No cultural phenomenon is safe from being turned into a “sexy Halloween costume,” but feminists had apparently hoped that “The Handmaid’s Tale” — the dystopian novel-turned-metaphor for a future Mike Pence administration — might be serious and relevant enough to escape adaptation.
They were wrong, thank heavens.
Yandy.com, which markets a number of outrageous “sexy” Halloween costumes, has introduced the “Brave Red Maiden Costume,” a take on the Handmaid’s cloak, now a staple of both subscription television and feminist protest culture, with a slit up the side of the cloak that goes clear up to the model’s armpit.
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Now, obviously because of licensing restrictions, Yandy.com can’t call this a “sexy Handmaid” costume, but they do imply you can do some very serious protesting in their bright red mini-skirt getup (though you’ll have to supply your own fishnet pantyhose).
“An upsetting dystopian future has emerged where women no longer have a say. However, we say be bold and speak your mind in this exclusive Brave Red Maiden costume featuring a red mini dress, a matching cloak with an attached hood, and a white bonnet headpiece.”
You have to admit, it does look more enticing than the original model.
Feminists are, predictably, unhappy about the development, calling the costume “hyper-sexualized” and warning women to “think twice” before shelling out $65 for the outfit. Women’s website Bustle.com suggests that if you must go as a Handmaid, go as the standard protesting kind, otherwise you might risk being “counterproductive to the cause.”