Moon Costumes Blog

Cosplay: The Art of Complete Transformation

2012-05-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Regardless of whether you're an avid cosplayer or you're just getting started, the key to any good cosplay costume is knowing how to become your character. You want your costume to be noticed and appreciated the next time you attend that cosplay event. Getting the attention you're after is easy if you just take a little time to consider what you want to show off to everyone with your costume.

Choice Of Cosplay Shop

First things first: Make sure that you visit a shop that knows about the art of cosplay. Your choice should be a shop that pays attention to details. What type of accessories does your character wear? Are the costumes authentic? Serious cosplayers aren't satisfied with run-of-the-mill costumes. They want something that will impress. A great cosplay shop understands that and will go above and beyond to fulfill your desires.

Character

The choice of the character you want to cosplay is very important. Try to choose something that you feel might be an unlikely choice for others. And go to great lengths to pick something unique that you can replicate with ease. Many of the items you need to add to the authenticity of your costume can be found right at home. So take some time and plan well. You'll be thrilled with the outcome.

Persona

Oftentimes, a great cosplay costume is accented by the persona of the person wearing it. Take some time and study the character you are portraying. What are their mannerisms? Do they have an accent? How do they walk? Learning these simple details about your character can leave others in awe of your cosplay ability.

Which character do you have your heart set on cosplaying? Go for it! A little thought and originality can lead to a great cosplaying adventure.

Plan Ahead for SteamPunk Conventions for the Rest of 2012

2012-05-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

One of the most fantastic types of cosplay conventions is the SteamPunk Convention. And if you spend any amount of time on the internet looking for this particular type of convention, you'll see that the rest of 2012, there are an incredible amount of them in the works.

SteamPunk Conventions are characterized by the retro-futuristic cosplay costumes, activities and performances that attenders have the pleasure of participating in. Fans of SteamPunk Conventions are all about socializing with other gamers who, if you ask any of them, feel that their favorite pastime is long past due in being brought out into the spotlight. Cosplayers who take part in these amazing events have the opportunity to attend workshops, see performances and connect personally with people from all walks of life who share their gaming passions.

Authenticity is the key when taking part in any SteamPunk Convention. The greatest cosplayers display a variety of futuristic, Victorian science fiction cosplay costumes that will blow your mind with their originality and intelligence. As it is with planning any good cosplay costume, specific attention should be paid to detail. SteamPunk is a rapidly growing sub-genre and those who choose to pay homage to the SteamPunk movement need to do their research. And the styles you can choose from are endless in their number. From Time Traveler to European to everything in between.

If you do plan on attending one of the SteamPunk Cosplay Conventions in 2012, the opportunity to have a fantastic time is there for the taking. And no matter which SteamPunk cosplay costume you decide to wear, you are sure to have a great time, make some lifelong friends, and have a great story to share with those who missed it.

Your Pets Can Get In the Fun! Plan Ahead for Their Costume Too

2012-05-16T10:13:00.001-07:00

You can tell a dog-lover a mile away. Whether it's the young girl who carries her pint-sized pup in a purse through the mall, or the little old lady down the street who simply lights up every time you mention one of her cats. People love pets. And if you are a pet-adoring cosplayer, there is no reason why you can't bring your pet along on an upcoming adventure, donning their very own cosplay costume.

There is such a wide variety of cosplay costumes for pets. Maybe you think your beloved companion would look the best in a costume that's fashioned to compliment yours. Or maybe you want to choose something that uniquely fits your pet's personality. No matter what you choose, your pet will enjoy a night on the town by your side.

If this is something you are considering doing with your pet, there are a few things you should do in order to make your cosplay event enjoyable for both of you. First, make sure that the event you are attending is pet-friendly. It would be a waste of time to plan for your pet only to find out that pets are not allowed. Second of all, choose your pet's cosplay costumes early enough so that you can give your pet a chance to get used to them. Animals can be very unruly when they try things for the first time. Especially if your pet has never worn any clothing before at all. Giving him or her several opportunities to wear cosplay costumes at home before the big event will insure that everything goes well.

Have fun and take on that upcoming convention with your pet by your side. Experiences like cosplay events are certainly more fun when they're shared. And your pet makes the perfect date.

PaxEast The Fun You Missed!

