The Story Behind Elvira's Iconic Goth Coffin and Its Impact

The Story Behind Elvira's Iconic Coffin

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is one of the most iconic horror movie hosts and Halloween characters of all time. With her tight black dress, towering wig, and ample cleavage, Elvira has been entertaining and titillating fans for over 30 years.

One of the props most closely associated with Elvira is her flamboyant, red velvet-lined coffin. Adorned with skulls and bats, the coffin perfectly encapsulates Elvira's campy and provocative style. But how did Elvira's signature coffin come about?

The Creation of Elvira's Coffin

The character of Elvira was created in 1981 by actress Cassandra Peterson. While hosting a local horror movie show in Los Angeles, Peterson devised the Elvira persona - a sexy, wisecracking vampiress in a low-cut black gown. The character proved hugely popular and soon Elvira became the foremost 'Queen of Halloween.'

As Elvira's fame grew through TV appearances and feature films, Peterson worked with designers to create props and merchandise to complement her character. One of these key props was the custom-made, $5,000 coffin. Born out of necessity for a personal appearance, the coffin would go on to become iconic.

Elvira's Coffin Debuts

Elvira first emerged from her flamboyant coffin in Iowa in 1985. Peterson was making a personal appearance to open a local Halloween retailer. The store wanted Peterson to arrive dramatically, so she worked with designers to create a coffin befitting Elvira's macabre glamour.

The resulting coffin was covered in red velvet, lined with satin, and decorated with bats, crosses, and skulls. As Peterson tells it, children were scared and women jealous when Elvira first stepped out in her cleavage-baring dress, 6-inch heels, and towering wig.

Hitting the Road in Style

The coffin was such a sensation that Peterson took it on the road. She toured it to state fairs, horror conventions, and TV appearances throughout the late 80s and 90s. It even appears in the 1988 Elvira movie, 'Elvira: Mistress of the Dark.'

Dragging the coffin through airports proved problematic, however, and it was often damaged en route to events. As Peterson told HalloweenAddict.com: "The poor coffin has been through hell and back - airlines have smashed it, lost it, left it out in blazing heat and rain."

One-of-a-Kind Collectible

In the late 90s, Peterson commissioned a second Elvira coffin. Made of stronger fiberglass, this coffin is more durable for transport to public events and TV appearances. The original 1981 coffin is partly retired from constant travel and special appearances.

The iconic original now resides in Peterson's home. She considers it a priceless collectible and likely won't ever part with it. The coffin, along with Elvira's black gown and other signature props, have enduring cult value to horror and Halloween fans.

The Cultural Impact of Elvira's Coffin

Elvira's custom coffin was integral in establishing her signature look and helping her stand out in the crowded field of horror hosts. The provocative but campy coffin embodied the fun, sexy spirit that still defines Elvira after four decades.

As Elvira's first macabre 'accessory,' the coffin proved essential in making her the Halloween icon she remains today. While she's synonymous with tight dresses and ample cleavage, the coffin gave her act an extra bite of creepy theatricality.

Influence on Pop Culture

As Elvira rose to fame in the 80s and 90s, her signature coffin left a mark on pop culture. Many female Halloween costumes imitated her iconic look, often paired with mini kid-sized coffins. In 1988, Elvira's Movie Macabre fan club sold replica coffins for devoted followers.

The coffin also influenced performers like Wednesday 13 and Rob Zombie, who integrated macabre stage props and imagery into their acts. Horror convention booths likewise embraced the coffin aesthetic that Elvira made famous.

Enduring Popularity

Another measure of the coffin's impact has been its steadily rising value at auction. In 2018, a child-size replica of the coffin sold for $550 - more than 10 times its original price. Just this year, an autographed replica coffin fetched over $3,000.

Even damaged or incomplete coffins have sold for impressive prices because of their association with the legendary Elvira. After four decades, her iconic coffin remains hotly sought-after.

Of course, the ultimate fate of Elvira's original 1981 coffin remains a mystery. As a priceless part of Elvira history, Cassandra Peterson understandably holds onto this macabre treasure.

Elvira's Legacy

As Elvira approaches nearly 40 years as a staple Halloween presence and horror icon, her custom coffin remains a visual staple.

While the designs of other movie hostess' faded, Elvira stayed in pop culture thanks to her enduring campy appeal. The coffin will forever be associated with her signature cleavage-baring look and sexy-scary style.

For both Elvira's creator Cassandra Peterson and generations of fans, that hand-crafted velvet-lined casket will always be an invaluable, one-of-a-kind treasure.

FAQs

How much did Elvira's original coffin cost?

Elvira's original custom coffin cost approximately $5,000 to have specially designed and created for her iconic macabre look.

What is the coffin made of?

The original 1981 Elvira coffin was made of wood and covered in a vibrant red velvet fabric, lined with satin. The second coffin was sturdier fiberglass.

Where is the iconic coffin now?

Peterson keeps the prized original coffin at her personal residence, no longer transporting it to events due to wear and tear over the years. It's now a priceless piece of Elvira history.

Why did Elvira first use the coffin?

The Halloween retailer hired Elvira to make a dramatic personal appearance to open the store in 1985. She emerged from the macabre coffin in full costume to the delight of fans.