User:Conan 01

Costume Mash-up, The
Dressing up in costume for the purpose of entertainment & recreation has evolved over time, although its origins can be traced back to 14th Century France. Once used as entertainment for the socially elite, today costume parties are held by everyone and anyone. A relatively recent development in the creation of costume outfits is the costume mash-up.

Why?
The 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in the significance of popular culture items in the western world. Costumes or fancy dress have increased in popularity at a similar rate, probably as a result of said increase. Google Search Insight history shows that search popularity for the term "costume" has enjoyed a gradual increase since 2004. From 2009 popularity has increased dramatically, peaking every year in October. With the popularity in costumes, and dressing up comes the problem of originality. Arriving at a social event dressed in the same outfit is considered by many to be a major fashion faux pas. To avoid this, the costume mash-up has emerged has an increasingly popular way of adding original elements to an otherwise generic look.

What is a costume mash-up?
A mash-up occurs when one element is combined with a complimentary element. In terms of costumes, a mash-up results in the combination of two costumes that oppose one another in a comical or entertaining way. A popular way to create a mash-up is to add a zombie or vampire element to an existing costume. Prosthetics and make-up can be used to easily achieve this look. Using a play on words is another way to mash-up a costume.