2012-05-13T13:42:00.001-07:00

PAX East 2012 was definitely a memorable event.

This amazing three day cosplaying experience was inundated with all kinds of gaming characters. The event took place in Boston, MA in the beginning of April. People who attended were entertained beyond imagination. If you were one of the people who missed it, you missed an awesome and noteworthy production of talented cosplayers.

The costumes were incredibly articulate and authentic as characters from everything from Mass Effect to Transformers were given presence at PAX East 2012. Attenders had the opportunity to sample a variety of games and activities while demonstrating their favorite characters.

And many PAX East attenders this year spared no expense when making their costumes as true-to-form as possible. You would have almost expected Bumblebee to transform into a car at any given moment; or incredible battles to break out between arch rivals from several popular games. The key, it seems, is in the details.

Cosplaying costumes depend on details in order to be the absolute best. It doesn't matter which character you portray, or what type of convention you plan on attending. The most authentic costumes constantly come away with the recognition every cosplayer is after when planning their attire for that special event.

PAX East 2012 certainly made its mark on Boston. Those who attended this amazing convention had the opportunity to witness a remarkable amount of cosplaying talent that weekend. And for those who didn't attend, do some brainstorming and get that cosplay costume together! With talent and fun like this, make sure you don't miss the next one. And with the right planning and preparation, you may just come out the star!

This Cosplay Batman is a Real Hero to Kids with Cancer

2012-05-13T13:31:00.001-07:00

In every sense of the word, Leonard Robinson is a true Superhero.

By utilizing his resources, as well as his big heart, he spends a vast amount of his time entertaining children in hospitals using his Batman cosplay costume. Robinson takes his responsibility as Batman very seriously. Because of his desire to brighten the bleak days of the children and families he spends time with, Robinson uses only the best accessories in order to make his appearance as Batman as authentic and unforgettable as possible. Not only does he appear exceptionally realistic as the famed Superhero, Robinson also gives out gifts to the children he visits. Upon receiving a visit from Batman, each child is given t-shirts, hats and other Batman-themed items to brighten their days. Robinson has been Batman to countless numbers of children since 2001.

In addition to his amazing Batman cosplay costume, Robinson creates a true Superhero impression by driving a Batmobile, complete with every detail necessary. Right down to the floor mats in the vehicle, which proudly display the Batman insignia.

Robinson is an inspiration to anyone who is interested in cosplay costumes. Cosplay can be utilized for a variety of reasons, including being a source of entertainment, happiness and hope for children, like the ones Robinson visits every day. The key to great cosplay costumes, as Batman illustrates so beautifully, is authenticity. Details are what's important when planning your attire for that upcoming cosplay costume party or event.

Or maybe you're inspired to make a difference like Leonard Robinson. Whatever your reason for cosplay, one thing is certain. When you choose a beautiful, detail-oriented costume, you will make a lasting impression. Just like Batman.

How to Join for Complete Fun

2012-05-06T18:01:00.002-07:00

Are you an avid cosplayer? Or maybe you've been invited to a cosplay convention or event and you're not sure how to get started. Have no fear. Regardless of where you fit in the cosplay world, getting your cosplay costumes together can be easy and fun. And you can make sure that you're the cosplayer everyone is talking about!

For starters, study the character you want to emulate. And remember, authenticity and details are the keys to great cosplay costumes. Whether you are portraying an anime character or one of your favorite movie stars, take the time to learn what makes that particular character unique and make it happen!

Don't forget to pay close attention to the mannerisms of your character. Take some time and practice how he or she walks, stands and talks. With a little time and effort, you can join in the fun with cosplayers who have been doing this for years. And the best part is, if you do it right, you won't look like a rookie!

If you aren't sure where to begin, Moon Costumes has everything you need to make that upcoming event perfect. And because we work with people for whom cosplaying is an art form, you can rest assured that we have thought of everything to make sure that your cosplay costume is the talk of the event. From entire cosplay costumes to accessories, we are on the job. And don't forget to check out what you already have at home that can be used in your costume to bring added authenticy to it.

At www.MoonCostumes.com , we take pride in helping our cosplayers achieve their goal to make their event successful. Check out how we can help you today. You won't be disappointed!

