How To Make A Daft Punk Suit

Need to know how to make a Daft Punk suit? If you remember jamming out to "Around the World" in 1997 (was it that long ago?) you may have wondered how to make your own dope Daft Punk suit. You know, the spacey-looking costumes that are covered in thin neon strips of light? Making a Daft Punk suit is a complicated process, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. If, however, you decide that you really want to take a walk down “raver” memory lane and make your very own Daft Punk suit, here are the general steps to follow.

To make your Daft Punk suit, you will need:

• A black, preferably leather (or “pleather,” since this is not a reversible process!) motorcycle-style jacket
• Black, tight-fitting pants or jeans
• A black motorcycle helmet with a visor
• A blunt sewing needle
• About 165 feet of six-pound fishing line
• Scissors
• 2 sticks of clear hot glue and a hot glue gun
• 34 yards of EL wire cut to the appropriate lengths and pre-soldered
• 2 KL10 power packs for the EL wire
• 165 feet of EL wire inverter
• 3 battery holders
• 3 switches

1. Score a photo. Find a good, clear picture of the Daft Punk guys in their suits so that you can plan your design layout. Draw the pattern on heavy white or brown paper to get a clear idea where to place the EL wire before you begin sewing.
2. Get ready. Poke a hole in each garment large enough for the blunt needle and fishing line to enter. Make sure the connector wires are on the inside and pull the EL wire through the opening. Leave the solder joint and tubing inside the garment and add a dab of glue to reinforce.
3. Start sewing. Pull out a piece of fishing line, fold it in half so that you have a doubled strand, and thread the needle. Sew along the length of the EL wire with a diagonal stitch (since the fishing line is clear, it doesn't have to be perfect; Martha Stewart won't be grading you!). Make a knot in the fishing line every five inches to reinforce the EL wire so that if there is a break, the rest of the stitching won't unravel.
4. Get hot (glue). Once you reach the end of the part you're working on, make a hole and leave an extra three inches of wire. Mount it on the inside of the garment and seal the end with hot glue, just like you did with the first part. Repeat this process on the jacket and pants until the pattern is complete. EL wire can be adhered by simply using hot glue.
5. Hide it well. Conceal the inverter in a stealthy place inside the clothing and helmet. You can create small pockets if necessary.
6. Start your engines. Make sure that you leave enough of the non-glowing connector wire so that it can comfortably reach the inverter and battery. You want there to be plenty so that it isn’t pulled too tightly when you try to move. If you are dressed like Daft Punk, you'd better be able to dance! If the wires running to the battery pocket are where you want them, go ahead and reconnect them as needed. Now, put that suit on and get down with your bad self!

Phew, that was a lot of hard work! But, it was worth it because you can now look forward to being in the running for “Best Costume” at the next Halloween shindig you attend. Now you just need to find a fly party so you can wear your awesome new Daft Punk suit. In the true spirit of Daft Punk and house music aficionados everywhere, cut up a rug while you’re there!