By Alexa Nolasco, Oct. 29, 2024
Cal Poly Pomona students take different approaches to planning their Halloween costumes, whether they’re store-bought, homemade or a mix of both, these students plan their Halloween costumes with help from a cosplay club and resources available on campus to create eccentric looks.
For Grace Brisco, an electromechanical systems engineering student, this holiday is a chance for her to get creative. Brisco has two costumes planned this year: Sister Encarnación from “Nacho Libre,” and Sally from “Cars.”
Brisco loves group and couple costumes, and she likes to add her own touches, often starting with a store-bought base. From adding small details to mixing fabrics, she enjoys the creative process. One of her favorite costumes was the iconic twins from “The Shining.”
“The hardest part about putting together a costume would be getting everything ready on time,” Brisco said. “The time crunch is real.”
Despite the time challenges, Brisco’s excited for Halloween, especially because she’s hosting two costume parties this year.
Another Halloween fan who will be hosting a party is Chenin De Guzman, a visual communications design student who loves horror-themed costumes. De Guzman prefers making her costumes from scratch, and she often thrifts for supplies.
“Buying supplies to make a costume usually turns out cheaper than buying one,” De Guzman said. “I get that it’s easier to buy one, but I enjoy personalizing it myself.”
De Guzman brings her love for horror to her Halloween costumes.
“I prefer scary costumes for myself on Halloween just because I’m a big horror fan and I love SFX makeup,” she said.
This passion for special effects makeup lets her add creepy details like cuts and stitches to her outfits, which she crafts using thrifted supplies.
This year, she’s considering options like Dr. Frank N. Furter, a beheaded Marie Antoinette or Carrie’s prom look.
She usually practices her makeup a few days in advance to make sure everything looks perfect.
Though she typically dresses up just for photos, costumes are required at De Guzman’s party this year. She hopes her guests will get into the spirit of Halloween as much as she does, whether their costumes are scary, funny or creative.
Creativity is a must for Charlotte Yu, an English education student who’s love for Halloween ties into her love for cosplay. As a member of Cosplay Corner, a club at CPP for cosplay enthusiasts, she enjoys dressing as characters such as Darth Maul from “Star Wars” and Dipper Pines from “Gravity Falls.” The club brings people who love cosplay together, offering workshops and resources to help with costumes.
Yu usually buys her cosplay outfits from Amazon, which means she doesn’t spend much time preparing them. However, she dedicated extra effort for her Darth Maul costume, with makeup assistance from the president of the cosplay club.
“It took roughly two months to gather supplies, and it took our president about four hours to fully put on all the makeup too,” said Yu.
While the club doesn’t assist with building costumes, members often use tools like sewing machines and 3D printers in the Maker’s studio to make their ideas come to life.
As the holiday approaches, many students are ready to showcase their creativity at parties and events across campus.
Feature image courtesy of Charlotte Yu and Chenin De Guzman