WNBA Stars Share their Favorite Childhood Costumes

2012-03-23T08:54:00.002-07:00

Although you may not remember most little details about your childhood like where you sat in particular classes, or even most of the things you learned in those particular classes, chances are you do you remember your favorite childhood Halloween or Costume, Party costumes. In fact, many of us can recount what we dressed up as year by year up to our present age and those of us who can’t quite recount things that clearly, can usually at least point out which was our favorite, most memorable costume.

Some of the greatest basketball stars from the WNBA were recently asked to name their favorite Halloween costumes and most had no trouble doing so. Danielle Adams recalled dressing up as the yellow Power Ranger one year as a child and thinking that as soon as she put on the costume that she would have the yellow power ranger’s powers. Other players recalled clown outfits, handmade gorilla suits, Cinderella, and even late 90’s pop sensations like Brittney Spears.

If the old psychology adage is true and we really do remember the events that come with a slew of emotions most easily, this phenomenon certainly speaks volumes for costumes. From the time we are young children, most of us generally come to associate costume wearing with excitement, happiness, and fun.

Fortunately as the popularity of Halloween celebrations, costume parties, and cosplay conventions continues to grow, we now have the opportunity to continue to create the same memorable occasions and life long memories well into our adulthood simply by dressing in costume.

38th Annual Comic-Con San Diego Masquerade Now Offering Exciting New Prizes

2012-03-21T10:37:00.002-07:00

The 2012 38^th annual Comic-Con will be held from July 12^th through 15th at the San Diego Convention Center. This year, many costume clad convention goes are going to have the chance to reap some awesome rewards simply by signing up to participate in the convention’s Saturday night Masquerade.

As Comic-Con staff notes, costumes are a vital ingredient of nearly all of the popular arts and an integral part of fan conventions. Although the intrinsic rewards of creating a costume from start to finish are often enough for many cosplayers, being recognized for their talents and efforts never hurts!

Comic-Con’s masquerade will be hosted by master and mistress of ceremonies Phil and Kaja Foglio of Studio Foglio. Along with an expert panel of judges and several exciting sponsors, the dynamic duo will be doling out prizes and medallions. Competitors will be judged in the categories of best in show, judges choice, best re-creation, best workmanship, most beautiful, best young fan, and even best original design. All costume genres are welcome.

A free four day membership to Comic-Con 2013 will be granted to any entrant who wins an award in one of these categories. Other prizes include a crystal trophy and $1,000 cash, special edition comics, limited edition Star Wars collectibles, and gift cards.

If staying behind the scenes and admiring each costume is more your style, there is still plenty of entertainment to be had at the masquerade for you. Comic-Con provides plenty of big screen televisions for masquerade audience members to check out each costume’s details right along with the judges.

WonderCon 2012 offers Another Great Reason to Cosplay and Enjoy!

2012-03-19T13:56:00.002-07:00

There really are so many great events for cosplay lovers in California. WonderCon 2012 took place this past weekend and was certainly a blast for everyone who was able to make it out. The event, which is just coming off of their best year ever with 49,000 attendees in its 25^th annual San Francisco area event, may have tallied up even more total attendees this year.

This year WonderCon, which is always a weekend long event, was held at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California instead of the usual Moscone Center South location successful WonderCons have been held out for the last six consecutive years. When WonderCon staff found out that the Moscone Center South was due for renovations all throughout 2012, they seized the opportunity to hold WonderCon 2012 at a new location with many perks.

Since the Anaheim Convention Center is located within walking distance of Disneyland’s free downtown Disney district, cosplaying fans and their entire families enjoyed hopping back and forth between WonderCon events and Disneyland for an ultimate fantasy weekend getaway, and yes, WonderCon goers were also able to score discounted VIP tickets to all of the other Disneyland theme parks as well!

At the convention center itself, fans were given the opportunity to check out exclusive programming from the top comics publishers in the country, movie and television panels, anime, autographs, games, and more. Many participated in the weekend’s masquerades as well! Aside from WonderCon's great location, warm weather as well as great available accommodations, excellent dining opportunities, and easy transportation all made this event perfect for costume lovers and super fans.

