What constitutes a 'strong' woman – and to whom – is a topic that fills thousands of col women's coats umn inches and sparks heated debates all over the world. One thing is clear: from Margaret Thatcher's power suits and big hair to Christina Aguilera saying she felt 'very empowered' by her part in Burlesque and Agyness Deyn's first lead film role as a 'strong-minded' stripper (in Pusher, due out later this year), clothes, costumes and dressing up have long been accredited with creating – or undermining – the association of strength, independence and power with women's sex appeal.
That women of all ages use costumes to channel a strong, sexy image is nothing new to Escapade fancy dress, the London-based costumier. In the lead up to Valentine's Day, sales of sexy fancy dress costumes rocket, with costumes featuring an element of power, strength or role reversal among the most popular. These include cops and sailors from the 'occupations' range and Batgirl, Wonder Woman and Catwoman from the 'superhero' range.
Bhupendra Maisuria, Escapade's Director, said: "During late January and early February we have seen a steady surge in the searches and purchases of sexy fancy dress costumes. In 2011, 60% of our online business during this period revolved around the sale of sexy costumes and in 2012 we expect sales of these costumes and accessories to continue to rise. We attribute this partly to the economy, as more people eschew overpriced dinner dates to stay in and create their own evening, but it's also a sign that many people love a bit of escapism and, most of all, to have fun!"
Overall, fun is key feature of relationships for women. The results of Cosmo's latest sex survey show that 40% of respondents rate 'makes me laugh' as the most important thing in a man and 45% admitting to dressing up or role play in the bedroom.
When it comes to men's desirable qualities, strength and power also features highly. In 2011, askmen.com's Great Male Survey found that 31% of respondents would most like to be Batman, with Superman coming in a close second (29%). Women, however, are content for their heroes to be of a more worldly fashion, with a whopping 75% (according to Glamour magazine) fantasising about their men dressed as firemen. Luckily, Escapade can help on both counts – visit http://www.escapade.co.uk to become a fireman (or woman), superhero (or heroine) or one of hundreds of other alter egos this Valentine's Day!
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