Leather Masks by Liz Blaz

by Emma Boyce

Cree McCree's annual Halloween Costume Boo-tique rises from the dead and heads back to the streets for its 17th year this weekend, providing New Orleans with original costume clothes. Locals and tourists alike know that when New Orleans gets in costume they don’t just don your generic black witches hat. The myriad of vendors lining up at the corner of North Peters and Barracks this Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm for the Costume Boo-tique will offer plenty of options.

“It’s going to be a lot of one of a kind pieces,” says event organizer Cree McCree.  “We have mask-makers, costumers and hatters.”

McCree’s own Cree-ations line includes skeleton hand bras, bat boustiers, Halloween-themed hats, and more. This year, McCree is just one of twenty vendors, a huge leap from the 12 vendors featured in previous years at Blue Nile, making the move to the French Market a much easier decision.   

“When French Market asked us we thought that was interesting.  We have a lot more space there. I feel very positive about it,” says McCree. 

After what McCree calls the Blue Nile bust  during Carnival 2011, vendors lacking permits were forced to remain inside (and almost forced to cease sales altogether), restricting their space to the confines of the building.

At the very mention of the bust McCree praises Blue Nile Manager Jesse Paige and the Threadhead Cultural Foundation as her knight in shinning armor for saving her seasonal costume bazaars. Threadhead acted as the nonprofit sponsor in order to bypass the $1,000 plus fees from bogus charges.  

“The Blue Nile was a fully licensed business who invited us there,” says McCree.  

Although the Boo-tique could continue after obtaining a non-profit sponsor there was no chance for sidewalk sales and acquiring permits proved to be a long and arduous process for McCree.  Now, under the auspices of the French Market, vendors can breathe easy without the fear of being shut down.  Despite a change in location McCree expects the return of previous customers, as well as many new ones.  

“We thought it would be interesting to get more exposure to tourists,” says McCree.  

McCree lauds the Boo-tique as the best selection of hand crafted costumes with a reasonable price tag.  

“There will be things for men, women, kids and even for dogs.  There’s going to be something for everyone.”  

Other vendors include Oliver Manhattan, event founder Tracy Thomson/ Kabuki Hats, Mo Lappin/ Howlpop, Jonathan Woods/ Calamity and many others.  Changing rooms with mirrors will also be available.    

“I know the weather will be gorgeous,” says McCree.   

Continue the Halloween spirit at the Boo Carre Halloween and Harvest Festival Sunday in the Dutch Alley and the Farmer’s Market from 10 am to 4 pm.  Children can enjoy trick or treat bags and animals at the petting zoo, while adults jam out to live music and more.