To Nighttime Creations and Barry Carr,
Being a lifelong Kiss fan I have always marveled at the true spectacle that is KISS. The music, the show and the overall presentation has always brought a smile to my face. As most people if you are a fan of Kiss you have purchased multiple items of memorabilia over the years but there was one thing I always wanted. To have one of an actual costume to wear and display. Since Kiss costumes are so elaborate you just don’t go down to the local Halloween store and pick out the latest Kiss costume. If there are versions of Kiss costumes available they are one size fits most and are not made from high quality materials that can be worn over and over.
Over the past few years my wife and I have gotten into Cosplay and attend many comic cons per year around the country. We have a blast getting dressed up as our favorite superheroes. We seek out the best vendors and artist to help make our costumes. Since I am a larger person at 6’2” and 240 lbs. I cannot just walk into a costume shop and find something to fit me that looks good. All my costumes are custom made. Being a huge Kiss fan I wanted to dress up as Gene Simmons for the cons. If I was going to dress up as Gene I wanted to do it right and look just like the “God of Thunder” himself.
I have known about various Kiss costume makers over the years and kept track of them but never really took the plunge. I wanted to get a Gene Monster outfit since this was the most recent costume Gene was wearing. A new group called Kiss Replicas was just coming online and promised to have Monster outfits out approximately two years ago. I kept waiting and waiting on the release of the Gene Monster costume from them. Since they were official Kiss costume makers I was hoping that they were the high quality costume makers that I need. Well unfortunately they never came through with their Monster line up of costumes. The only one ever offered was a Love Gun costume that you had to order almost a year in advance and make full payment for something that was not coming for at least six months. I did not feel comfortable giving a full payment for something that did not have a specific time to be created and delivered. Also the site was only offering sizes in generic Small through Large. Since I am a little larger than a size large I was out of luck anyway.
I kept searching on the internet for other costume makers and one name that kept coming up as the best was Barry Carr and Nighttime Creations. I had known about Barry for years but had never seriously contacted him about making me an actual costume. I had seen photos of his work and was always very impressed. This is what sold me on Barry. Even though other Kiss costume makers constantly put out misinformation about Barry and his costumes he continued to put out high quality costumes year after year. I guess when you are the best you always have someone trying to knock you off the mountain. After all the research I did about Kiss costumes and who could deliver a high quality costume I decided to go with Barry Car and Nighttime Creations. I placed my order for the Gene Monster stage costume the day after I went to the Youngstown, Ohio Kiss show August of 2016. A few days later my wife decided she wanted to do a Tommy Thayer Monster costume also. We put an order in for her costume about two weeks later. We were a little apprehensive investing a lot of money into these costumes but we were hoping that Barry would hit a home run for us with what he produced.
Over the course of the next few weeks Barry was in constant contact with us and we could also contact Barry at any time if we had any questions. He sent us production photos all along his process of making the outfits from the boots to the armor we knew exactly where our outfits were in production. Our outfits were delivered in approximately 9 weeks after ordering for two completely custom fitting Kiss Monster outfits.
The costumes arrived well packaged and wrapped. From the moment I unwrapped each Item I knew I had definitely made the right choice to go with Nighttime Creations. The attention to detail in every aspect of the costumes was amazing. Using all the same materials that the band uses to create their costumes was evident. Real leather boots and molded plastic make the outfits pop. If you did not know it you would be hard pressed to say these were made for Kiss themselves. The boots are extremely well made and you feel secure walking in them. Believe me walking in 7 inch platforms is not an easy task and having well-made custom fitted boots are the way to go. I have worn Halloween store versions that the platform actually snapped off while I was walking in them. These felt secure which is needed when you are 7 inches above the ground. My wife and I wore these costumes two weeks later at a local con and were the hit of the con. All people could say was “Wow” its Kiss.
We have since worn the Monster Costumes at multiple cons across the country and have always gotten high praise and recognition for wearing these costumes. Everyone wants a photo with us when we are walking around. Gene himself even took a photo of us in Knoxville when we got a photo with him. Since we had such great success with these costumes we decided to go with a second round with Nighttime Creations. We wanted to get the iconic 1982 Creatures of the Night Gene and Ace costumes made. Having seen Gene stand in front of 250,000 people pounding his fist in the air with this costume on has always amazed me. I wanted to be able to wear that costume and feel like the true “War Machine.”
