Caping

NO CAPES!

by Felix Lakson

As models upon models walk down the catwalk on this iconic Fashion Week, the works of designer and icon Moris Eld pass a clear message to all heroes and aspiring heroes: No capes!
This trend maker was behind great fashion names for decades before moving to work with superheroes with their own line of clothing: DLESIROM. At first, the household name kept them but doubt crept into the clothing and style industry. Could the great Moris Eld become the hero for superheroes? Become the human behind the superhuman?
Doubt no more. Moris Eld has made the debut on the disputed Fashion Week with looks exclusive from DLESIROM and a great announcement: playboy and entrepreneur Bartholomeu Hamut comissioned the up and coming fashion brand to design the clothes of the special task force HOARD announced only a few months prior.
With looks raging from the absurd to the tactical, the costumes from DLESIROM were awe inspiring and a great start to this new journey for the fasion industry and its greatest icon. The most surprising of it all, however, was a particular choice that many reporters sought to question during interviews. Where were the capes? What self-respecting superhero would fly or jump around without a cape?
The answer, from Moris Eld's own mouth? "No capes!"

— Shore's Herald, Fashion Column. Febuary 1986

A particular and commum part of superhero accessories, the Caping is the tradition of using a mantle or cape as part of the costume and is as much a symbol of heroism as the superhuman themselves. Used as a reference to Taianees's gladiators and the Odianian warriors that invaded Western Middlelands in the 7th to 10th century, the capes were used to signify great abilities and superpowers across time.
During the 60s, the usage of cape to the self proclaimed superheroes coined the term Caped Crusader. The term, first associated with Master Centurion, was used on media and by public figures to describe the new stage of heroics on modern times.
As of 1986, when fashion icon Moris Eld first proclaimed their aversion to the garment, capes have become rarer on superhero attire. New superheroes, often inspired by HeroCON and other cultural influences have become less attached to the past behind the usage of capes and instead preferred a less showy approach.
Currently, only older generation and inheritors have mantained the cape. One example of it, is the great hero Admiral.

Related Professions

Sidekick, Superhero, Supervillain

Practicity vs. Risk

While some have speculated the reason for the quick adherence to the 'no capes' policy from Moris Eld, others have raised the rationality behind it. During a supers fight it was most common to see fighters pull at capes and use it as a risk factor.
Some older generation of heroes, however, have stood by their choice of keeping the cape. While the matter of keeping tradition, style and simple taste have been stated, heroes with the ability of flight have reiterate the use of capes as a balancing tool for sharp moviments on air.