Tell me about the outfit you are wearing – who are you cosplaying and how did you decide to pick this particular character ?
Neku Sakuraba, main character from the Square Enix game, The World Ends With You. This was my first time sewing cosplay, and I wanted to do something casual and simple but recognizable. I originally wanted to do Shiki Misaki from the same game until my sister wanted to join. There was no other character I liked other than Neku, so I ended up cosplaying as him. Also, who doesn’t love main characters? :3
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be ?
I was determined to learn how to sew because I have been wanting to and going into a fashion major, so I took sewing lessons the summer before. I SLOWLY began working on our cosplays, due to school and pure procrastination. I did this by searching for patterns similar to their outfits and tweaked it where needed.
It turned out to be a bit tougher than I imagined, and the cosplays were fairly simple and casual; I am not a natural sewer nor do I sew that well even with the lessons, and I had no knowledge whatsoever on how to make clothes. Now that I have a bit of experience plus more lessons from fashion school, I’m sure I could do a better job with the cosplays if I were to redo them.
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ? ^^
We got quite pictured quite often and were one of the first few over there; during the gathering, one of my friends said they heard someone say they liked the color palette for our cosplays. I also had the idea to paint the timers on our palms and everyone loved it.
Apparently, one of the photographers at the gathering took a liking to me and dubbed me “Moe Neku”, and “attacked” me whenever they could. XD
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested ?
I started cosplaying during my very first con, Fanime 2003. I heard from my sister’s anime club in High School that people dressed up as their favorite characters and was prompted, but I didn’t make them until this year. My first cosplay was Utena Tenjou from Revolutionary Girl Utena/Shoujo Kakumei Utena.
What are the con did you first attended and what’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why ?
The only real con I went to was Fanime ever since 2003, and has been my favorite over since. It’s not too far compared to AX locations, fairly affordable, and has alot to offer. It makes me feel like I’ve stepped into another world entirely that I never want to leave, I always get so excited when the time comes. I also made alot of friends from attending Fanime over the years who I’m glad I have met. I went to a smaller con in San Francisco once, but it couldn’t compare. I’d love to go to other ones though. XD
What does cosplay mean to you ?
It’s definitely alot of fun, and one of the reasons why I went into fashion in the first place. It also somewhat feels like an escape from reality to me, because I feel like I can be someone else just for a little bit, which is fun and somewhat of a confidence boost since people know who you are. It also contributes to the whole con experience for me, I can’t imagine myself stopping for even a little bit; it adds to the magic.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
There are BAJILLIONS of dream cosplays I have, there are way too many to list. I guess though at the moment, my dream cosplays would be an original I designed, who is an android with plugs coming out of her back. The second one would be Princess Kaguya from the video game Okami. Making an authentic looking junihitoe would be difficult, and obtaining the helmet is VERY HARD. I’ve looked already, nothing. @_@