Tired of Looking for Love in “Alderaan Places?” Check out Philadelphia Wizard World 2012

2012-03-11T16:56:00.002-07:00

Philadelphia area cosplay fan? Then, you won’t want to miss the upcoming 2012 Wizard World Convention. This is no small event! Wizard World attracts tens of thousands of each year, and this year is expected to be bigger than ever! The four-day event is brought to us by the group whose Comics Cons are the favorites among many fans costume enthusiasts, and cosplayers.

The convention celebrates the best of pop culture including movies, comics, toys, video gaming, games, TV, horror, original art, collectibles, anime, manga, MMA and more. This is one Comic Con that truly has something for everyone! Fans will have the chance to catch a glimpse of hundreds of special guests and famous faces both in and out of costume at the event, participate in panels, and even possibly snag a few autographs. Tickets are still available for the event which will take place between Thursday May 31^st and Sunday June 3^rd!

What’s more? The innovative folks at Wizard World are even bringing something new to the mix this year. Comic Con Speed Dating will take place as well at this year’s convention. That’s right, love will be in the air at this May’s big event! Comic Con has always been a great place to mingle with kindred spirits but now, sci-fi and costume loving singles will have an excellent chance to meet even more new people and possibly spark up a little something more.

The Wizard World Website says it best, “If you are tired of looking for love in Alderaan places, if you want to terminate your single life, and if you are looking for something that you’re comic collection will actually impress, then sign up!”

Smiling Faces Young and Old Spotted at the Fifth Annual Philippines Cosplay Convention

2012-03-08T08:46:00.002-08:00

The fifth annual cosplay convention took place in Malate, Manila in the Philippines last Saturday. Nearly two hundred cosplay and costume enthusiasts of all ages gathered in the mall center to mix, mingle, and show off their best poses and gear.

Attendees of the event recounted the admirable stares they received while headed along Pedro Gil, Padre Faura, and M. Adriatico Streets on their way to the main event. Many passer buys asked to pose and have their pictures taken with the fans who were elaborately decked out in costume.

Creativity was certainly on display last Saturday in this unique setting for a cosplay convention. Perhaps the public nature of the event’s location will inspire more fans young and old to dress up for the convention next year.

In the crowd onlookers could spot Black Heart of Ghost Rider, Cloud Strife of Final Fantasy, and the female protagonists from Hell Girl, Black Rock Shooter, and Vampire Knight, among many others. Special guest Nico Leo Arenzen (aka Nico Fresh) who guest stars on GMA Network’s “Walang Tulugan” came dressed as Star Eclipse of the RF Online computer game, a costume which he admits took him four months working three hours per day to complete.

At this year’s convention, many fans tried to tackle difficult costumes to show their dedication while others simply dressed up in easier, more casual costumes in order to focus on simply enjoying the celebration. Many of the costume accessories and faux weapons that could be seen in the mall center were notably elaborate.

Thanks to the media, and perhaps to the more public events like this one, cosplay is picking up more and more fans both in the Philippines and around the world.

Wig Application for Cosplayers

2012-03-05T09:50:00.001-08:00

For those of us with long or thick hair who also love to act, cosplay, or dress in costume for any reason, pinning hair up flat enough against the top of the head securely is a must when it comes to finishing an overall look that also has staying power. A hair piece or costume accessory that is awkwardly lumpy as well as one that constantly runs the risk of falling off at any given moment during a performance or party can be frustrating.

For both men and women with long hair, properly applying a wig to finish a great costume can seem downright impossible. The task of applying a “skin head cap” to create a convincing appearance of baldness can be even trickier, but while affixing a wig securely to your head without sacrificing your long locks may be tough, it actually isn’t impossible. In order to complete the task, costume experts recommend arming yourself with a comb, a package of bobby pins or hair pins, a wig cap, as well as the wig or head accessory of your choice.

Next, you’ll need to master the art of braiding or pin-curling your hair. Both braids and pin curls can your hair up while providing an anchor for your wig. When using the braiding method, be sure to create a few braids to avoid having one big lump under your wig. Coil each braid tightly and pin it against your scalp using U-shaped hairpins. If you’ll be putting your hair up and applying your wig yourself during the day of a big event, just be sure to practice pining up your curly-cued swaths of hair or braids a few times before hand to get the hang of it.

