Top Gun Anniversary Triggers Rush for Fancy Dress Suppliers

HALIFAX, England, July 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Fancy dress revellers in the UK are commemorating 25 years since the iconic Hollywood blockbuster Top Gun came out by paying homage to Tom Cruise's character 'Maverick' at parties and special occasions, as well as a series of other cult icons from yesteryear that are also reaching significant milestones in 2011.

Fancy Dress Ball, a leading online supplier of fancy dress outfits and accessories, are reporting a notable increase in the amount of the people desperate to don outfits similar to the ones worn by Cruise in the 1986 action film. Demand for 70s fancy dress and 80s fancy dressin generalis on the up as a resultof the likes of the Village People and Boy George also celebrating particular anniversaries or birthdays this year.

Paul Howcroft, from Fancy Dress Ball, explained: "The anniversaries of important cultural events from the 1970s and 1980s and key birthdays for the big names of that era are coming thick and fast this year.

"The one that really stands out, of course, is the 25^th anniversary of Top Gun becoming a runaway success at the cinema. The UK public certainly haven't lost that lovin' feeling for the film over the years. In fact, it remains as popular as ever a quarter of a century after it came out and dressing like 'Maverick' is a keen favourite with partygoers.

"Tom Cruise's character must be one of the most iconic in 1980s cinema, which explains why so many people enjoy wearing that famous jumpsuit, Aviator sunglasses and dog tags in the hope of winning over the heart of their very own 'Charlie'. But this isn't the only event this year to catch the imagination of fancy dress fans of all ages.  

"It's 35 years since ABBA's smash-hit 'Dancing Queen' first hit the airwaves and just over that timeframe since the release of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

"Village People shot to fame with 'Y.M.C.A', which is one of the most recognizable songs of all time, some 33 years ago and it'll be 30 years in September since 'Prince Charming' by Adam and the Ants went to number one in the charts. 'Ridicule is nothing to be scared of' to quote a line from Adam himself in that catchy ditty and three decades on plenty of brave souls enjoy looking like the style icon.

"The list of 70s and 80s legends to celebrate a special birthday this year includes Boy George, who was 50 in June, and Sonic the Hedgehog, who is still going strong after 20 years. Speaking of Boy George, it's hard to believe it's 25 years since Culture Club split up.

"The late, great Freddie Mercury would also have turned 65 in September and all these legendary figures and many more from the 70s and 80s are much-loved celebrities that people love dressing up as."