MALABAR 14 McCaul, 416-598-2581, malabar.net
For the month of October, the Malabar costume house is a sea of superheroes, medieval damsels and Michael Jackson look-alikes, and those are just the getups staff are wearing to help shoppers get in the Halloween mood. The days leading up to the big night are the store’s busiest, and there’s already been a rush on Elvis wigs, Na’vi leotards and Mad Hatter chapeaux this year.
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Malabar is actually two separate shops. On the right is the costume department, where you can rent theatrical-quality pieces, including fuzzy mascot suits and full baroque gowns. On the left is the retail store, where you find dance outfits, makeup, prosthetic pieces and props.
Movie releases drive most costume trends, hence the popularity of Avatar and Alice In Wonderland options, but staff say you can’t go wrong with the classics – a fairy, a can-can dancer, a pirate or a Viking.
Malabar picks: Costume rentals range from $45 for a simple flapper dress to $200 for an Edwardian look going all-out Avatar costs you about $80, which includes body paint, a wig and accessories hairpieces like long mermaid locks or Lucille Ball curls go for between $35 and $55.
Look for: Extended Halloween hours on Thursday and Friday (9:30 am to 9 pm), Saturday (9 am to 7 pm) and Sunday (noon to 5 pm).
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 am (rentals)/10 am (retail) to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.
