Top 5 Fantasy Movies for Costume Inspiration at The Goblin Ball

At The Goblin Ball we love watching fantasy movies and although we have many favorites, we thought we would share our top 5. We know we have left out heaps of movies that you may have drawn inspiration from so please feel free to add your favorited in the comments below.

5. Queen of the Damned (2002)

This may seem like a long shot but the late Aaliyah dazzled as Akasha showing that beauty can be brutal. We put The Queen of the Damned at number 5 on our list for a few reasons. Firstly Ember Rule, the fantasy world where The Goblin Ball is set this year takes its costume and styling from Egyptian Revival. Our costumer Jodie Welch spent countless nights in front of Art Deco and Egyptian books looking to create that special blend of Goblin Mythology and an ancient flavor to give the evening it’s otherworldly feel. Also our acolytes who serve as the event slaves have been clothed in haramesque style garb. Should you think that these creatures are a little brainwashed and subservient you could almost be forgiven for thinking the Fire Goddess has cast some mind spell to keep them all in check.

4. The Princess Bride (1987)

For its softer, more fairytale inspiration The Princess Bride comes in at number four. The Princess Bride is classic. There are amazing gowns paraded by the women and the mediaeval sharpness of the men mean there is something for everyone. The Princess Bride is a movie that although with a little time, recreating or gathering inspiration from this movie is achievable with not too much of a headache. For men, Westley’s costume is very simple but effective and with the right amount of charm anyone could pull off the style. Buttercups “nightmare scene” gown could also be achieved with a repurposed wedding gown and a bit of elbow grease. This movie is classic all the way.

3. LEGEND (1986)

This movie would require a LOT of planning and a bit of gold to be able to produce the elaborate costumes from Legend. To recreate The Lord of Darkness much effort would have to go in to prosthetics and hiring a team of makeup artists to create Tim Curry’s iconic look. Princess Lilly wears an AMAZING ensemble in her dark phase of the movie and this is a look that would both strike awe and terror in fellow guests. Dark Lilly is definitely one of the most iconic looks from the movie Legend.

2. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Okay so this isn’t so much an old classic but more of a NEW classic. Last year for The Goblin Ball: The Ice Kingdom, the production crew watched The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe countless times to gather inspiration for our creatures and were mesmerized by the costumes. Jadis' costume changes with the seasons till she herself becomes the lioness and the other creatures are SO amazing that even the supporting cast deserve a hit of the rewind and pause button when spotted.

1. Labyrinth (1986)

CLASSIC. There was no doubt that Labyrinth would top the list. The reasons Labyrinth is our number one are so numerous that we have to cut back or you would be reading an extended essay. The costume designer for Labyrinth had Brian Frouds immersive mythology to work from. Froud created not only a cast of amazing characters but also the in depth Labyrinth universe. If you are looking for inspiration, we suggest getting yourself a bottle of red, a note pad and a number two pencil to sketch the numerous gowns, masks and venetian costumes. In Labyrinth the look is flowing, an overuse of material to create movement and an abuse of costume jewelry are also the main focus. Just as Sarah had no idea where to look when she entered be ball, guests of The Goblin Ball would have no idea where to look when you step in front of them.

So add your inspiration. What movies or books have helped create your character? And don't forget Tickets are Pre-book only!


We can't wait to see you on the night!