MY ROBE

As I began Krampus, I had a tough time evaluating “my look” and what I wanted it to be. While I appreciate the historical tradition of Krampus, and love the idea of integrating its more “pure form,” I also recognize that it’s a new phenomenon in the United States.

My red robe was born more out of necessity than strategy. The retention of the robe has more to do with branding and marketing, at this point. When I put together my first costume, I didn’t have a full fur suit (more on my suit journey in another post). I needed something to complete the look. Consequently, I added the red robe.

I’ve received a lot of questions about it, and where people might be able to buy one. I purchased a wizard’s robe costume from Amazon. I liked the length, drape, and sleeves of the robe, as well as the velvet texture of the fabric. Once I received it though, it still felt incomplete and “too new.”

I wanted to upgrade the robe with fur, to give it that more seasonal look, befitting U.S. Yuletide traditions. I initially purchased some faux fur online, but when it arrived, it didn’t have the fullness that I was seeking.

I found an alternative at the grocery store, in some decorative pillows with long faux fur. I bought a bunch of them, cut them up and tore them apart. I then hand stitched (I don’t know how to use a sewing machine) the fur to the edges of the robe opening, wrists, and hood. I then took a wire brush and sand paper to the robe to rough it up. I used acrylic paint and shoe polish to tarnish the robe and give it a more weathered look.

I appreciate that the red robe isn’t classical Krampus. I’ve contemplated eliminating it from my costume. Nevertheless, I’ve found that its relatability has helped folks to recognize the holiday reference and that it has something to do with the season, even if they don’t know Krampus. After a few successful appearances, I’ve resigned myself, for now, to the red robe being part of my Krampus “brand,” and will probably carry it forward for a while.