My Cosplay History

Here's a listing of (as far as I can recall at this point, lol) my cosplay costumes since the beginning of time. These are costumes I have made, ensembled, styled, worn, and/or collaborated on. It looks like I gradually built up to 2004 and then stopped/dwindled making costumes. That's not *entirely* accurate, because in 2004 is when I started being actively involved in Live-Action Role-Playing games. Since then, I've been spending most of my time making costumes for myself, friends, commissions, and donations for our local chapter. I also now sew garments for lolita fashion. So I'm still sewing, I'm just less anime/manga/VG reproductions and more fantasy/historical/fashion garments. I do miss cosplaying though, and I've slowly started working on some projects again. I'll be keeping you updated!

Year: 1998
Character: Aerith Gainsborough
From: Final Fantasy VII
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: This is definately what I would refered to as a "Goodwill Cosplay", even though Goodwill wasn't involved. Everything was created & altered from things I found around my parents' homes.

Year: 1999
Character: Sailor V/Diana (Variant)
From: Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon/
Codename wa Sailor V
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Myself
Notes: This was another "Goodwill"-type cosplay, although I actualy upgraded to doing some full creation of some pieces as opposed to mostly alterations. The character was of an otaku senshi of mine based off of the character Diana, with this particular senshi outfit concept similar to that of Sailor V's.

Year: 2000
Character: Black Mage
From: Final Fantasy
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: Partial Found, partial hand-sewn variant for Halloween 2000. Nothing particularly special about this one.

Year: 2000
Character: White Mage
From: Final Fantasy
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Melissa
Notes: I did this one for a friend. First time I'd ever utilized printable t-shirt transfers and was a bit of a learning experience as such. I've since decided that there are better, more permanent, less-hassle ways to put red triangles on white fabric.

Year: 2001
Character: Eternal Sailor Jupiter
From: Sailorstars
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Myself
Notes: This is the cosplay I wore to my first anime convention. Losts of firsts for this costume: First time attempting boot-covers, first time making pleats, first time utilizing interfacing, first time machine-sewing my costume.

Year: 2001
Character: Android 17
From: Dragonball Z
Genre: Anime
Worn By: Nick
Notes: This costume was mostly pieced together & altered from pieces we already had. My first attempt at wig styling, fabric painting, and hand applique and embroidery.

Year: 2001
Character: Mew Mint
From: Tokyo Mew Mew
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Jen
Notes: This costume was pieced together with my cousin, Jennifer. She did the basic tube-dress while I started on accessories. First time making wings.

Year: 2001
Character: Mew Ichigo
From: Tokyo Mew Mew
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Myself
Notes: First time making props to go along with the costume.

Year: 2002
Character: Diana/Princess Venus (Variant)
From: Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Myself
Notes: First attempt at formalwear. The character was of an otaku senshi of mine based off of the character Diana, with this particular senshi outfit concept similar to that of Princess Venus'.

Year: 2002
Character: Lulu
From: Final Fantasy X
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Ronja
Notes: So heavy! She did the base parts of the costume (corset, overdress) while I hand-stitched the fur and belts and did accessories.

Year: 2002
Character: Yuna
From: Final Fantasy X
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: More extensive self-lesson in applique. First time doing a gradient-dye.

Year: 2002
Character: Devil Zukin
From: Dance Dance Revolution
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Ronja
Notes: Another collaboration with the lovely Ronja.

Year: 2002
Character: Kaeru Zukin
From: Dance Dance Revolution
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: This one was actually made by Jen, for Jen, but we ended up swapping costumes at the convention instead.

Year: 2002
Character: Yunie
From: Dance Dance Revolution
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Jen
Notes: This one was actually made for me, by me, but we ended up swapping costumes at the convention instead. Second attempt on wig styling - this time with pigtails!

Year: 2003
Character: Princess Serenity (Variant)
From: Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Myself
Notes: I made a variant of Serenity's gown for my jr. prom. First time I've utilized shapewear (a corset, in this case) as a costume/garment base.

