4 posts tagged “costuming”

Sometimes dubbed as "The Esme Cullen Project" to throw people off. It's based on an inside joke.

A few of my friends were surprised I was going to do Tsukihime cosplay. I was surprised at myself too. When looking at my choices, Akiha Tohno seemed to be the most like me. The other obvious choice was Ciel, but I've done the schoolgirl thing before. Not to mention, the more information I found about Akiha, the more I realized we're very much a like.

I did somewhat create a first version of this character back in November. While the two who requested the photo shoot remained impressed, I thought it had a few flaws. The first of which included the skirt being too loose. Upon further inspection, the blouse was much more specific. I decided to redo everything.

Of course, it was another adventure in figuring out how to make a pleated skirt. Funny because I've made a ton of dresses before, but never a pleated skirt. The first version of the skirt was completed in less than two hours.

The hardest part was re-creating the blouse from scratch. I took the pattern I used for Roberta (Black Lagoon)'s blouse. I had bought 3 yards of fabric from a hole in the wall fabric store in downtown LA. ($1 per yard!) Unfortunately, I had run out of fabric for the sleeves. I made that trip in late December 2008. I returned in late February 2009 to get the required fabric needed. Luckily, the store still had the same fabric available.

As far as the blouse is concerned, I double layered it. I also added a bow that my grandmother had made for my Karen (Sister Princess) costume. Since that outfit is long retired, it's now a part of Akiha.

I may end up getting a new headband for Akiha or just making a cloth one out of my scraps. Then again, I could use another white headband in my collection.

Akiha is scheduled to debut at Sakura Con 2009.

I hopped aboard the Pokemon Gijinka bandwagon a year later. It was exactly a year ago today, Oscar Night, that I have heard of the Gijinka designs. I strayed away for a while thinking it was another trend, like Animal Magnetism in 2001. Well, I decided to do a Gijinka variant of Persian.

Mind you, this version of Persian is different from the art design in the infamous set of fanart. From a costume designer's perspective, the outfit must reflect what the character is all about. The original design lacked creativity and character. A yellow skin tight suit? No thank you. If Persian is the "classy cat" Pokemon, it calls for sophistication and elegance.

I purchased the fabric from Kashcool's and a hole in the wall dollar store. I used a pattern originally intended for a Breakfast at Tiffany's cosplay, but I realized it was the wrong design. It was a vintage Vogue evening gown pattern. The trick was getting the bodice together. It had a very unique shape to it to put together - like most Vogue patterns.

I was able to complete the dress in one day. Again, I detest doing curved hems, but I'm still impressed by the amount of work done.

And next on the "To Do" list for Persian is figure out the gloves. I really don't know how to make custom gloves. If anyone can point me to a tutorial or a basic pattern for opera length gloves, it would be very much appreciated. I do have a blonde wig (for Elle Woods and Miria) to go with the yellow color palette. A cigarette holder doesn't sound too bad.

And you're never fully dressed without the neko mimi (courtesy of Cosworx).

"Are you wearing that to the Oscars?" - Victoria's mom.

Progress pictures of what I've been working on lately...

The first set (red coat / yellow skirt) is from the Nadia movie. I was bored one day. I had to do something with my scraps. So, I came across this design from Nadia, and I decided to make it. It was really a test in tailoring.

Lesson Learned: I can see WHY people buy their dress jackets at thrift stores. Tailoring drains a lot of patience.

I'm still proud of this tailored jacket. The skirt hem needs to be fixed.

The second set is an apron for Kate. She wanted something cute to wear. I had spare fabric from my Valentine's Day dress. Once it's ironed it will be set to go.

Photos are by Richard of Imagecraft Studios. These were taken at the Anime Los Angeles masquerade. Tom and I entered as Layla and Takumi of Trapnest. This is my first costume that I have sewn completely. Most of my previous projects were either found items, assistance from friends, or commissions.

** Trivia: The rose I wear on my head is an actual prop from Sex and the City worn by Sarah Jessica Parker. Bought from Dulken and Derrick when I was in New York.

** See the video of our skit on Youtube. Link.