Zenkaikon 2012 Fun to Continue at New Philadelphia Area Location

2012-02-24T09:50:00.003-08:00

Anime and cosplay fans in the Philadelphia area have something great to look forward to this spring! This year’s Zenkaikon will take place from May 11^th through 12^th.Founded in 2006, 2012 Zenkaikon is now in its 6^th year and this year’s event might just be bigger than ever.

Each year Zenkaikon brings a celebration of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture to the Philadelphia area. This year, fans will get to enjoy two days of fun including video screenings, special guests, concerts, dances, panels, gaming, cosplay, dealers, artists, and more at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

While Zenkaikon was held at The Valley Forge Convention Center during previous years, the 2012 closing of the VFCC for renovations did force Zenkaikon organizers to relocate the Philadelphia area event. The new, well sized, location will provides a great space for this year’s festivities. Although this year’s event will only last for 2 days, negotiations are under way for a 3 day even at the Oaks, PA location for 2013.

Some fans may be disappointed to hear that cosplay chess will not be taking place this year, however, there will still be plenty of opportunities to wear full costume during Zenkaikon’s spring 2012 festivities. Fans should feel free to wear full costume on the convention floor and should definitely dress up for the Zenkaikon dances including the Friday Night Rave where DJ Jurono will be serving up hard dance and Japanese happy hardcore music as well as the Saturday Night Rave at which attendees can expect to hear mash ups of classic video game tunes with the latest in electro/progressive music from DJ Hi5.

Brightly Costumed Fans Steal the Show at MegaCon 2012

2012-02-22T10:38:00.002-08:00

Fans packed the Orange County Convention Center last weekend for MegaCon 2012. The event which took place from Friday, February 17^th through Sunday, February 19^thkicked off with an official VIP Party held at the Doubletree Resort Orlando International Oceans Ballroom. The launch festivities included celebrity guests and a DJ dance party.

MegaCon events include several exhibitors, panels, gaming, book signings, tattoo and art displays and more. Headlining guests this year included Stan Lee of Marvel Comics and Tom Felton of the Harry Potter Films. This sunny orange county event was reasonably priced. Fans could check out the show for the day for just $25 or buy a full weekend pass for just $60.

MegaCon, which celebrates science fiction, comic books, anime, movies, as well as pop culture, is one of the most fun annual events during which Cosplay lovers can show off their skills. This year, fans dressed in costumes from across the spectrum. From body paint, to hair gel and spray to costume accessories like wigs and elaborate face makeup, costume wearers pulled out all the stops. In the crowd, which seemingly turned the convention center into an exciting rainbow of colors, one could spot Wonder Woman, Storm Troopers, Thor, Batgirl and many other recognizable characters.

Fans of all ages attended the last weekend’s convention. Even entire families including moms, dads, and kids made their way to convention center together. MegaCon gives cosplay or “costume play” fans a chance to take a break from their everyday activities and to have fun dressing up each year, so if you missed last weekend’s festivities, it’s time to start planning for 2013!

India Comic Con a Hit with Older Fans

2012-02-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

The second annual Comic Con India took place at Dubai’s Dilli Haat building last week. The event, which showcased a large range of India’s comic heroes new and old, hosted several events such as live entertainment, contests, and a cosplay competition. The newer annual event celebrates the use of cartoons and comics in the ancient Indian tradition of storytelling. This year’s convention showcased a variety of titles in several formats from eight-page booklets to big graphic novels.

Fans gathered to indulge in the latest news about Indian superheroes such as Avatars of Visnu, a title that also happens to be the subject within many books as well. While many classic regional titles were highlighted, many popular titles with cosplayers and convention goers included titles that take influences from the West as well as from Japanese style Manga as well.

Over 80 notable participants and several interactive sessions and panels with renowned artist like Robert Crumb made the event a must-see for any comic and cosplay fans in the area. It was noted, however, that one thing was notably missing from the convention – a large amount of younger comic book fans. Although the convention is an all ages event, more adults than adolescents and children were in attendance. India film-maker and creator of Munkeeman Abhisek Sharma told the Calcutta New Net that this may be because “more children (are) now increasingly drawn to interactive media such as the internet.”

This trend may have left traditional comic book inspired cosplay up to fans from an older generation this year. However, cosplay and comics themselves are alive and well nonetheless. With comics becoming darker, edgier, and more complex, many experts say they are consistently gathering fans from a more mature audience.

