When I set out to recreate Nandor costume the Relentless, I wanted the look to reflect who he actually is: a centuries-old Persian vampire from the fictional kingdom of Al-Qolnidar who once served as a general in the Ottoman Empire—equal parts medieval warrior and aristocratic vampire. whatwedointheshadows.fandom.com+1 His flowing cloak, armor accents, and exaggerated grooming make him instantly recognizable and incredibly fun to play. On my scale:
Let me take you through how I styled and wore the full Nandor look.
Core Outfit – Building the Vampire Knight
I always start Nandor costume with the silhouette, because the shape announces him before he speaks. The cloak does most of that heavy lifting. I chose a burgundy velvet that moves like a theater curtain; the moment I stepped into a crowded room, the hem caught the air and everyone seemed to register “ancient, important, a little dangerous.” Beneath it, I kept the base clean and grounded: slim gothic pants tucked into tall boots so the lower half reads disciplined and soldierly.
Once the foundation felt solid, I layered armor—first a chest piece for that medieval echo, then a lighter leather overlay with metallic edging. Mine wasn’t real steel (I like my spine), but the reflected glints were enough to sell the myth.
On nights when I wanted the look to go from “courtly” to “commanding,” I clipped on a pair of knightly pauldrons; they elevated the proportions, even if they stole a little comfort. Cloak for drama, armor for lineage—together they gave me exactly the vampire-warrior duality I associate with Nandor.
Accessories & Details – Finishing the Look
The outfit wasn’t truly Nandor until I dialed in the small rituals. A deep red ascot instantly civilized the armor, as if I’d paused mid-campaign to dress for an audience; without it, the ensemble felt unfinished, like a sentence missing its period. I slipped on a red-crystal ring and noticed how often it punctuated my gestures—every raised hand became a little proclamation.
The fangs required a few patient minutes with a file, but once they sat comfortably I could speak all evening without breaking the illusion. To soften the living warmth in my face, I finished with a thin veil of pale makeup—just enough to cool the skin tone so the cloak and metal read colder, older, and a touch unnerving. Those details—ascot, ring, teeth, and that whisper of pallor—transformed the outfit from “a vampire” into this vampire.
Nandor Collections
Discover Nandor Fashion Magic.
How to Dress like Nandor?
Makeup & Styling – Nandor’s Face
I treat Nandor’s face like a prop you wear: minimal product, maximum intent. Black lenses were my first switch; the room instantly felt a shade quieter when people met that inhuman gaze.
If lenses aren’t your thing, a dense ring of liner around the waterline creates a similar gravity—eyes that hold rather than sparkle. The hair matters more than people expect; a long wig, trimmed and lightly teased, gave me the exact weight and bounce that reads ceremonial rather than modern.
And the beard is the seal. I anchor a fake set with theater adhesive, then press the edges with the pad of my thumb until the line disappears; the moment the beard settles, my posture changes. For skin, I blend a pale base with restraint—just enough to mute warmth without turning chalky—then tap a touch of contour beneath cheekbones so the armor above doesn’t swallow the face. When everything lands—eyes dimmed, curls tamed, beard fixed, skin cooled—you stop wearing the costume and start inhabiting him.
I also watched this vampire makeup tutorial: Lisa Eldridge’s Halloween Vampire Look. It helped me balance pale skin with bold eyes without overdoing it.
Nandor
Face Appearance
White Face Body Paint
To achieve Nandor’s deathly pale complexion, use high-quality, breathable white face paint. Apply gently, avoiding a clownish appearance. Blend subtly under your eyes to enhance the undead look authentically.
Black Long Curly Wig & Fake Beard
Nandor’s curly, long hair and neat beard complete his iconic look. I found a thick synthetic black wig online that required minimal styling. Pair it with a realistic fake beard—trim it to match his neatly groomed style. A beard adhesive is handy to keep it secure through your party.
Nandor Lens and Vampire Teeth Fangs
I began with red-tinted costume contact lenses and comfortable silicone vampire fangs. Good-quality fangs make a big difference—they're comfortable, reusable, and look frighteningly realistic. For lenses, prioritize comfort and safety over price; reputable brands matter when it comes to your eyes.
FAQS
Nandor Costume FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about making your Nandor Costume:
No—cloak, wig, beard, and teeth are enough for recognition.
Optional. Makeup can mimic the dark eye effect.
About $120–200, depending on cloak and armor choices.
Reasonably. Lighter fabrics for cloak and faux armor improve comfort.
Absolutely—pair with Nadja for instant recognition.
Who is Nandor the Relentless?
Nandor the Relentless (portrayed by Kayvan Novak) hails from Al-Qolnidar, a Persianate realm he once ruled before serving as a general in the Ottoman Empire. In the series, he lives on Staten Island with fellow vampires Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, while Guillermo de la Cruz serves as his long-suffering familiar. The charm of the character is the contrast: an ancient warrior with imposing style—armor, ascot, signet-style jewelry—paired with delightfully awkward, modern-day behavior. whatwedointheshadows.fandom.com+1
Extra Costume Tips for Nandor
Add slight distress for authenticity.
Swap for faux-leather pieces. Lighter but still dramatic.
Consider adding a parchment scroll or medieval pouch for a realistic touch.
Mimicking Nandor’s distinctive accent elevates the performance.
Nandor Halloween Costume
Choosing a Nandor costume for Halloween ensures you’ll stand out with humor, gothic charm, and medieval sophistication. This character offers endless opportunities to entertain and impress at your Halloween gathering.
Conclusion
Dressing as Nandor was one of my favorite costume projects. It combined drama with comedy, letting me act as both a gothic vampire and a clumsy aristocrat. Whether you go for budget basics or a full deluxe setup with armor, this costume will always get a laugh and plenty of recognition. If you try it, share your photos—I’d love to see your take on Nandor the Relentless!
