In Czechia, costumes aren't just for Halloween—they're part of an enduring film legacy

Perched on the outskirts of Prague, Barrandov Studio stands as a monumental hub for European cinema, spanning an impressive 400,000 square meters. Within its boundaries lies a 160,000-square-meter backlot that includes a replica medieval village and sound stages that have hosted countless productions with Hollywood stars.

But its greatest treasure may well be its costume and prop department, one of the largest in Europe, which houses over 350,000 pieces—from historical garments to futuristic ensembles.

Barrandov's costume and prop collection doesn't just serve international film giants like Hollywood and Netflix; it’s also open to the public. Costume rentals are becoming especially popular during Halloween, when visitors come to dig through the studio's vast inventory to craft memorable outfits.

“For Halloween, we offer a wide range of women’s, men’s, and children’s costumes in various styles, from fairytale to gothic,” says Eva Žambochová, head of Barrandov Studio Fundus, the studio’s costume and prop rental division.

Although Halloween is a relatively new addition to Czech culture, its popularity is on the rise. A STEM poll indicates that Czech spending for Halloween is expected to reach between CZK 500 and 1,000 per person this year, with costumes, decorations, and themed food at the heart of the celebration. Yet, while Halloween may be new, the Czech love for pageantry and transformation stretches back centuries.

Czechs have long embraced costumed celebrations through traditional events like Masopust, a pre-Lenten carnival, and Čarodějnice, the pagan-inspired spring witch-burning festival.

This time of year, Halloween competes with deeply rooted Czech traditions such as All Souls’ Day (Dušičky), on Nov. 2, a remembrance of loved ones lost. St. Nicholas' Eve (Mikuláš) represents another busy season for Žambochová and her colleagues as municipalities, city districts, cultural centers, hospitals and the general public look to suit up as angel, devil, or saints on Dec. 5.

Czech theater and cinema has long been a guardian of costume artistry. Josef Čapek’s early 20th-century designs for his brother Karel's play R.U.R.—which introduced the word “robot” to the world—marked a milestone in both theater and visual storytelling. His futuristic designs created a visual framework for generations of sci-fi and fantasy that followed.

This tradition flourished in the mid-20th century with filmmakers like Karel Zeman, whose groundbreaking films Journey to Prehistory and The Fabulous World of Jules Verne blended live-action and animation with stunning costume and special effects work.

Zeman’s fantastical work deeply influenced directors like Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam. Burton, in particular, has often mentioned Zeman’s impact, noting how the Czech filmmaker's ability to craft magical, visual worlds inspired his own style of filmmaking.

Founded in 1931, Barrandov Studio embodies Czech cinema’s rich history. As a production hub for Netflix (Family Pack), Amazon (Carnival Row), and Hollywood (White Bird: A Wonder Story), the studio is renowned for its authenticity in costume design. Divided by historical eras, its collection includes everything from prehistoric outfits to futuristic designs—items that have brought characters to life in countless films.

“We also have many accessories to complete the outfit, such as masks, feather boas, corsets, PVC and leather elements, metal components, and lots of jewelry,” adds Žambochová. "In addition to costumes, we offer props that can add a real Halloween atmosphere.” Those include historical and film furniture, gilded mirrors, alchemist workshop equipment, and Gothic candlesticks.

For those seeking an authentic costume experience, Barrandov’s offerings are second to none. However, the price tag reflects the studio’s high-quality craftsmanship. Costume rentals range from CZK 1,200 to 1,900 per day for dresses and uniforms, and up to CZK 3,000 for complete outfits, with the added cost of a security deposit.

As Halloween approaches and costumes like Burton's Beetlejuice emerge as top choices in 2024, the connection to Czech culture is no coincidence—Halloween in Czechia may be relatively new, but it taps into a tradition of dressing up that has long been ingrained in the Czech spirit. Here, costume design is rooted in history, folklore, and storytelling, showcasing the country's enduring mastery of the art of transformation.