Syracuse University Students Design Custom Halloween Costumes

Fashion design students are crafting their own looks using unique textiles and recycled materials.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Fashion

Bold vector editorial illustration of sewing shears, fabric scraps, and flower petals, representing creative custom costume design. — Syracuse University fashion students are hand-crafting custom Halloween costumes this year, focusing on sustainable materials to combat fast-fashion waste. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you choose to make your own clothing instead of buying fast fashion items?

Fashion design students at Syracuse University are ditching store-bought outfits to create their own custom Halloween costumes. Working in the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, they use fabrics, rhinestones, and fake roses to bring their creative visions to life.

Why it matters

Students are choosing to create their own garments to gain better creative control and reduce costs. The initiative also reflects a growing opposition to the environmental impact associated with fast fashion.

Students are utilizing varied vintage references, such as a 1999 Yves Saint Laurent runway look and a 2005 Victoria's Secret ensemble. Many participants source materials from thrift stores, personal closets, and online platforms like Pinterest.

The players

Becca Fierro

A Syracuse University fashion design student who recreated a 1999 Yves Saint Laurent Floral Bride runway look for her costume.

Leila Pierre-Louis

A fashion design student at the university who focused on crafting costumes inspired by the DC Comics characters Poison Ivy and Starfire.

Ella Davis

A student in the fashion program who designed a costume based on a 2005 Victoria's Secret runway look.

The details

Using tools like sewing machines and hot glue guns, students construct intricate pieces such as character-themed costumes inspired by DC Comics. They follow professional design workflows to assemble components before their October 31 deadline.

Summer 2026: Ella Davis identified the inspiration for her costume.
October 2026: Students constructed their costumes in the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.
October 31, 2026: The deadline for final costume completion.

Culture Shift

This project aligns with the broader slow fashion movement, which prioritizes sustainable construction and craftsmanship over mass-produced trends. Students are increasingly rejecting disposable holiday clothing in favor of garments that reflect individual design skills.

Residents can follow this lead to save money by sourcing materials from local thrift stores instead of buying expensive pre-made costumes. Adopting these DIY methods requires gathering supplies like glue and fabric well before the holiday deadline.

The takeaway

Creating your own costume offers a cost-effective alternative to mass-market retail options while supporting more sustainable habits. Consider using items already in your closet to build a unique look that avoids the waste common in the fast fashion industry.