Embracing modern shifts, many content creators at the convention took the opportunity to showcase their comics as apps for popular smart phones and tablets. New titles available for tablets like the iPad are likely to attract new fans of all ages.

Cosplay – Sometimes it’s all about the Accessories!

2012-02-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

What sets a good costume apart from a great costume? When each are made from the same materials and with the same great craftsmanship the answer is simple. It is quite arguably the accessories. What would Dr. Spock be without his pointy ears and what would the Jedi knights be without their light sabers? What would Batman look like without his signature belt? As far as many costume critics are concerned, probably woefully ill equipped.

Accessories can really make a costume stand out and in fact, they are what many cosplay enthusiasts spend the most time planning. If you’re going to cosplay Queen Elizabeth, your look just won’t be the same without an aristocratic wig and jewelry and if you’re going to play a pirate, you might look pretty boring without a decent sword, bandana, or eye patch.

When putting your costume together to attend your next Comic Con event or masquerade, make sure you look at multiple still shots of your character. It can be easy to overlook the details unless you really examine every body part from head to toe. Does your character wear multiple rings on their pinky finger? Then, if at all possible, of course you should too. Even the subtlest details make a difference.

Accuracy is important when it comes to costume accessories, but it’s also important to remember that, while it’s good for your costume accessories to look like they belong right on a Hollywood set, that you certainly don’t need to spend as much on them as a studio would spend on a professional prop or costume designer. There are so many great costume accessories available right on the web at affordable prices.

FaerieCon West – One of the Best Reasons to Dress in Costume during February

2012-02-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great reason to dress in costume this February? If you’re on the West Coast or can make it out to Seattle this weekend, you certainly shouldn’t miss the up and coming FaerieCon West. FaerieCon West is a spin off from its original east coast counterpart FaerieCon and will be taking place for the first time ever this weekend.

The weekend long celebration will take place at the nationally acclaimed Renaissance West hotel in downtown Seattle, just a few city blocks away from the famous Pike Market. Guest will be able to enjoy world class accommodations while fully emerging themselves in a fantasy world all their own.

Many great guests are already lined up to make appearances and to perform at this weekend’s premier event. The roster even includes fantastic bands whom will provide the music for the much-awaited FaerieCon West masquerades.

Like the original FaerieCon, FaerieCon West will feature masquerade dance parties where all attendees will be in costume. Of course, most will be dressed as faeries and other fantasy winged creatures for the evening. Good Faerie and Bad Faerie masquerade balls – you’ll for the evening! This year’s feature masquerades are entitled the Good Faerie and Bad Faerie masquerade balls, so you’ll need to make your choice before you decide which costume to wear!

Aside from all of the masquerade fun, FaerieCon West guest will get to enjoy awesome exhibitors showcasing beautiful apparel, jewelry, masks, and other handmade crafts, fashion shows, performers, storytellers, panels, workshops, and more.

If you don’t make it out to FaerieCon West this year, start planning now for next year now! This event is shaping up to become an annual west coast must see for fantasy, fairy, and costume lovers alike!

Annual Bay Area Edwardian Ball Remains a Favorite among Steampunk Cosplayers

2012-02-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

This year’s 12^th annual Edwardian Ball in California was a huge success. In the San Francisco Bay area, now known as the birthplace of so many modern technologies, the ball has come to be known as a welcomed change of page for Steampunk and cosplay fans.

This year’s the ball was held on January 21^stand was themed the Iron Tonic, after a Gorey poetry collection about a melancholy hotel for ill and elderly guests. The ball was the culmination of a weekend long series of events that began with a burlesque show at the DNA Lounge.

As the ball is a slightly idealized throw-back to the era in which King Edward VII ruled, to stay in theme, the women who attended the ball wore corsets, long skirts, hats with feathers, while men wore waistcoats, cravats, fancy vests, and top hats, a fun period staple piece. The Edwardian era was one where the use of electricity was brand new, as was the automobile. Art Nouveau was all the rage when it came to the art and architectural styling of the times.

