The Unicorn in the Bathtub — and Other Mind-Blowing Sights
Fantasy and reality meet head-on in photos of costume fans in their own homes
Mitchell Parker
November 13, 2013
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
Almost everybody has worn a costume at some point in their lives. For Halloween, a school play or just make-believe around the house. But for others, it's an every-weekend thing.
For these costume enthusiasts, there are numerous communities. Cosplay followers dress up as characters from comics, anime, video games and film; LARPers (live action role players) get together to perform fantasy scenarios dressed up as cowboys, knights or other characters; furries wear furry animal suits for fun; and so on.
But most costume fans have normal day jobs, families and homes in which they put on regular clothes to cook dinner and watch TV. Looking to capture this strange world and the people behind it, photographer Klaus Pichler took photos of costume wearers in full regalia in their most revealing of spaces: their homes.
For these costume enthusiasts, there are numerous communities. Cosplay followers dress up as characters from comics, anime, video games and film; LARPers (live action role players) get together to perform fantasy scenarios dressed up as cowboys, knights or other characters; furries wear furry animal suits for fun; and so on.
But most costume fans have normal day jobs, families and homes in which they put on regular clothes to cook dinner and watch TV. Looking to capture this strange world and the people behind it, photographer Klaus Pichler took photos of costume wearers in full regalia in their most revealing of spaces: their homes.
Klaus Pichler
Pichler spent three years taking photographs for the series, titled "Just the Two of Us." He spent most of that time "researching people or communities with interesting costumes," he says. "Quite hard work."
This homeowner created a custom Cookie Monster costume for a private Carnival celebration.
This homeowner created a custom Cookie Monster costume for a private Carnival celebration.
Klaus Pichler
Cosplay ("costume" plus "play") is a Japanese-rooted practice; its followers portray characters from Japanese comics (manga), cartoons (anime) and films. This handmade cosplayer costume depicts Jaken, a character from the InuYasha manga series by Rumiko Takahashi.
Klaus Pichler
Star Wars is perhaps one of the most-loved sources of muses for costume adopters. The 501st Legion is the official worldwide Star Wars fan club, founded in 1997 and based on George Lucas' film series. Here a young Stormtrooper sits in a living room.
Klaus Pichler
Meanwhile, Boba Fett spins a DJ set at home.
Pichler says he chose not to reveal any personal information about the people other than what's shown in their homes. "I consciously decided to depict the persons in a way that the civic identities disappear behind the mask," he says. "I tried to create a special kind of tension that's linked to the refusal of answering the crucial question, Who is the person behind the mask?"
Pichler says he chose not to reveal any personal information about the people other than what's shown in their homes. "I consciously decided to depict the persons in a way that the civic identities disappear behind the mask," he says. "I tried to create a special kind of tension that's linked to the refusal of answering the crucial question, Who is the person behind the mask?"
Klaus Pichler
This man has donned a 65-pound Spartan SPES 256 costume based on the computer game Halo. "Most of the depicted people are like you and me," Pichler says. "They live ordinary lives but have a fable for a certain kind of costume tradition."
Klaus Pichler
In the Central European Advent tradition, Krampus punishes bad children while St. Nicholas rewards good ones. Costume enthusiasts who dress up as them become active on the night of December 5.
"Since this series is about various traditions, the most interesting aspect was to research the different backgrounds, habits and behaviors of every tradition," says Pichler, who grew up in the easygoing countryside of Austria, where "the real adventures had to play in my head, which definitely shaped my imagination that I now use as a photographer," he says.
"Since this series is about various traditions, the most interesting aspect was to research the different backgrounds, habits and behaviors of every tradition," says Pichler, who grew up in the easygoing countryside of Austria, where "the real adventures had to play in my head, which definitely shaped my imagination that I now use as a photographer," he says.
Klaus Pichler
This mask of this Krampus costume weighs about 22 pounds. Some masks are made from carved wood. Often the suits are made from goat or sheep fur, and the horns come from goats or cattle.
"I have been surprised most by the normality of the homes," Pichler says. "Before starting the series, I expected that I'd get to know a bunch of nerds and geeks, but that did not happen. Same for the homes of the people. In most cases nicely styled flats or houses, of course with some artifacts of the certain tradition that they were a part of, but besides that ordinary homes."
"I have been surprised most by the normality of the homes," Pichler says. "Before starting the series, I expected that I'd get to know a bunch of nerds and geeks, but that did not happen. Same for the homes of the people. In most cases nicely styled flats or houses, of course with some artifacts of the certain tradition that they were a part of, but besides that ordinary homes."
