Comedy Costumes
Laugh GAME FOR A
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hile most marketing people can manager for agree that Bristol Novelty having a agrees. “Laughter Good Sense Of Humour is the best medicine is very important, great after all, whether that’s comedy is subjective making fun of ourselves and what might be jawor others – which is achingly funny to one person why comical costumes could leave another cold. are very popular in fancy The same is true for comedy dress. There is always a fancy dress. An oversized fine line when it comes to hat and glasses set might how far you can push it be enough for one person, but our costumes are while another will scour cheeky (quite literally the shelves for the most in some cases!) rather outrageous, on-trend, than offensive.” clever costume they can Bristol Novelty’s find – all in the hope of Hairy Mary costume raising a few smiles. has firmly established It’s not an overstatement itself in the market and to say that without comedy is a popular seller yearand novelty costumes on-year, while their Above: Oversized foam wigs from there would be no fancy inflatable and piggyback Palmer Agencies are a popular choice dress at all, but dedicated at festivals and carnivals this summer. costumes have bought comedy costumes deserve innovation to the sector. a category all to themselves. “Our inflatables have vastly “All suppliers do their best to improved over the years,” continues develop product to help make a fancy Fran, “and we are looking to bring in dress a fun occasion, but we have seen some new hilarious blow up costumes some incredible creations coming out with the Fun Flatables range. We have of the consumer’s imagination, which particularly high hopes for the new has made the market very different inflatable Poop emoji costume which and individual over the last two or really stands out in the range!” three years,” Fran believes that the funniest points out costumes are the cleverest ones, with Mark Brett, subtle elements which make them UK agent for stand out. “It doesn’t have to be a big Boland Party. bold statement, a simple accessory can Fran Hales, transform any costume or clothing
Comedy Collection
“Comedy and novelty are a large part of everything that comes with dressup – it is fundamental to hen and stag festivities for example – and remains an integral part of the Smiffys collection. Our inflatable costumes have captured the public’s attention recently, while fruits have also been key
for 2019, driven in part by the rise of social media and emojis. The novelty fruit costumes have proved popular as we progress through festival season, with their life-like appearance. Our in-house design team are committed to staying on-trend, which has led to several lines based on political trends. Donald Trump has been a favourite with Smiffys customers as he continues to divide many and remain in the spotlight.” Sharon Poulter, trade marketing manager, Smiffys
By its very nature, people wearing fancy dress and costumes are rarely taking themselves seriously – but for those looking to get as many laughs as possible, there’s a whole subgenre of comedy and novelty costumes to be explored. PPE takes a look at what will be tickling funny bones over the coming months. Inset: This donkey mask from Widmann is a comedy classic.
Being An Ass
“Comedy and novelty items are an increasing market for Widmann and becoming ever more important. Fancy dress is supposed to be all about having fun and one of the best way to do this is to dress up to make family and friends laugh! Our popular range of comedy and novelty items includes our great biting bulldog inflatable costume, our Rastafarian banana costume and our comical donkey masks. With our extensive range of over 14,000 products you’re sure to find something to suit all occasions.” Anna Solly, UK agent, Widmann (Sancto) to make it a work of genius.” This feeds back into Bristol Novelty’s new #GetTheLook campaign which focuses on combining the company’s wide range of accessories and the popularity of Instagram influencers. “Social media has opened the door to new ideas,” he points out, Left: Smiffys inflatable costumes – such as this maneating shark – have been a hit with the public. JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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