Halloween but make it fashion: 16 costumes inspired by runways
From ghostly gowns to bloodied brides, designers have long turned the macabre into couture magic. We've rounded up 16 of the most haunting runway looks that screamchic terror: perfect inspiration if you want your Halloween costume to be as stylish as it is spooky.
1. "Dante" - Alexander McQueen AW1996
Black lace dress with long train, crucifix embroidery, floor-length lace veil, corseted waist, fitted sleeves.
Runway reference: AW1996 London show staged in a church; inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, exploring mortality, sin, and redemption.
2. "The Nurse" - John Galliano for Dior SS2000
White latex nurse corset, tight pencil skirt, nurse cap, thigh-high boots, red lipstick.
Runway reference: Dior SS2000; Galliano transformed clinical uniforms into fetishized couture, blending desire, control, and theatricality.
3. "Joan" - Alexander McQueen AW1998
Metallic corset with armor-like panels, red embroidered skirt, leather details, thigh-high boots.
Runway reference: AW1998 London show inspired by Joan of Arc; a fusion of martyrdom, courage, and couture spectacle.
4. "Black Pierrot" - Gareth Pugh Fall 2006
Black sculptural jumpsuit or dress, oversized ruffled collar, sharply angled shoulders, fitted sleeves.
Runway reference: Fall 2006 London show; ghostly minimal movement emphasized dramatic volume and avant-garde structure.
5. "Le Marin" - Jean Paul Gaultier SS2020
Navy striped top, high-waisted tailored trousers, sailor cap, optional rope belt or metallic accents.
Runway reference: SS2020 Paris runway; reinterpretation of Gaultier's sailor motif, highlighting gender fluidity and playful rebellion.
6. "Demon" - Alexander McQueen AW1998
Black and red sculpted bodice, jagged layered skirt, leather straps, claw-like gloves, dramatic headpiece or horns.
Runway reference: AW1998 London show; McQueen explored the darker side of human desire and primal instincts, turning models into supernatural, devilish figures.
7. Creature in Black - Matières Fécales FW2025
Textured black gown with exaggerated draping, asymmetrical hem, oversized shoulders, sculptural elements.
Runway reference: FW2025; theatrical chaos and avant-garde fear embodied in couture form.
8. The Old Doll - Pat McGrath for Maison Margiela 2024
Pale lace dress, fitted bodice, layered tulle skirt, shiny porcelain-inspired makeup, pale curls.
Runway reference: FW2024; inspired by fragile dolls and ghostly innocence, emphasizing delicate textures and ethereal aesthetics.
9. Vampire - Alexander McQueen "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" AW2002
Black velvet cape, high-neck lace blouse, fitted leather skirt or pants, platform boots.
Runway reference: AW2002 London show; Victorian mourning aesthetics reimagined with erotic tension and gothic drama.
10. "Mummy in Lace" - Christian Dior Haute Couture SS2004
Layered lace dress, tulle wraps around the body, creative pins to keep the lace in place and bold make up in eyes and lips.
Runway reference: SS2004 Paris Haute Couture; inspired by mummification and resurrection, models resembled ethereal relics.
11. Cannibals - Robert Wun Look 1 FW2025 (Paris)
White gown with blood red pigment stains, draped fabric extensions creating cape, fake blood all over the face.
Runway reference: FW2025 Paris; Wun explored fragility, fear, and femininity through sculptural storytelling.
12. Clowns - Vivienne Westwood AW2018
Tartan ruffled jacket, oversized bows, exaggerated shoulders, layered skirts, painted clown faces.
Runway reference: AW2018 London; jesters representing rebellion, chaos, and theatrical punk aesthetics.
13. Witch - Martine Sitbon SS1993
Sheer plum and ash fabric dress with long flowing sleeves, witch hat and a lot of lace.
Runway reference: SS1993; Sitbon created a cerebral witchy aesthetic using transparency, tone, and structure.
14. Alien Glam - Moschino AW2018
Blue-painted skin, retro pin-up dress with metallic or latex details, high heels.
Runway reference: AW2018 Milan; Jeremy Scott fused extraterrestrial and Hollywood glamour with playful pop culture references.
15. The Bloodied Bride - Robert Wun FW2023
White wedding gown with red pigment, long vail, dramatic makeup .
Runway reference: FW2023; Wun transformed bridal purity into theatrical horror and macabre poetry.
16. Wednesday - Alice Auaa Fall 2013, Tokyo
Layered black lace dress, long lace veil , black doll, dramatic collar and high heels with platforms.
Runway reference: Fall 2013 Tokyo show; avant-garde Gothic inspired by dark innocence and theatrical Japanese aesthetics