Tip #1 – Be original!

“If there’s one thing I would say to any new aspiring hero starting a career in Paragon City, it’s this: try and be original. Trust me when I say we already have our share of dark stalkers of the night, colourful crusaders for justice and lovely, barely legal ladies. We don’t need more. And the last thing you want is to come face-to-face with your fashion double when you’re introducing yourself to Ms. Liberty.”

“What you need to do is express yourself. You’ve got these unique powers and these incredible abilities – your costume should accentuate that, if possible, but that doesn’t mean I want to see flames and orange highlights on the Fire Blasters, and I don’t need to see another Gothic, Dark Melee Scrapper.”

“The key here is experimentation and theme. Don’t settle for the default; I get Spandex at a discount, and I tell you, it doesn’t challenge my staff when you come in looking for something ‘all in one’. How about a well-tailored suit? How about making that suit armoured? Step outside your comfort zone and you know what I say… you just might find yourself at home.”

Tip #2 – Work with your powers, not against them

“We all come from somewhere, and you folks come from somewhere a lot more interesting than most of us. So sit down, take a load off, sip a latte (extra shot of caramel in mine, please) and tell me all about your origin.”

“No-one can take your origin away from you, and just because those bureaucrats at City Hall want to pin a label on you doesn’t mean that every ‘Technology’ hero is made from the same circuits. No, I know your origin is different from the next guy and I want to see that in your costume.”

“If you’re using gadgets, then you don’t have to cover yourself in armour – heck, I say a good t-shirt and jeans might be more comfortable to get the job done, and don’t worry, a domino mask has kept a lot of identities secret before yours.”

“Ice? Isn’t just white or even blue. Never heard of the black stuff? Look at your average fire, too – sure, it’s mostly orange but there are blue flames out there. And just because you’re using an Assault Rifle doesn’t mean you’re still in the military buster. Look like you graduated West Point, already.”

“All I’m saying is, there’s no need to advertise your abilities as they’ll speak for themselves, and there’s no need to look like every other hero from out of town. You’re in the big city now. Make an effort.”

Tip #3 – Your body is a fashion statement, too

“We don’t just stop with the cloth here at Icon, you know; we have the ability to reshape your body with a minimum of fuss. So don’t think you just have to colour-coordinate your tights and your mask; there’s a lot to be said for making sure you have the body to match, too.”

“With the best technology available, we can sculpt you in just the right way. Want to be bigger and tougher to make sure we all know you’re a Tank? Hey, you wouldn’t be the first but we can do it. Don’t be afraid to play against type, though. You’re a villain, you see a little girl with the cutest outfit – chances are you’ll think twice before assuming she’s a psionic. And the unassuming little guy there with the beard? Martial Arts master....”

Tip #4 – Colours and Patterns

“I can’t say this strongly enough: you’re not limited to two colours, people. Or even three or four. You can have as many as you like, and you won’t hear me pitching a fit as long as they all coordinate. The key here is making sure no colour clashes so badly with another that you start getting fashion tips from the folk you’re rescuing.”

“Again, remember what I said about theme, but go wild! Accentuate with a different coloured belt, mask or gloves – heck, perhaps even a tattoo or cybernetic circuitry. Don’t forget that we offer a wide range of patterns that, naturally, coordinate across your whole body. Why, some even coordinate with each other; that’s because we’re so dedicated to you, our heroes, and making you look good.”

“Whatever you wear and however you look, remember that Icon is always available to make you look better – or rectify that fashion disaster. Joking aside though, as long as you’re comfortable when crimefighting, that’s what matters the most.”