Yaya Han (Atlanta, GA)
The theme is my original design of the Absinthe Fairy - and it's been on my to make list since 2004. I got a hold of some Absinthe from the Czech Republic back in 2004 and have really enjoyed this delicate yet powerful green drink since. The myth is that when one drinks enough Absinthe, not only will one be intoxicated, but hallucinations can occur as well - hence "chasing the green fairy". If ever a fairy was thought up to be enticing and playfully seductive, it's the Green Fairy and I really wanted to explore this theme. I love the Absinthe Fairy as a (fairly modern) mythological creature, desired and chased by those Bohemian Revolutionaries.
I made all the patterns for this costume and spent 3 days on creating the whole thing, only because I didn't have any more time allotted for personal costume making that month. Hence the outfit is a bit rushed and there are some things I'd like to change/add on for the future. As for the construction - the wings were sized to fit inside a suitcase and I'm kinda glad they are small enough so I can maneuver easily at a busy convention environment. They are fabric over a wire frame, and embellished with sequins, crystals, glass beads and scattered LEDs that light up a nice Absinthe green. The underbust corset/bra are made of layered fabrics that I textured with various stitching techniques and they are also beaded and embellished with feathers. The collar piece and wristlets, and shoes all match as well with similar adornments. The skirts are made of many layers of fabric pieces that I did a rolled hem on. My serger was getting super hot by the last piece lol.
I started making costumes 13 years ago, at Anime Expo 1999. I got into it just as a fan and hobbyist, but quickly became complete immersed in the art form. Soon I was winning a long list of costuming awards at conventions and being asked to do panels and programming as a Guest, and eventually I quit my day job to become a freelancing cosplay artist. I see myself as an ambassador for cosplay, which is a very under-appreciated art form. Especially now that it is becoming more commercially seen, people can't figure it out and misconstrue cosplay for an underground fetish, a modeling thing or extreme halloween-ism. It's my mission where ever I go to educate people that cosplay is actually a challenging and rewarding form of art and creativity.
