WATERLOO, Ontario — Coquette’s creative team was in the studio last week shooting the 2013 Masquerade collection.
The shoot featured an assortment of costumes and their “fabulous models,” including Playboy Playmate of the Year 2006 Kara Monaco and Aspen Brandy Lea.
“The models had fun with the animal line acting out the parts and being silly for the camera,” the company said. “Monaco who has modeled for the Coquette Masquerade collection in the past is always eagerly anticipated on set for her great personality and easy going manner. First time shooting with Coquette, Lea fit in quickly and was joking around with everyone taking behind-the-scenes photos.”
This year’s focus in design was to expand the popular animal line with more creature costumes. Many of the new additions have the traditional romper base made out of printed faux fur, which is new this season to Coquette, or velveteen and are accompanied by accessories such as headpieces, gloves and bags. The line is being expanded to include more in-demand styles with pieces that the designers are excited to reveal, the company said.
“We have added to our animal line due to the popularity of these fun-loving costumes,” Coquette senior designer Elaine Carson said. “They are wonderful pieces that are full coverage but offer the option to show more. We have also designed more handbags that will be included with pieces to compliment the look and offer a complete ensemble for the wearer. We're excited to launch this collection as we expect the handbags will be strong selling features for these outfits."
This year the Masquerade Collection is seeing more costumes such as movie characters and cartoons. The design team has transformed the looks to more pinup styling that bring out their flirty appeal.
“We’ve seen a change in the costume industry in regards to demand,” said Carson. “Moving away from sexy and skimpy outfits to cute and playful, the pieces we are now designing are for those who are looking to dress up as someone from a comic book or a hit TV show, something people can wear out.”
The character costumes have different structural design aspects which are new to the Masquerade collection. The design team is now using knit blends that are thicker and heavier that are more forgiving and durable for some of the costumes. Many of the pieces also have reinforced shoulders and hips constructed out of pellon to maintain their shape and give them further definition. These changes help create a line that is more outerwear friendly, the company says.
The Masquerade collection’s official release will be at the Halloween & Party Expo in Houston on Jan. 19-22, and will be available June 15.