Many of the annual ball attendees are high tech professionals by day, some even executives and strategy directors for hot Silicon Valley companies. By night and on special occasions, however, these ball goers are huge fans of cosplay. According to some, the love of steampunk style even goes beyond costume and cosplay as many like to try to incorporate a bit of Edwardian fashion into their everyday lifestyle.

This amazing party dates back to 1999 when Justin Katz, the bass player in Rosin Coven, pulled together a few hundred friends and fans into a nightclub for readings of Gorey’s work. The bay area is actually home to many other fantasy events including Burning Man and has become quite the cosplay destination.

Social Networks Just for Cosplay!

2012-01-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about social networking is that it has allowed members of niche groups with many like interests in common to link up with each other even if they are spread throughout the globe. With a little help from social networking, the cosplay community has become an enormous global one. Many cosplayers who would’ve otherwise never met each other have made life-long friendships.

If you are new to cosplay and looking for places to meet other cosplayers, you can start on some of the larger social networking sites like Facebook, but you’ll definitely want to check out some of the genre specific social networks as well. No matter what particular genre interests you when it comes to cosplay, chances are you’ll be able to find other on-line who share the same passion.

There are so many networks out there. All you need to do is a little exploring and searching. Try networks like Cosspace, AALikeThese2, Cosplay Islant, and the Soul Society-Bleach Social Network. The social network Anime Kasei is for otaku or newbies to cosplaying! It’s a great place to start connecting with other cosplayers and you may also want to try Naruto Buzz which features message boards, forums, chats, a cosplay store for everyone and also gives its members the ability to instant message each other Many cosplayers love this community and best of all, membership is free.

If you’re particularly into manga and anime, you may want to check out the MyAnimeList community. This site is like pinterest for anime lovers, allowing you to organize your collections and discover new things.

As the love for cosplay has grown so has its internet presence. In turn cosplays internet presence has helped the cosplay continue to grow and unite!

Cosplay for Beginners – Getting Stared as a Cosplayer

2012-01-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

Do you want to start cosplaying but aren’t sure where to start? Cosplay message boards and forums are filled with men and women of all ages who want to get into the art form, but simply don’t know the best way to begin. There’s no better way to learn how to cosplay than from cosplayers themselves, so read on to get some how-to-get-started tips from avid players themselves.

Tip 1 – You Don’t have to Break the Bank!

Chances are you may not have the thousands of dollars some sponsored cosplayers spend on their costumes to invest in your first costume. Check out what you already have in your closet. Remember that old t-shirts can be cut up and made into headbands, and that basic clothing items can be used as the base of many character costumes. Don’t be afraid to check out local thrift stores and, if you’re looking for the perfect accessory for your character, check out the Moon Costumes accessories page which features accessories at affordable prices.

Tip 2 – Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help!

One experienced cosplayer who goes by the name “Shania Nowhere” reminds beginner cosplayers that there’s nothing wrong with [asking for help], and encourages them to find a “sensei” or teacher or someone who can create with them. You can ask even ask one of the experts at Moon Costumes to help you to create a custom costume! While the design is all yours, you won’t have to get caught up in all the details that can put so many first time cosplayers off. This way, you’ll have more time to make the perfect travel plans for your first big convention instead of worrying about whether or not your costume will fit comfortably!

Remember, if you want to start cosplaying, there’s no better time than the present! Jump right in and you won’t regret it! Don’t miss out on any more fun.

It’s Time to Get on the Road to Ohayocon

2012-01-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

Just a short decade ago in 2001, a couple of young staffers from Intrepid set out to create a convention for Japanese Animation fans near the Columbus Ohio area. Little did they know that ten years later the Ohio event would become the go-to destination for one of the most fun, original, and unique cosplay events of the year.

A weekend long event, Ohayocon, as the event has come to be called, is dedicated towards celebrating Japanese animation and all of the art, culture, and community that surrounds it. Ohayocon takes its brilliant name from the pronunciation of the namesake of its location and from the spelling of the Japanese word that means “good morning!”

The event, which uniquely focuses on Japanese animation or anime, whereas other conventions focus on a wider variety of genres, features a full helping of cosplay contests, panels, video programming, workshops, gaming and more. The highlight on Japanese visual media makes the event a very exciting one for Japanese animation lovers and cosplayers from not just only Ohio but from around the country, and even from around the world.

