Tell me about the outfit you are wearing – who are you cosplaying and how did you decide to pick this particular character ?
I’m wearing one of my favorite costumes, if not my favorite… Kai from Heavenly Sword. The first day the game came out I had no clue what it was, I just knew someone who took me with them to go buy it. Once I saw the character though I fell in love with her. She was completely insane and adorable all at the same time. I also loved her outfit. After about a year I finally cosplayed her and made the prop. I feel I fit the character very well. ^_^;
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be ?
In all honesty I used no patterns. Her dress didn’t really require any sort of bizarre patterns either so it was simple. What took the longest was finding all the details through screen shots and adding them. There were a lot of hand-sewn areas on her dress and hat. I mostly winged it with the dress and altered it to fit my size. The hat took a while because I had to add the string and place it on the hat just like hers. I also had to paint on the designs and find buttons close enough to resemble the ones she has. I used an actual belt for the brown belt that holds her crossbow up. I was so happy when I was actually able to walk around with the crossbow on my back like Kai does in the game. I bought a long black wig and cut it up short the way hers was. It was my first time styling a wig and I think I did a decent enough job.
The hardest part of this costume would have to be the crossbow, and I’m not entirely happy with it but I was proud of myself. I was asked what it was made out of and many were surprised to hear the answer. It is basically just lots of cardboard, masking tape, hot glue and one plastic coffee can..underneath the fancy paint job. Hehe. It was my first prop too so I made a lot of mistakes and had to take many breaks. I used door hinges on the wings so that they could open up when I pointed the crossbow forward.
Unfortunately when I went to Anime Expo 2009 I forgot to bring my necklace that she wears. I was so mad because I had just remade one to look more accurate and I couldn’t even wear it. It does exist though and it was made out of brown string and clay (for the bones). Another thing I did was run around bare footed. I see a lot of Kai cosplayers who wear shoes, probably because most places will not allow you to be shoe-less but I did it anyway..and I didn’t get told to put them on. They must have accepted it as part of the costume! All in all this costume was very fun to work on and I learned many things from it. I don’t plan on retiring this costume for another year or so.
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ? ^^
When I first debuted her without the weapon not many people knew who I was but those who did ALWAYS asked where my “Bazooka”, “Big Gun”, or “Bow and arrow” was. It was kind of funny because even if they didn’t really know the character they knew she had a crazy weapon. My over-sized crossbow wasn’t debuted until Anime Expo 09. I get a lot of, “Wow you really look like the character!” and “Your feet must really hurt.” and I usually say, “No. I’m rather comfortable being shoe less!” Hehe.
How did you get started cosplaying and what captured?
I use to always love cosplay when I was younger. I just never thought I could do it, I figured it was for those who had lots of money and talent. After I went to my first convention dressed in normal clothing I told myself I would never do it again and that I HAD to cosplay. It was must and once I figured I could do it, I did it! My first cosplay was Flonne from Disgaea: Hour of Darkness which I debuted at Anime Expo 07. It was so much fun so from then on I became a cosplayer.
What are the con did you first attended and what’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why ?
My first convention was Anime Expo 2006 which was held in Anaheim, CA. I would have to say my favorite convention would be Anime Expo this past year. It was the first convention I went to with an actual group of friends and we all had an amazing time! I also had four costumes I brought as opposed to my usual one or two. Fanime comes in really close though.
What does cosplay mean to you ?
Cosplay is a part of life now, not just a hobby on the side. I have grown such a deep passion for it. Words cannot describe the feelings I have when I am dressed in my costume and out at a con.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
This is a tough question, I love so many characters. For now I would have to say…Dark Sheik from Super Smash Brothers Brawl. I want to do a perfect job on it, once I am able to!
