Coffin Couture – Freddy Krueger: Fiendish Fashion Icon

Freddy Krueger “Bloody Glove” dress.

When I started researching my latest Coffin Couture column for DTB, I was surprised by how much of an impact crusty old Freddy Krueger has made in the world of fashion. From dresses, like the one above with a giant print of Freddy’s signature glove (from Portland, Oregon shop, Head Hunter Apparel ($44.99), to nail art, high-end catwalk couture, Kurt Cobain, and even 11 year old Hollywood offspring, Willow Smith, Freddy is, well, everywhere. So choke back some No-Doze, chase it with a Jolt Cola and come along with me as we explore how Freddy Krueger’s “look” has quietly infiltrated the fashion world.

Here’s a shot from the Dolce and Gabana Spring/Summer Men’s show back in 2011. As you can see, there were a few different takes on what a high-end version of Freddy might wear. His famous Nightmare Hunting sweater has officially gone Park Avenue.

Saint Laurent showcased distinct glimmers of Freddy during their Autumn/Winter Men’s collection for 2013/2014 in Paris, which included an appearance of a haute couture version of his famous sweater, as well as striped scarfs that accessorized the show. At Burberry Prorsum Winter 2013 show, Freddy’s famous stripes showed up on a zip-up cardigan.

This “Freddy Krueger” cross knit sweater from LA’s UNIF, retailed for a scary $98 and SOLD-OUT almost immediately when it made it’s debut in the fall of 2012. The inverted cross is a nice, evil touch, no? In all honestly, and despite it’s terrifying price-tag, it’s actually really wearable as well as being reminiscent of the original Freddy sweater.

Kurt Cobain in his iconic Freddy sweater.

Back in the 90’s, Kurt Cobain was known to don a red and black sweater, a near doppelganger for Krueger’s. Know for his anti-fashion sense as well as his music, Kurt’s sweater even got a cameo in the Gus Van Sant semi-biographical film “Last Days”. Fun fact – director Samuel Baker who shot the epic video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, also directed the Nightmare on Elm Street re-make from 2010.

And don’t get me started on Freddy inspired shoes. Theses custom one-offs (above, the original listing is now gone) are my favorites. So popular is our featured fiend that Nike put out a line of Freddy Krueger sneakers back in 2012 that inspired dozens of custom Nightmare knock-offs. There are boards on Pinterest, Polyvore, and Tumblr, dedicated to fashionable looks inspired by Freddy’s grungy serial killer style.

Custom Freddie Krueger Barbie. Yes, please.

Even fashions most fashionable doll got a Freddy make-over back in 2011 by artist Rebekah Forcier. The one-off doll of your nightmares sold for a cool $100 on Forcier’s Etsy store. And since I’m a fan of starting kids off young when it comes to things that go bump in the night, Etsy shop Have Needle Will Travel custom-knitted Freddy Krueger baby costume, is a must for anyone with offspring. And yes, it is every bit as awesome as it sounds.

After all that, I think it’s safe to say that Freddy Krueger’s nightmarish image has made a pretty solid impact in the fashion world over the last few years. And I’m into it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make some toast with Freddy’s mug on it then take a shower. Nine, ten…never sleep again!