Playing dress-up for Halloween, a tradition once reserved for youngsters, has become the domain of grown-ups who harbor a penchant for releasing alter egos and indulging evil twins. Consider the recent rash of Halloween costume bashes that have brought out every type of character from the ghoulish to the wicked, from the naughty to the sublime. And don't forget the popular Duck Dynasty characters.
CultureMap surveyed the recent party landscape and selected our fave costuming from four parties that have rocked the recent night scene.
More than 300 creatures slithered into Hotel ZaZa for the Arthritis Foundation's "Bone Bash," co-chaired by Cindi Rose and Lara Bell with Diane Caplan and Edward Sanchez chairing the costume contest. Beyond the costuming, the evening honored Dr. Sandra Sessoms and Theresa and Dr. Lamar Roemer. While raising $150,000 for the non-profit, guests partied in the haunted graveyard, had their fortunes read and caricatures drawn. The diehards stayed on for the after-party, dubbed The Graveyard Shift.
The following night, Halloween spirits took over The Corinthian for Easter Seals' "The Bash: A Halloween Happening." Over the years this event has grown into a seriously ghoulish affair with costumes going beyond the cutesy baby doll looks into serious walking-dead characters. But this fall the most popular costumes among the crowd of 675 seemed to be Batman and Catwoman and those Duck Dynasty trolls. The event was chaired by Newie and Dr. Mark Brinker and Cathy and Dr. Gary Brock.
Over at the Petroleum Club, the Young Professionals Association's "Once Upon a Nightmare" bash was strong on zombies and very creative creepy costuming. This was Magan M. Hunt's fourth annual Halloween bash, which has become a not-to-be-missed party with more than 200 costumed fans dining and dancing to D.J. Tiffany of Las Vegas. The club's ballroom was transformed into a sinister setting beginning with Bright Star's one-of-a-kind Dichrolier chandelier that cast images and shadows of a wooded forest throughout the room. Joining Magan in the orchestration was committee chair Stephanie Quisenberry and a host of volunteers.
Hotel ZaZa and Veuve Clicquot unleashed a flock of characters with its "Yelloween" spook fest (the "yellow" inspired from the labeling of the French bubbly). While the spirits flowed and chef Jeff Axline kept the revelers well-fed, DJ Lady Bunny spun the tunes that inspired dancing til dawn.
Taylor Bartholomew, from left, Martin Ryan, Claire Ryan, Matt Barnhill, Belinda Cadd, Chris Heunick, Stacy FullerHenry Brewer and Elizabeth Ortiz at Hotel ZaZa's Halloween party.
