Yeah, I can't think of him mentioning making his own clothes aside from that time. Given the complexity of that outfit, we can assume he's a good tailor, but--OH!--it just occurred to me that maybe he was doing a bit of a Marley's Mom with his clothes, sort of? Not buying them at Wal*mart, but copying designs himself and then stitching in the right label. He probably buys a lot of Vogue patterns and deconstructs the things in the magazines. Or, alters existing items (like his Aunt's sweater, perhaps?).

And yes, hippos are symbolically loaded, if you're into looking at that aspect. I kind of come from a Jungian perspective (not in any formal analytical sense, I just think it's fun). Water symbols generally are associated with emotional stuff. So the shark teeth are a water symbol, but one of emotional resilience, focus, and renewal. The hippo, also of water, is one of emotional depth and journeying, creativity, healing, intuition, and wisdom, iirc. So I am optimistic for Kurt! At least for a little while. :S