Since the Ace costume was pretty much the same throughout the entire time he wore it there was not much planning when getting this made. The Gene outfit; however, had multiple versions during the tour. I closely worked with Barry on the overall look of the outfit and what parts and version I wanted to incorporate into the final design. One unique thing Barry has is the actual original molds from Gene’s costumes. So what you are getting is basically what you see Gene wearing in the videos form 1982. The Ace costume came fairly quickly and looked spot on to Ace’s costume from 1982. The signature lower high top boots looked great. Again my wife was very happy with the quality of the costume. Gene’s costume did take some time to create but I think we got the best of all versions of the costume and put them in to one. From the chain male to the chains across the chest to even Gene’s skull necklace Nighttime Creations did not disappoint. Once I put the final costume on it just came together. When you get a really good costume on and it fits you right form the boots to the armor and it is all custom it just brings a smile to your face.
From start to finish Barry Carr and Nighttime Creations is the way to go when having some of the most iconic stage outfits in history recreated. Barry will work with you on every aspect whether you are male of female to ensure your outfit is made to your specifications. He will also incorporate your ideas into the design process so you get what you want. Barry also works with the original people who designed the costumes to find out how they were originally made so you get the most accurate costume possible. I can’t say enough about the high quality of work Barry and his team puts out. I can honestly say this “You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! Nighttime Creations lives up to the hype!!!
Marc and Marcy Meeker
Memphis, TN
To who this may concern,
My name is Marc Macaulay. I have bee an actor & stuntman working in the film and television industry for over 30 years. I have appeared in over 80 studio films and 55 television shows as an actor or stuntman. Not as a background extra or stand in, but as a S.A.G. performer. Please reference me on IMDB.COM During this time I have had to wear a lot of different wardrobe and EFX crafted costumes. These were created by some of the most talented and in demand effects houses in the United States. They had to be designed for multiple days of filming and to withstand the rigors of performance abuse. I've seen what it takes to craft and design outfits, body armor and reinforced pieces that are comfortable and able to last for multiple takes.
I met Barry Carr several years ago via the Internet. He was a dedicated fan and replica costume maker of one of my favorite bands, Kiss. After talking with Barry and asking about materials, stitching, paint and assembly I decided to part with my hard earned money and sent some of my body measurements to Barry, not really expecting everything that was being promised......just my skepticism. I might ad, this was all done on a crunch time basis for Halloween. Within a month I had what I consider an outstanding replica of a Demon, Destroyer costume. Complete with the real leather boot scales that I requested. Full body armor in Kydex and nylon and riveted attachments. Amazing quality and paint, right down to the dragon eyes on my boot shells. I was blown away that Barry could accomplish exactly what he said he could. Only one problem was that my biceps were a tight fit in the upper arm shells. I called Barry immediately with Halloween only a week away. I told him I could get by with them for a while but would like to get them enlarged in the future. Barry asked me to send back the arms priority mail and I would have them back with a day to spare. And they were......back on Oct. 30th with an added inch on each side. Amazing and incredible service on top of a quality costume that I still wear and looks to be exactly like the day I received it years ago. I have no regrets or concerns with the order I placed with Barry and consider his costume to be one of the best investments I have ever made.
Marc Macaulay
Hollywood, FL 33019
In case you were wondering what it's like going to the dark side and buying from our competition, we have a customer who wanted to share his experience. (hint: It was NOT GOOD.)
"Ever since I became a kiss fan I've been interested in owning replica costumes, mainly Gene Simmons costumes and I've researched people and company's that claim to deliver the real deal.
I tried my luck with the new "up and coming" company called Kiss Replicas/ Ud Replicas and was excited to get my hands on the Love Gun costume, but since they were a new company, I thought I'd buy just the boots and see what the quality was really like before I invested more money.
The whole transaction was a nightmare. I preordered the boots last October and after the payment plan was completed, I inquired when they were going to be shipped. After several emails, I still was waiting and waiting. I didn't receive them until May. 7 months for a pair of boots? Are you kidding?
And if that wasn't bad enough. The quality was sub par. They used a cheap plastic zipper that was harder than hell to zip. I wore the ONCE and the leather of the boot actually broke off the platform and now they are unwearable as you can see from the pictures.
I couldn't believe I spent so much time and money into something that lasted one day. Disappointed I kept searching for other costume designers and the same name kept popping up. Barry Carr. No one else out there makes the Gene Simmons armored costumes and I was simply blown away by the quality and detail of the work he has done.
