Kenneth and Calvin
The Angels took some time off from crime-fighting this month to do a little research on Halloween. We ended up going where our sweet little boots led us and found ourselves in the workshop of two of the greatest designers this century has ever seen. I am talking about Kenneth Troll and Calvin Kappas. Sabrina Duncan, Kelly Garrett and I sat down with our favourite designers to talk shop, particularly what they were up to with their business. I can't help it if they wanted us to model a few fashions for their upcoming catalogue.
by Jill MunroeSabrina Duncan: So boys, you've been pretty busy since we've seen you last. Anything new and exciting you'd like to tell us about?
Kenneth Troll: Well, Angels, fall is in the air and winter is just around the corner. I've been busy with my line of cloaks and winter coats. I've imported some of the finest tweeds and prints for this season's fashion savvy student.
SD: What have you got in store for the holidays this year?
KT: Plenty, enough to give even you girls a run for your money, or plastic. We accept both.
Kelly Garrett: Calvin, you are our shoe god; just what have you been cooking up?
Calvin Kappas: Girls, you know I love boots, and you should see the latest to come out of the shop. We're working on comfort and style this year; we're incorporating some pretty skilful charms into our boots. We're not just keeping it to the girls, either; we've got a line of men's boots that are sure to make any man feel as though he's wearing those fuzzy bunny slippers that he loves so much.
Jill Munroe: And we know all about that, we found ourselves helping Bosley out of a little slipper fix last month. Poor guy had lost those pink scuffers and was almost hysterical. By the way, thanks for helping us out of that little mess. I had no idea that Parker would take to slippers in that way.
KG: And with such vigour, I haven't seen him that excited about something since I brought those little red pumps home.
SD: So, we're hearing lots of buzz this year about costume parties. Relatively speaking, dressing up for Halloween is a fairly new idea in the wizarding world, isn't it?
CK: Yes, it really is, but it's something that Ken and I have completely embraced. We've even done a little undercover investigative reporting on the subject.
KT: If you mean that Muggle party we crashed last year, we weren't undercover, but the Muggles seemed quite taken with our 'costumes.' The whole idea of dressing up for Halloween is just exciting for us, though. We pretty much have the wizarding fashion scene under control. We're suppliers to over half of the fashion conscious world, and we're looking to expand our catalogue business internationally. But costumes are something completely different; they bring a whole new challenge to the table. One that we were all too eager to take.
JM: Now Muggles have been dressing up for years, right? So what was it that brought that tradition into the wizarding world?
CK: To be honest, I'm not sure; we've been catering to the Halloween crowd for at least 10 years. Our first customers were a bunch of wild Hufflepuffs, much like yourselves, who were interested in throwing a Halloween party up at the school. They didn't say much, but we got the impression that it was probably against at least a dozen school rules. They were probably breaking curfew…
KT: …and lurking where they shouldn't…
CK: …but we're not ones to judge; we just took their money and gave them some of the finest costumes that school has ever seen.
KG: They sound like our kind of Huffs.
KT: They probably were, but again, we're not here to judge.
JM: What have been the most popular costumes over the years?
KT: Well the Muggle garb has always been popular. Wizards seem to love to dress up as Muggles; our basic costume comes with a cellie phone and can be customized to suit any number of Muggle professions. We have doctor costumes, those are quite popular with the kids who want to be scary, and there are also actress costumes, they come with lots of sparkle and a small dog, we also include a small dog with our diva costume.
KG: I just love Muggles, those clothes they wear, but I will admit some of them do have taste for shoes.
CK: Couldn't agree more with you. The Banshee and werewolf costumes are always a hit as well. People just love dressing up for Halloween parties. In fact, we were wondering what you girls wanted to dress up as.
SD: We haven't thought about it, anything totally original?
KT: I think we've got a few ideas for the Angels, our favourite crime fighting customers.
KG: There are more than us? [smiles]
CK: None who love us as much.
KT: Or pay us as well. Speaking of we can't let you out of here without a few of our best things.
What can I say, aren't they wonderful? We left several hours later and with considerably more luggage than we came in with. We did ask about their costuming availability for Halloween, and they've still got a few slots open for their last minute orders and may still even have a few rentals available. If you're interested, they ask that you direct your owl to their London office, as they're working on their international business until the holidays.
As for the Angels, we're giving FumblyMum's and LivProf's preciouses a rest and going back to fighting crime, until next month anyway.