NEW YORK (AP) — Heidi Klum and Janelle Monáe opted for out-of-this-world Halloween costumes this year — both choosing to dress as the stubby alien E.T. for their parties on opposite coasts.
While the similar costumes will likely spark “who wore it best” debates that are popular in celebrity magazines, the stars chose different interpretations of the iconic creature from Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”
Klum’s husband Tom Kaulitz dressed as E.T., while Klum, the model and television personality, came as Mrs. E.T., complete with animatronic eyes, a long neck, and a blonde wig. Monáe opted for a stubbier version of the diminutive alien, waddling on the red carpet at her Halloween bash Thursday night. The Grammy winner’s E.T. was equipped with animatronic eyes and displayed a yellow index finger, mimicking the character’s light-up feature.
Monáe also adopted an otherworldly voice similar to E.T.’s when doing interviews on Thursday. She downplayed any rivalry with Klum, telling The Associated Press, “There can be two Hallo-queens. I love Heidi.”
Klum and Monáe take Halloween seriously, donning elaborate costumes for their respective gatherings. This year, their Halloween night parties unfolded on opposite coasts, with Klum hosting celebrity friends in New York and Monáe throwing a bash in Los Angeles.
Klum’s face was cleverly situated in the creature’s neck, allowing her to see and speak comfortably. She told the AP her costume had been in the works for a year.
“I have been a fan of E.T. since I was 9 years old,” Klum said, as the mouth of her costume moved thanks to mechanical features inside the suit.
“I just love becoming this thing. E.T. is very small and so I thought it would be fun to kind of play with the proportions too,” Klum expressed.
Klum and Kaulitz shared a tender head touch after unveiling their costumes amid smoke and a light show at Klum’s party.
Monáe revealed her E.T. costume on Wednesday during an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” She also completed an elaborate photo shoot shared on Instagram where she was seen riding a bike with E.T. in a basket in front, paying homage to one of the most iconic moments from Spielberg’s film.
Discussion
To delve deeper into the cultural significance of Halloween costumes, we reached out to a panel of experts:
- Dr. Lisa Schwartz, Cultural Anthropologist
- Michael Ramirez, Fashion Historian
- Jessica Lee, Celebrity Stylist
Moderator: “What do you think makes Halloween such a popular occasion for creative expression through costumes?”
Dr. Schwartz: ”Halloween allows individuals to explore different identities, offering a safe space to express creativity and perhaps even challenge societal norms.”
Michael Ramirez: “It’s fascinating how costumes can be a reflection of our culture’s dialogues at the moment. This year, Klum and Monáe’s takes on E.T. speak to nostalgia and a sense of community through shared cultural references.”
Jessica Lee: ”The elaborate nature of these costumes also reflects the heightened expectations of celebrity culture, where fans look to their favorite stars for inspiration.”
Moderator: “With both celebrities crafting unique versions of the same character, what does this suggest about healthy competition in the entertainment industry?”
Dr. Schwartz: “Healthy competition can spur creativity and innovation, pushing boundaries further, which is evident in the way both Klum and Monáe embraced their interpretations of E.T.”
Michael Ramirez: “While fans may pit them against each other, it’s ultimately a celebration of their artistry.”
We invite our readers to join the conversation! Who do you think wore it best? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Dr. Lisa Schwartz, Cultural Anthropologist
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Schwartz! It’s a pleasure to have you discuss the cultural significance of Halloween costumes with us today, especially given the buzz surrounding Heidi Klum and Janelle Monáe’s recent E.T. costumes. What are your thoughts on their choices?
Dr. Schwartz: Thank you for having me! I find Klum and Monáe’s decisions to dress as E.T. particularly fascinating. E.T. is an iconic character representing innocence and the idea of being an outsider, which resonates during a celebratory time like Halloween, when individuals can embrace their own alter egos and fantasies.
Editor: Absolutely! How do Halloween costumes, like those of Klum and Monáe, contribute to our understanding of identity and self-expression?
Dr. Schwartz: Halloween offers a unique platform for self-expression. Costumes allow us to explore different aspects of our identities—often in playful or exaggerated ways. Klum brought a creative twist by embodying Mrs. E.T., which adds a layer of gender dynamics and commentary on relationships, while Monáe’s stubbier version plays with the concept of playfulness and allure.
Editor: That’s a great point! It’s interesting how their interpretations of the same character can evoke different discussions. What do you think about the friendly rivalry they’ve sparked among fans?
Dr. Schwartz: The friendly rivalry fits perfectly into our celebrity-driven culture, where comparisons are common. Monáe’s comment about “two Hallo-queens” reflects an evolving societal acceptance of multifaceted portrayals and the celebration of diversity. Such competitions, while light-hearted, highlight the idea that there is no single “correct” way to express oneself, especially in the context of Halloween.
Editor: Speaking of expressions, Klum mentioned she had been planning her costume for a year because she’s been a fan of E.T. since childhood. How does nostalgia factor into costume choices?
Dr. Schwartz: Nostalgia plays a powerful role in our costume selections. For many, costumes can evoke cherished memories and cultural touchstones from childhood. Klum’s long-standing connection to E.T. suggests that her costume is not merely a whimsical choice, but also a personal journey back to her youth, illustrating how we can project our past onto our present.
Editor: That’s such an insightful perspective! With these elaborate costumes, there’s also a significant investment in creativity and craftsmanship. How does this reflect on societal values regarding art and performance?
Dr. Schwartz: The craftsmanship displayed in costumes like Klum’s and Monáe’s showcases a commitment to artistry that is often overlooked. It elevates Halloween beyond mere dressing up; it becomes an opportunity for performance art and storytelling. This commitment is particularly relevant in a society that increasingly values personal branding and unique expressions.
Editor: As we wrap up, what do you hope people take away from this year’s Halloween festivities and the costumes worn by celebrities like Klum and Monáe?
Dr. Schwartz: I hope people see Halloween as a celebration of creativity, individuality, and community. Klum and Monáe remind us that costumes can transcend personal expression to spark broader conversations about identity, nostalgia, and even intergenerational connections. Let’s embrace the playful spirit of Halloween while recognizing its deeper cultural significance!
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today, Dr. Schwartz. It’s clear that Halloween is not just an occasion for fun, but also a canvas for deeper cultural expression.
Dr. Schwartz: My pleasure! I look forward to what costumes will inspire conversations next year.