Klaus Pichler
Another Krampus at home.
Klaus Pichler
Carnival of Venice is an annual historic carnival for which devout revelers spend much of the year crafting Venetian costumes. This angel is part of Vienna's biggest Carnival association.
"It has always been a positive surprise that the particular costume fit perfectly to either the whole flat or at least one room of the flat, be it in color or style or even both," Pichler says. "Therefore, the decision where to take the picture was quite obvious in most of the cases."
"It has always been a positive surprise that the particular costume fit perfectly to either the whole flat or at least one room of the flat, be it in color or style or even both," Pichler says. "Therefore, the decision where to take the picture was quite obvious in most of the cases."
Klaus Pichler
Once used as the mascot costume for a large consumer brand, this bear costume is now used privately.
Klaus Pichler
A furry is someone with a keen interest in the "humanoid representation of animals in pictures as well as in film and text format," Pichler says in his artist statement. "Furries often view themselves more as animals rather than people. They create an animal alter ego, and their furry existence constitutes their life philosophy."
Here a fursuiter, a subculture of furries, is dressed as a unicorn. His main costume is a tiger. "I like to work on topics that are a little strange, shady, awkward or absurd," Pichler says.
Here a fursuiter, a subculture of furries, is dressed as a unicorn. His main costume is a tiger. "I like to work on topics that are a little strange, shady, awkward or absurd," Pichler says.
Klaus Pichler
Battle of the Nations is a worldwide competition in which participants practice full-contact combat, Middle Ages–style. This Austrian team member sits in his living room.
“Every picture is equal; it’s like having children,” Pichler says. “You can’t pick a favorite, because you like each and everyone for different reasons.”
Photos in the series are for sale through the Anzenberger Agency in Vienna, Austria.
Tell us: What would your dream costume be?
Next: See all the latest Houzz features
“Every picture is equal; it’s like having children,” Pichler says. “You can’t pick a favorite, because you like each and everyone for different reasons.”
Photos in the series are for sale through the Anzenberger Agency in Vienna, Austria.
Tell us: What would your dream costume be?
Next: See all the latest Houzz features
Our philosophy at Kitchen Kraft is to make home remodeling convenient. We are your one-stop shop for kitchen... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Our goal is to create high-quality housing in emerging neighborhoods while empowering the communities that we... Read More
Related Stories
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Beer, Shuffleboard and Pizza Bring the Fun
Entertaining features and a warm industrial style create a lively atmosphere in this revamped Craftsman bungalow space
Full Story
Working With Pros
3D Room Designs Inspired by 5 Emmy-Nominated TV Shows
Step inside 3D-reimagined rooms based on ‘The Bear,’ ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘The White Lotus,’ ‘Succession’ and ‘Wednesday’
Full Story
Christmas
Houzz Cats Get Into the Holiday Spirit
By Becky Harris
Houzz readers’ feline family members love the Christmas tree, the tree skirt and even the rolls of wrapping paper
Full Story
Houzz Call
Show Us Your Summer Fun-Loving Pets!
Share a photo of your dog, cat or other pet having the best time at home or outdoors this season
Full Story
Fun Houzz
19 Stories of Unusual Remodeling Requests and Odd Situations
Pros share lighthearted — and sometimes cringey — tales of homeowners with preferences that are anything but ordinary
Full Story
Houzz TV Favorites
Houzz TV: Flickering Virtual Fireplaces to Warm Your Heart
Sit back and enjoy a crackling fire set to seasonal music and surrounded by ideas for your own dream living room
Full Story
Most Popular
Thanksgiving Tales: When the Turkey Tanks
Houzz readers prove adept at snatching victory from the jaws of entertaining defeat
Full Story
Pets
30 Dogs and Cats Who Are Living Their Best Lives This Summer
Houzz readers shared pictures of their pets staying active, enjoying the outdoors and taking advantage of the season
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
Pros Share Their Biggest Sources of Inspiration
Designers tell us what sparks their creativity and how they incorporate their inspirations into clients’ homes
Full Story
Christmas
Houzz Call: Show Us Your Cozy Holiday-Loving Pets!
Share a photo of your dog, cat or other pet getting into the holiday spirit the best way they know how
Full Story
As a longtime Furry, I was very happy to see our subculture--and its subculture of fursuiters--included! I actually made a costume for my main character, a female anthro black panther warrior. Making costumes has always been a favorite past time for me, I just wishI still had time for it....