Year: 2003
Character: Yuna (Gunner)
From: Final Fantasy X-2
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: n/a
Notes: This costume was one of those unfortunate victims of pre-con procrastination. The materials were purchased and most of the costume was put together, and we had everything done but fitting the tank top done. Our friends that came with us got tired of waiting for us to finish up on it so we decided to hold off. First time working with spandex and leather. It was originally going to be for Jen.

Year: 2003
Character: Rikku (Thief)
From: Final Fantasy X-2
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: n/a
Notes: First time I dyed my hair for a costume! Another unfortunate victim of pre-con procrastination and lack of parental approval. Everything was ready before the convention except the boots and the top. My mother, our con chaperone, disapproved of me wearing a bikini top for a costume. I should have seen that on coming, especially after her freaking out about me wearing Yuna's bra+halter top combo the year before.


Year: 2003
Character: Paine(Warrior)
From: Final Fantasy X-2
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Ronja
Notes: The only one that got a proper debut out of our FFX-2 group that year. First time working extensively with vinyl.

Year: 2004
Character: Pandora
From: Violinist of Hameln
Genre:
Worn By: Manga
Notes: First time cutting bangs and styling a ridiculously long wig. Part of Group Honorable Mention "Mad Props" Craftmanship Award at Anime Central 2004.

Year: 2004
Character: Pandora
From: Violinist of Hameln
Genre: Anime
Worn By: n/a
Notes: An unfortunate moving accident had its way with this costume before it could be debuted. I was originally going to wear this one at ACen 2004 (see above) but by the time we noticed, it was too late to get replacement fabrics for this costume so I did the plainer, brown dress instead.

Year: 2004
Character: Black Mage
From: Final Fantasy
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: Partial Found, partial hand-sewn variant. Some pieces recycled from v2000. FTR, my dagger was an Ogre-Slaying Knife (It's got a +9 against ogres!)

Year: 2004
Character: White Mage (Variant)
From: Final Fantasy
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Melissa (Different from v2000)
Notes: Designed by wearer, sewn by me, painted by both. Hammer constructed by my friend David.

Year: 2004
Character: Fighter
From: Final Fantasy
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Matt
Notes: This costume would not have been nearly as epic if it weren't for the sword-chucks. First time utilizing massive quantities of duct tape.

Year: 2004
Character: Lenne
From: Final Fantasy X-2
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: I did a Lenne and a friend did songstress Yuna. It was while I was working on this costume that someone suggested to me I start doing more professional-costumes. Originally intended for someone who didn't end up coming to the convention.

Year: 2004
Character: Yuna (Songstress)
From: Final Fantasy X-2
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Melissa
Notes: Collaboration with my friend Melissa (see Terra, White Mage 2004).

Year: 2004
Character: Rikku (Songstress)
From: Final Fantasy X-2
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: n/a
Notes: Another sad never-debuted story. I found the most amazing fabric for this, but ran out before I could finish the accessories. I ended up wearing the Lenne costume instead. I always intended on finishing it, but the store never got the print back instock.

Year: 2004
Character: Terra
From: Final Fantasy III
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Melissa
Notes: Amano-style Terra costume made & painted by me. Twinned with my esper terra costume.

Year: 2004
Character: Terra
From: Final Fantasy III
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: Esper-stylized Terra costume. Twinned with my friend Melissa. First time making a leotard out of dancewear fabric. First time doing full face make-up.

Year: 2004
Character: Locke
From: Final Fantasy III
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Matt
Notes: Amano-style Locke Cole costume made for my friend Matt. I conveniently forgot to mention to him that I had made him an amano-style costume isntead of a sprite-style until we got to the convention and made him put on make-up and a wig.

