Q&A Extra: Interview with Howl-O-Scream's Ms. Vayne
The icon of Howl-O-Scream 10 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the mysterious Ms. Vayne. While she tends to be somewhat private, especially during daytime hours, we had a chance to interview her for our Fall 2009 issue. Not all of the questions and answers could fit into the issue, so here are the remaining:
Is Vayne your real last name?
I have been called by many names over the years.
What kinds of surprises do you have in store for guests attending this year’s event?
I am told that the creative team will be honouring me with a haunted house based on my alma mater and the sorority I founded, Delta Epsilon Delta. The house has a proud history, and the sisters are strong young women. I’m looking forward to sharing the DED legacy with Howl-O-Scream guests.
What is your favorite fashion accessory?
I have a ring that was a gift to me many years ago. I am never without it.
What current fashion trend do you love?
I love that stiletto heels have come back into favor. A killer shoe really completes the perfect outfit.
What current fashion trend do you hate?
Scarves.
What is your favorite theme park ride?
I am intrigued by this “SheiKra” I’ve heard so much about. It is said to mimic the sensation of flying, which I am quite familiar with.
What do you think of reality TV fashion shows like Project Runway?
There is always room in the fashion world for innovative ideas and fresh blood.
If you were a special guest on one of those shows, what “challenge” would have the show’s fashion designer contestants take part in?
My people tell me that the House of Vayne is partnering with design schools in the Tampa area to create just such a challenge this fall. Young designers will compete to win a spot on my catwalk by creating an ensemble entirely out of zippers – my medium of choice for the new line.
Are items from your fashion line be available for purchase?
Although most of my designs would not flatter the average human, I have been working closely with the Howl-O-Scream designers to create several House of Vayne-inspired pieces that are available at the new “Howl-O-Scream Shop of Horrors.”
Here’s a tour of the Howl-O-Scream Shop of Horrors including a peek at Ms. Vayne’s signature ring and some of her other fashions. The interview continues below.
What is your opinion of typical Halloween costumes?
It saddens me that so many people wait until Halloween to live out the darkest facets of their personalities.
If someone wanted to dress as Ms. Vayne for Halloween, what would you tell them to wear?
My signature look is a black strapless dress with a train, a beautiful multi-chain necklace I picked up during my travels and, of course, my favorite ring.
If you were to dress as someone or something else for Halloween, what would your costume be?
I am delighted by the “Naughty Nurses” at Howl-O-Scream, but that would be a costume more befitting for Anya or Elsa. Personally, I might choose to dress as a strong historical woman such as Marie Antoinette, who was a dear friend.
It seems that you’ll be at Howl-O-Scream on Halloween night. If you were home, what would you give out to trick-or-treaters?
My version of Halloween is NOT intended for children.
Any final thoughts or words of advice for those attending Howl-O-Scream this year
I invite those not already doing so to follow me on Twitter @MsVayne. It is there that I will be sharing details of my experience in Tampa. I’m looking forward to seeing how central Florida responds to the House of Vayne.
To read the rest of the interview with Howl-O-Scream’s Ms. Vayne and much more about Howl-O-Scream 10, pick up a copy of the Fall 2009 issue of Orlando Attractions Magazine.
You can see Ms. Vayne and her House of Vayne models in person each night at Howl-O-Scream’s front gate show:
