→ This article from the archives is part of a series celebrating the Voice‘s Platinum Anniversary — 70 years! — on October 26, 2025. ←
As was reported in the Style section of the November 1, 1994, issue of the Voice, “The greatest city in the world has decided that October 31 is an adult holiday.” Indeed, for those who wanted to cut to the chase, the Dressing for Pleasure ad on page 42 exhorted, “Bring fetish to your fingertips!” Also in the article, the folks at Abracadabra costumers mention that Flintstones characters were a big seller that year, including Dino — “Well, he’s just a mask, really.”
The Allan Rental Service countered that, in its shop, historical figures were popular: Napoleon, Marie Antoinette, Lawrence of Arabia. When asked if contemporary politicians made the cut, the proprietor replied, “Oh, people hate politicians. For them you need a full overhead mask, and it’s really hot and uncomfortable.” (Imagine what it would be like now, with that yellow cotton candy swirl on your noggin.)
That year’s Halloween issue’s cover model was Voice senior associate editor Julia Kent, who once wore a white blouse to the office in place of her usual, very unbasic black ensembles — much to the bewildered consternation of the rest of the staff. Even at the Voice, some traditions die hard. (Kent has since gone on to greater things.) As this examination of the Goth aesthetic noted, “Color coordination is never a problem.” ❖
