WhatB次元官网网址檒l it be? Zombie, steampunk, binder full of women?

Terrifying, trendy or topical B次元官网网址� expect a host of bizarre looks to be out on the town over the next few days as another Halloween descends over the Capital Region and costumiers power through their busy season.

Ned Lemley didnB次元官网网址檛 think a young customer had much of a chance at realizing his costume dreams when he stepped into Langham Court TheatreB次元官网网址檚 costume loft hoping to step out clad as Louis XIV. But it turns out a fleur-de-lis cape and a few accessories from loftB次元官网网址檚 extensive collection of period garments added up to just the look for which the teen was striving.

B次元官网网址淭he next thing I knew, around from the dressing room comes this lad and it was just great,B次元官网网址� said Lemley from the tightly-packed loft above the Rockland neighbourhood theatre.

Among the loft managerB次元官网网址檚 other most memorable customers: a young man who satisfied his desire to transform into classic comedienne Lucille Ball when he picked out a red wig and dress from the collection, and a teen who rented a tunic in his quest to become a Spartan and later crafted himself a breast plate, greaves and a helmet from a disposable turkey roaster.

That Spartan costume is now one of the many Halloween DIY additions to the inventory.

The loft is the home of original creations of all kinds B次元官网网址� where Victorian and Edwardian period wear is the speciality B次元官网网址� but the occasional trends still float through. Last year was the season of the pirate, Lemley said, noting 2012B次元官网网址檚 shift toward more glam looks, including the steampunk craze.

The Langham collection has been built from more than 30 years of local theatre productions and community donations. But a costume isnB次元官网网址檛 necessarily mandatory for achieving a dramatic look.

B次元官网网址淎 lot more people are doing makeup, a theatrical sort of effect instead of putting a costume and being a witch or a vampire,B次元官网网址� said Michael Bice, long-time employee of MurrayB次元官网网址檚 Trick and Joke Shop. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e not being your classic Frankenstein or Wolf Man.B次元官网网址�

Bice has noted an increased interest in death make-up and latex prosthetics, of which MurrayB次元官网网址檚 carries a wide variety B次元官网网址� a trend he attributes to VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 love of the annual Zombie Walk.

At the popular Victoria Costumes on West Saanich Road, Charlotte RennisonB次元官网网址檚 clientele arenB次元官网网址檛 as set on becoming the undead.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 the same thing thatB次元官网网址檚 hot every year: super heroes and Star Wars,B次元官网网址� Rennison said.

While Scooby-Doo, Cookie Monster and the Victorian-era sci-fi fun of steampunk are on the rise this year, looks inspired by George LucasB次元官网网址� seven-film series remain the those most requested by both guys and girls, young and old.

Though Rennison B次元官网网址� known around the city for her impersonations, including a notorious Lady Gaga April FoolB次元官网网址檚 Day hoax in 2010 B次元官网网址� has been taking special orders and sewing custom costumes since the summertime, she says thereB次元官网网址檚 more than enough stock left for all those Halloween revellers who are waiting until the last minute to don a new get-up.

Like Victoria Costumes, Disguise the Limit in Colwood has a several-thousand-piece collection, which includes all the standard superheroes and movie characters, as well as quirkier pieces added via special request each season.

Dusty Hughes, an employee clad in Peter Pan attire, delighted one customer by this year sewing her a custom B次元官网网址渟exy viking,B次元官网网址� though when it comes to her own Halloween night garb, she opts to sport the classic witch look each Oct. 31. The Queen of Hearts and Little Red Riding Hood top the list of most requested standards this season, she said.

B次元官网网址淒isneyB次元官网网址檚 a hit this time around,B次元官网网址� she added.

And among RennisonB次元官网网址檚 most entertaining visitors to her store: a group of men who dressed as Mexican bumblebees of Saturday Night Live fame and a classic Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels-inspired Dumb & Dumber duo.

B次元官网网址淚 like people who get creative with it,B次元官网网址� Rennison said.

nnorth@saanichnews.com