DRESS UP

 

If I had the time and means, I would love to regularly go to conventions and cosplay. Instead, I settle for putting a lot of effort into Halloween costumes each year. Some of these are made completely from scratch while others are pieced together with DIY-ed elements and props.

 
 

Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice) - 2020
My dear friend Angelica (who is also an amazing designer) and I have always wanted to do costumes together and this was the first year we finally did, a la Tim Burton universe crossover.

Angelica impressively putting together her Edward Scissorhands (especially that make up!), and both our looks feature masks which she makes through her brand quequi. While my outfit was just bought and tailored to fit, I gave myself the challenge of styling a wig for the first time. It started out as a pretty cheap, simple, straight wig that I curled and added a lot of texture and volume to as well as moss. Our concept in bringing these two characters together was Beetlejuice as one of Edward’s hair clients, so I made a mini t-rex prop with moss to reference that iconic scene.

 
 

Beifong Varsity Jacket (Avatar: the Last Airbender) - 2020
A:tLA is hands-down my favorite series of all time, and I love seeing the beautiful fan art that people have done over the years. I saw this piece by an artist named Punziella and thought to myself, “I NEED that jacket.” So I decided to make it.

I thought the design would look best embroidered so I taught myself some basic embroidery techniques. This jacket is pieced together out of two Gildan crewneck sweaters. I dyed the fabric for the sleeves with tea, hand embroidered the sleeve embellishments and back piece with gold thread, cropped the length and sleeves for a more flattering fit, added an interior lining, and completed with pockets and a gold zipper. I worked on this on and off for 2 years and it was well worth the ride.

 
 

The Beast (The Magicians) - 2019
Figuring out how to interpret the villain from the first 2 seasons of The Magicians was loads of fun, and walking around with a cloud of moths around my head (even though it obstructed most of my vision) was even more fun. The headpiece was made with a wire frame and individually cut and glued moths that were printed on vellum. The suit (jumpsuit and blazer) was made from scratch and the most advanced sewing I had done at the time.

 
 

Robin (Teen Titans) - 2018
This version of Robin is based off his Teen Titans design. I added embellishments to the top, switched out the sleeves for green ones, sewed yellow lining into a stylish cape, and made the belt and mask. I love dressing as characters with utility belts—very practical.

 
 

Link (The Legend of Zelda) - 2017
If I were more invested in cosplay, I would definitely get a lot of joy out of making props and weapons. One day I hope to make higher quality versions of the Master Sword and Hylian Shield, but these were a lot of fun to make with the foam core boards I had on hand. This look also included a utility belt.