Renowned pastry chef Duff Goldman recently revealed a delightful Halloween costume that he created for his 4-year-old daughter, Josephine. The heartwarming moment was captured in an exclusive photo shared by Goldman, showcasing Josephine exuding confidence in her cheetah ensemble complete with animal-print dress, spotted ears, paws, and shoes to match. Goldman, known for his culinary expertise, took to Instagram to showcase his newfound sewing skills, proudly stating, “I’m getting good with the needle and thread. She’s a cheetah this year.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/duff-goldman-102025-fcafcebd9c844fa7bf7e22544b263abc.jpg)

Speaking to PEOPLE, Goldman disclosed that the costume was more than just a playful outfit – it was rooted in a cherished family tradition. “We do a little thing when Josephine is nervous or shy about something… ‘Mommy is brave like a lion! Daddy is strong like a bear! Josephine is fast like a cheetah! We’re…intrepid!’ And then she feels ready to tackle anything,” he shared. Josephine’s Halloween costume idea stemmed from her desire to embody a cheetah with a unique twist – a kangaroo pouch for candy storage and a turbo boost button for added speed.

Goldman, along with his wife Johnna Colbry, handcrafted Josephine’s costume, with the chef diligently sewing the body of the outfit from cheetah print fabric. The couple collaborated to assemble the remaining components using materials they had on hand, demonstrating their creativity and resourcefulness. Describing the intricate details of the costume creation process, Goldman revealed, “I knew keeping those scraps would come in handy.” From fashioning the pouch to crafting the turbo boost button, every element was carefully crafted to bring Josephine’s vision to life.
The highlight of the costume was the turbo boost button, ingeniously fashioned from a large carpet slider and meticulously decorated with a sharpie by Goldman himself. To complete the look, Goldman added whiskers on Josephine’s face using face paint, adding a touch of authenticity to her cheetah transformation. Josephine’s reaction upon donning the costume was nothing short of joyful, as she enthusiastically ran around the house in delight, embodying the spirit of a cheetah with her playful antics.
As Halloween approaches, the Goldman family is gearing up for a memorable celebration on October 31st. Their plans include joining relatives for a festive night of trick-or-treating in a vibrant neighbourhood filled with Halloween spirit. Josephine is set to enjoy the festivities alongside her cousin Ellie, relishing the excitement of Halloween in a community that goes all out to create a magical experience for young trick-or-treaters. The anticipation of sharing this special occasion with loved ones adds an extra layer of joy to the holiday festivities for the Goldman family.
In the midst of the Halloween season, Duff Goldman’s creative endeavour in crafting Josephine’s cheetah costume stands as a heartwarming example of familial love and ingenuity. The dedication and thought put into every detail of the costume reflect a father’s commitment to bringing his daughter’s imaginative vision to life, fostering moments of happiness and creativity. As Josephine embraces her role as a speedy cheetah with a flair for adventure, her Halloween experience is sure to be filled with excitement, laughter, and cherished memories for years to come.
