity: Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your costume.
Remember: The key to a great Laszlo costume is attention to detail. By adding your own personal touch, you can create a truly unique and memorable look.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks. Laszlo’s style is versatile, and there’s plenty of room for creativity.
- Pay attention to the small details. It’s the little touches that will make your costume truly stand out.
- Have fun! Dressing up as Laszlo should be an enjoyable experience.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable Laszlo Cravensworth costume. Remember, the most important thing is to embrace the character’s spirit and have fun!