Year: 2004
Character: Lolita
From: Harajuku
Genre: Fashion
Worn By: Myself
Notes: Okay, so I know lolita isn't a costume, but when I first was interested in it I didn't know that. I didn't have a CLUE. This is probably the most ita-thing I have ever seen. I did make accessories that were actualy fairly decent: a super cute-headdress (which I still have), bloomers, and a choker but OMG the JSK was AWFUL. No blouse (this style could have used one), way too short, wrong shape, cheap materials, lace monster. I also did the pattern myself which turned out hideous. Do I need to go on? I may try to make a new black & white coordinate in the future at some point, but it might take a few years - especially since it's so easy to mess up the balance and end up looking like a maid.
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Year: 2004
Character: Father Alexander Anderson
From: Hellsing
Genre: Anime
Worn By: Commissionee
Notes: Commission I did in 2004. I did the coat & the crucifix. I didn't want to send this one off! I always take more time and care when working on costumes I'm getting paid for, I decided.

Year: 2004
Character: Sailor V
From: Codename wa Sailor V
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Myself
Notes: A truer version of Sailor V's costume (compared to the 1999 variant). Was a bit baggy because I decided I wanted the top to be a pullover, next time I'll make it more fitted and use a zip or two.

Year: 2005
Character: Kaitou Jeanne
From: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
Genre: Anime
Worn By: Myself
Notes: Even more ridiculous wig styling utilized in this costume. We were lucky enough to find and a Kaitou Sinbad (complete with Access Time doll!) to take pictures with.

Year: 2005
Character: Fin Fish
From: Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
Genre: Anime
Worn By: Jen
Notes: Evil version of Fin Fish. She originally wanted to do Fin, but it was decided that for the time we had together (she lives OOS from me) that Evil Fin would be easier to put together. Wings updated from LY's Ocarina costume made by my friend Ronja for our VoH skit.

Year: 2008
Character: Terra
From: Final Fantasy III
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Ronja
Notes: This one was a fun variant. A lot of pieces were made out of massive quantities I already had. There was also a lot of satin involved. My favorite part was the corset which we laced up with ribbon around faux-studs (brads make good faux-studs, btw).

Year: 2008
Character: Terra
From: Final Fantasy III
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: Another esper attempt, twin for Ronja's Terra. She looks way better in it than I do. Some pieces (mainly the wig and the leotard) were recycled from the 2004 verson.

Year: 2008
Character: Relm
From: Final Fantasy III
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Jen
Notes: Probably my favorite costume from that year. She looked fabulous! I still have the pants and wear them on a regular basis for LARP.

Year: 2009
Character: Shera
From: Final Fantasy VII
Genre: Video Game
Worn By: Myself
Notes: A goodwill cosplay that I only ended up doing at the point *because* found the pieces. I never got the chance to take in the lab-coat so I was swimming in it, but I had a super awesome Shinra Electric Power Company name badge/keycard that I made in Paint Shop Pro 7 & laminated.

Year: 2010
Character: England
From: Hetalia: Axis Powers
Genre: Manga
Worn By: Commissionee
Notes: In my experiences with LARP, I've grown a love for two materials: suedecloth & crushed velvet. As such, this jacket and the hat were both made of suedecloth. I was in absolute love with this costume too. Fully lined jacket with hand-stitched details. Didn't I tell you I do my best work for *other people*?

Year: 2010
Character: Undertaker
From: Black Butler
Genre: Anime
Worn By: Commissionee
Notes: Another costume from 2008. I got to see this one in person when I hand-delivered it to the commissionee at a local convention. Fate really didn't want me to go, as everything that could have possibly gone wrong that week did, (not with the costume, with LIFE in regards to me going to this con) but even fate couldn't stop me from getting there so she could have it for her photoshoot! Bwa ha ha!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or images posted here.
Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy X, & Final Fantasy X-2 © Square-Enix. Codename wa Sailor V, Sailormoon & Sailorstars © Naoko Takeuchi. Dragon Ball Z © Akira Toriyama. Tokyo Mew Mew © Reiko Yoshida & Mia Ikumi. Dance Dance Revolution © Konami. Violinist of Hameln © Michiaki Watanabe. Hellsing © Kouta Hirano. Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne © Arina Tanemura. Hetalia: Axis Powers © Hidekazu Himaruya. Black Butler © Yana Toboso. Lolita dress pictured by Baby the Stars Shine Bright.