http://www.freepressindex.com/profile-83545/Escapade N/A http://www.freepressindex.com/article-rise-in-sale-of-santa-costumes-at-escapade-indicates-consumer-confidence-362064.html Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT Escapade, the Camden-based fancy dress superstore, has seen sales of Santa costumes increase by 125% this year, and overall sales are up too. However, people are spending less per purchase. These changes suggest disposable income and consumer confidence may be on the way up, albeit slowly. Demand for fancy dress costumes and other non-essential items are always worse hit by recession than food and other essentials, as when people cut back, non-essential items are the first to go. Therefore, an improvement in the fancy dress industry would suggest the economy as a whole was getting stronger. There are several major film releases and other events coming up in 2012 which provide opportunities to wear fancy dress. By trying to measure how many people wear fancy dress, and whether it’s new or old, bought or home-made, one could come up with a quirky new estimate of how well the economy is doing. Here are a few days where people will probably be dressing up, and some of the things they might be wearing: Thanksgiving Every year Americans pre-empt Christmas slightly with a national holiday where families get together and feast on turkey. It’s on Thursday November 22nd this year, and customers might celebrate it by dressing as the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam, or Captain America. Escapade’s wardrobe also includes an Obama mask, and several types of turkey costume, just in case anyone wants to re-enact the annual ritual where the President pardons a turkey. The Muppets Film The Muppets’ first film in 12 years was released in America in November to great critical acclaim and box office success. It’s out in the UK on Feb 17th. Expect hordes of fans wearing muppet costumes marching in formation to the nearest cinema. Escapade has full-length costumes for Elmo, Oscar, The Count, Animal, and Miss Piggy, and masks for all the other major characters. A Clockwork Orange 2012 is the 50th anniversary of the publication of Anthony Burgess’s masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange. It was one of several novels Burgess hurriedly wrote after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and being mistakenly told he had less than a year to live (he lived for another 30 years). Perhaps the diagnosis inspired his gritty, bleak novel. Droogs will be celebrating it in style with Clockwork Orange outfits from Escapade, including the classic costume from Kubrick’s film, and two women’s outfits. The Olympics The opening ceremony of the London Olympics is on 27th July – in the weeks before, the Olympic torch is on its tour of the country. Spectators often adopt unusual outfits, perhaps hoping to distract the athletes at a crucial moment, or at least get on TV. Escapade’s more unusual costumes include a cannabis plant, a raised middle finger, a condom wrapper, and a bizarre Angry Birds red bird child costume. Art and Entertainment http://www.freepressindex.com/article-escapades-spring-sale-is-now-on-275429.html Sun, 29 May 2011 13:00:00 GMT   The summer is heating up, and you can prepare for a busy party season with Escapade's spring sale. You can make that celebration extra special by arriving as a celebrity, superhero or gangster. Escapade are currently offering large discounts on a wide range of their costumes, and there are literally hundreds to choose from on their website, or in store. Whether you want to relive your childhood fantasies or imitate your celebrity idols, you may be surprised about the amount of costumes included in the spring sale. The most popular items, along with the newest additions, have been reduced; Chewbacca, Darth Vader and the Ghostbusters are among the lot. Moreover, if you pull off your costume with real finesse, you may be able to hire it for free. Each and every month Escapade hosts a competition to reward its best-dressed customer. To be in for a chance, take a photo of yourself in your costume and you could win your money back. If this is not enough of a financial carrot, then customers should remember that Escapade have frozen the VAT on all of their outfits, guaranteeing that they don’t face increased prices. Escapade provide a selection of novel and topical costumes, making it easier for you to find something unique and interesting. For example, you can go as a character from one of the recent film releases, as both Pirates of the Caribbean IV and Red Riding Hood have their fancy dress counterparts. But what would Jack Sparrow be without his cutlass? For this reason, Escapade stock a wide variety of accessories so that your costume is not missing that crucial item; whether it is a toy sword, imitation gun, or piece of costume jewellery. Those who are stumped for ideas can visit www.escapade.co.uk, where they can find much inspiration with a selection of costume ideas – from army to fairy to angel – from which to choose. About Escapade Escapade is a Camden-based company which supplies fancy dress clothes and accessories for hire. There is a wide and eclectic mix of costumes available, from a Harry Potter costume to a disco wig.   Art and Entertainment