Get an Inside Look at Larsen Thompson's Halloween Transformation into Bride Carrie Bradshaw (Exclusive)

Thompson breaks down all that went into her custom 'Sex and the City' costume for her debut at Heidi Klum's spook-tacular Halloween bash

Larsen Thompson took her custom bridal gown not to the altar, but rather to one of the most anticipated red carpet events of the year: Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween party.

To make her big debut at the New York City féte — which Klum has been hosting since 2000 — Thompson, a 22-year-old model, dancer and actress, “wanted to do something unique and high fashion” when it came to her costume.

So, she teamed up with designer Guvanch Agajumayev and together they decided to recreate one of the most memorable looks of all time: Carrie Bradshaw’s Vivienne Westwood bridal gown, originally worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the first Sex and the City film and later in And Just Like That….

“The idea seemed a bit intimidating at first,” Thompson tells PEOPLE exclusively. But, she adds, "Vivienne Westwood has always been one of my favorite designers, and with her passing, we saw it as an opportunity to pay homage to her and her brilliance."

Ahead, Larsen gives PEOPLE a behind-the-scenes look at her getting-ready process — and unveils all the glitzy details that went into her one-of-a-kind ensemble.

Hair We Go!

First order of business: glam.

Thompson fully committed to her costume by wearing a wig, which was glued on and styled by hair pro Marin Renee. "This was my first time wearing a wig, let alone seeing myself without red hair, so the process was very exciting and thrilling!"

"Carrie’s Classic Red Lip"

Makeup artist Benjamin Puckney finished off Thompson's look with a bold red shade reminiscent of the color Bradshaw wore on her big day. All in all, the star's beauty transformation took three hours to complete.

Super Fly Accessories

The one accessory Thompson couldn't forget: the bird headpiece, which she had made with feathers from Australia.

She also topped off her updo with a voluminous veil. "When we were putting it on I started singing 'Chapel of Love' by the Dixie Cups. It was surreal because it gave me a glimpse into what I have to look forward to on my future wedding day."

The Dress Reveal

It only took two fittings for Thompson and her design team (also including Alice Wang and Nino Samsonidze) to get the wedding dress right. "All feeling too real. I can’t believe this is happening!"

A Big-Shot Bride

...But Thompson's whole look — which was constructed by hand using 25 yards of silk satin and taffeta — took a whopping 80 hours to assemble.

"We wanted it to be very similar [to the original] and appreciate Vivienne by adding her recognizable plaid fabric down the back of the dress, but also add our own flare," she says. "We tied the look together with classic gold Christian Louboutin shoes."

Final Fixes

Thompson and Agajumayev made quite the "dynamic duo" from the minute they conceptualized the costume right down to the red carpet countdown.

"Through the many conversations Guvanch and I had over the phone, I could sense his passion, making this project very exciting for all involved. The team did an amazing job in a very short time period!" Thompson says of the designer.

Mrs. Bradshaw Moment

“Sex and the City was one of those things I always heard about growing up. When I was old enough to watch it, I fell in love with the characters, the fashion and the magic of New York City. I’ve always admired Sarah Jessica Parker’s beauty and her work. I couldn’t think of a better place to recreate this moment than in the city of L’s (Labels & Love) itself."

Carpet Ready

"I am looking forward to seeing everyone's creativity and imagination come to life! Heidi always blows me away. I know she will be something unexpected and extravagant! I am honored to be invited and can’t wait to dance and enjoy Halloween as a bride."

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