KARADIN

I think Dean's western costume might appear deceptively simple. I did some researching on skating costumes and authentic Western gear before designing it, and I didn't want the costume to be 'flashy' or sparkly, as that's not the mood of the song chosen, which is about a sheriff in the old west who is dying. But you have to add a little bling with the satin vest and the gold buttons, gold belt buckle and gold spurs.

I try to put enough detail in a drawing that someone could make the costume from it. The back of the duster is flared.

I had to go through a lot of patterns before finding the one I went with, a replica of a Civil War era textile from an antique crazy quilt, it came in different colourways, and I thought to try the more tan and maroon - but went with the gold, brown and black. Darker colours make a skater look longer and show up better against the white of the ice, it was a conscious decision to make the back of the vest match the trousers, and the shoes match the trousers, to make one long line.

I went back and forth on the double holster, but went to the single, as the right leg balances out the large gold star on Dean's vest - left side. And it was a decision to leave the holster empty. It not only goes with the song, but I wanted to have the emphasis on the law-man and not the weapon. The hat and duster are for when Dean skates out in exhibitions, but I think for eventing, he doesn't wear them.

I also picked another song for this, the theme to The Magnificent Seven if he selects the costume for a long program.

Since this is Supernatural, the costume is inspired in part on the outfit Dean wore in the last half of the episode 'Frontierland' which features a plan dark brown vest and trousers with a tan coloured shirt, no necktie. The hat is the only direct borrow, and the lapels of the duster.

the spurs are made of plastic not metal!