I emailed him in regards to prices, different costumes, etc.. I received a phone call the very next day and he went through each step with me and assured me that I was getting what I was paying for and I wasn't going to have the same result as I had with Kiss Replicas.
If anyone has any doubt about where to get an authentic and usable costume, do yourself a favor and stay away from Kiss Replicas."
Shannon
Hey there fellow KISS fanatics! So, for years Ive been debating about getting a custom Gene Destroyer armor/Demon Boots made; I’m more of a Paul guy so I always held off. Well, I FINALLY pulled the trigger with Barry Carr at Nighttime Creations, and boy am I glad I did.
Barry Carr KILLED IT! I cant tell you how cool and detailed the armor is in person. There is so much attention paid to the little things:
All the stud work on the leather is impeccable and perfectly symmetrical (Im totally obsessive compulsive…if one of the studs was off kilter just by a little bit, it would drive me crazy)
the armor joints all articulate perfectly with no pinching or restriction of movement; I always wondered how playing in this outfit would be, but its more than do-able…there are NO limited movements
the bodysuit fits perfectly (even though Im a moron and put it on backwards…I was too excited), etc.
the fatigued paint work and simulated welds are awesome
Now, for the coup de grâce, THE BOOTS! The Demon boots are one of the most iconic parts of the outfit, so they're absolutely critical to pulling everything together…the details just have to be spot on. Barry didn't disappoint; they are absolutely stunning…and the leather smells great too! They fit me absolutely perfect, which was the most nerve-racking part of buying the custom pieces. I was really worried that my foot would slip around, the boots wouldn't go high enough, etc.
All of my concerns were unfounded:
my foot fits in the boot with no slipping…dare I say the boot “fits like a glove?”
The boots are rock solid, all the way from the shells to the zippers on the side. I was worried that these would be a fragile showpiece but its the exact opposite…these things will take a beating.
The leather quality is top notch on the scales, and the boot itself.
The height of the boot, and the way it conforms to my leg are right on. You’re required to take a TON of measurements when you're placing you're order (I went to a tailor to make sure I got them right), but they're essential to the proper fit. As much as it pains me to do so, Ill admit Im scrawny and have skinny legs. I was worried that the boots would look “puffy” and bulky going up the leg, but they are snug and look proportional to the outfit and my imposing physique.
The shells are SO cool! The paint job, the jewels in the eyes…they are just amazing.
I could go on, but the notes aren't appreciated until you really check it out in person; every component of the outfit is just perfect.
I cant say enough about the experience either; Barry Carr was a star. There was CONSTANT communication to ensure that I understood timelines, cost, expectations of costume details, etc. He left no stone unturned and you can tell this wasn't his first rodeo. He knew all the right questions to ask, all the measurements to make, etc. He's also been helping me find a legit wig and mannequins to display my outfits!
Everything exceeded expectations, from the product itself, to the way Barry handled things and cared about me as a client. Like I said earlier, this is a nerve-racking order to place due to the money, it’s totally custom, and the fact that as fans, we have an emotional connection with the band, and just want to represent properly. Ive waited a long time for this, but Im glad I did, since it allowed me to find Nighttime Creations and Barry Carr.
Thanks to all at Nighttime Creations for the awesome work.
Many KISS fans have their own KISS Room. So as we began to design and layout our KISS Room, I wanted something unique, original and to use in a display. I called Barry Carr and we came up with a plan.
I ordered Gene's Monster Armor and had my framing company use my design creation to make a show case display for my guitars.
Then on KISS KRUISE V, during a Meet & Greet in Gene's Suite; I showed him my creation - this was his response - speechless!
He was impressed - which as a fan, meant the world! He didn't have to ask who made the armor - he KNEW!
I want him to KNOW and SEE that our basses are a treasure to us and an honor to have in our home. I believe that by his reaction, it was achieved!
Thank You to Gene Simmons and Paul Hayeland for an opportunity to own the basses, Barry Carr for the armor and Antiquities International for the framing of this masterpiece!
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Many of us KISS fans love to dress up and put on the makeup. We go out and get a costume (many turn to the Halloween Store). Then the time comes to put on the costume... and... well it doesn't fit.. it looks cheap.... it tears... and one tends to get upset.
Well, look no longer! Barry Carr and Nighttime Creations can make your costume! Any Band member.... any era!