Tell me about the outfit you are wearing – who are you cosplaying and how did you decide to pick this particular character ?
The character I’m cosplaying is Suzaku Kururugi from Code Geass. Suzaku has many outfits throughout the series, but I decided on the “Knights of the Round” version compared to the rest. I’m a sucker for detail and love doing more complicated costumes as a means to challenge myself. As for deciding on the character, it’s a character I feel more of a connection to than all the other characters of the series. It’s normal to be drawn to a character that has some attributes that are similar to yourself, and so I enjoy Suzaku’s sense of justice.
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be ?
Man! Well the entire outfit seems simple. White uniform, cape. But it was a lot more difficult than I had thought. But I love a good challenge. Most of my outfits are made by using patterns and altering them, or even altering the garment itself once it’s near finished. I first began by finding as many reference pictures of the outfit as possible. Front, Back, Side, 3/4, any angle I can get. Once I have that, I take it with me in search of patterns similar to the costume. This can take hours of combing through books. Once I have the patterns I need, I then begin the process of finding the right sorts of fabrics I will need. Because I take in consideration the fashion aspect of the garment, I search for fabrics that the character’s, in this case uniform, outfit would be expected to be made of.
Since it was a uniform, I looked for durable thick fabrics. Once I found the ones I needed, it was time for pinning and cutting. Because some of the uniform has some unique designs not found in normal patterns, I had to alter the pattern. Even then, some of the details on the cape had to be hand drawn and then cut out. Either way once all that was done it was time for sewing the pieces. Once the “base” of the uniform and cape was made, I usually then go in search for details such as buttons and the chord.
Because this uniform is supposed to be only issued by only the Emperor of Britannia, I figured it would be adorned with militaristic buttons and a more obvious example of chord. That and for photoshoot purposes, something sort of flashy needs to be used so it can reflect the light and show in pictures. Because the anime images show flat areas where there is not much detail shown (most likely to save for animation time purposes) I added a bit of detail myself and my own special touch. I added chord to the cape to give it a more uniform look, and I also did hand beading detailing on the uniform itself.
So it was rather difficult to turn a rather simple based costume into a crazy militaristic detailed piece of work. And that’s just the costume! The wig had to be styled and cut too! Then there are color contacts and shoes and make up. Goodness! This is quite a hobby eh?
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ?
Lol. None that I can think of off the top of my head. Of course hearing your character’s name being yelled out at the opposite end of the con and seeing someone jumping and waving is pretty funny.
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested ?
Geez! That was ages ago! Akon 13 was my first convention and I was back in high school then. My best friend and I were into anime and I’ve been into it ever since I was a little elementary school student watching Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z in the morning. So we heard that there were such things called anime conventions and that people dressed up to these. So that’s what started it all! I later found out that I enjoy crossplaying rather that just normal cosplay. And so that started the ball rolling for me mainly crossplaying!
What are the con did you first attended and what’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why ?
Heh! Akon 13 was my first! And my favorite con so far would have to be AnimeFest. <3 It's a medium sized con that is just so homey and comfortable. It's not too big, not to little, just the right size to hang out with my friends. I always have the most fun at that one! ^-^
What does cosplay mean to you ?
For me, it’s a way to have fun! A way to express yourself and have fun being a kid again! At the same time, because I am getting into a fashion career, it’s a way for me to practice by making costumes and having photoshoots! It’s a challenge for me every time and like I said, I enjoy testing myself and adding my own flavor to a costume and see if it gains approval.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
\(*o*)/ Really now. Well If that came to pass, I’d have to say that my dream cosplay would have to be Cain Nightlord from Trinity Blood! The layers, the beading, the detail, the armor, the wings, the wig, the make up~!! Ugh!! It’s just radiating with detail I’d love to do!! One day! One day I will cosplay this!