At Ohayocon 2012, which will take place in just a few short days, fans will be treated to five separate cosplay competitions. Competitors will vie for titles in the areas of masquerade craftsmanship, masquerade performance, Steampunk, and Hallway. The fifth competition will be The Lindsay Mascot challenge.

Truly unique features like the Lolita Tea Party which will take place on Saturday morning during the convention, and the Pajama Jam, which will feature games and other shenanigans as well as a "Sleepy Time Cosplay Contest" make Ohayocon one cosplay event you won’t want to miss.

Victoria Secret goes Cosplay Crazy!

2012-01-14T15:48:00.000-08:00

Last year, Victoria’s Secret, the lingerie retail giant who is perhaps best known for sending the top models in the industry down the runway each year, decided to change things up a bit. The company spent over $12 million turning their supermodels into “superheroes” using sci-fi and comic book inspired costumes that were adjusted to create an extra feminine flair.

Capes, wings, and tights filled Victoria’s Secrets Lexington Amory housed runway during the first week of November 2011, during what one could call “one giant leap” into the mainstream for the art of cosplay. Model’s costumes were even completed with props such as glow sticks, heels, wings, heroic white gloves and more.

Some of the costumes in the show took direct inspiration from popular and specific characters while others went a bit more out on a limb. The world famous Adriana Lima’s costume which mimicked the color palette of Deathstroke from Terminator, was one of the biggest hits of the show which was eventually was aired for public enjoyment by CBS at 10 p.m. on November 29^th. While other looks throughout the show disappointed some cosplay bloggers who thought Victoria’s Secret could’ve made the get-ups a bit more “field-worthy,” many seemed to appreciate the effort and the homage to the every growing cosplay community.

Last year’s Victoria’s Secret’s fashion show may have been one of many recent signs that cosplay is making its way into the mainstream, and of course the Victoria Secret’s looked great in their Superhero inspired garb. However, the members of the devoted cosplay community that can be seen at Comic Cons and expos all around the globe still seem to rock their costumes and know their characters the best!

Famous Cosplayer Crystal Graziano goes Pro!

2012-01-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

If you love cosplay chances are you’ve become acquainted with famous cosplayer Crystal Graziano. From Metal Gear to Valkyria Chronical, Crystal Graziano is said to be one of the most recognizable video game cosplayers on the internet and in person. Crystal is a self taught cosplayer who started cosplaying in 2005 at San Diego Comic Con and has enjoyed the hobby ever since. She has been featured along with her awesome costumes in many mainstream publications like The San Diego Tribune, OC Weekly, and more. Gracing the pages of many gaming publications like Xbox World Magazine and Official Playstation Magazine UK as well, she is the winner of gamer hearts everywhere! Crystal can also boast about two first place awards for cosplay costumes in 2010 and an impressive “Best Construction” award at Anime Conji 2011.

Now, cosplay artist Crystal is going pro! Last week the Fancy Pants cosplay feature from Kotaku reported that Crystal has just signed a one year sponsorship deal with developer Firefall developers Red 5 Studios. In fact, a great deal of Crystal’s work is now sponsored. When it comes to the Red 5 deal, the developer will be paying for each of Crystal’s cosplay costumes throughout 2012 no matter what she wants to wear. Talk about living the dream! The developer will be paying for all tools, costumes, and even photography in exchange for Crystal’s appearance as Firefall Mourningstar at all 2012 press and community events.

For a cosplayer whose mission is “to make sure [her] costumes as real looking as accurate as possible,” the sponsorship certainly doesn’t sound like a bad deal! Crystal’s own Firefall Mourningstar costume is being created by Hollywood effects living Steve Wang, the man who built the original predator. As “Fancy Pants” points out, sponsorships like these are proof that cosplay is certainly not just a hobby for “nerds” anymore. It is now respected as a serious (and lucrative) form of art!

What were Cosplayers Wearing in 2011?

2012-01-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last year was yet another great year for Cosplayers with conventions and ComicCon events taking place around the world. With attendance steadily rising at many costume and cosplay events, cosplay veterans and newcomers alike could see that they certainly have many kindred spirits and fellow enthusiasts… but just what were those fellow enthusiasts dressed like in 2011? Read on to learn more about a few of Japan’s best selling cosplay costumes last year.

Three of the Top Selling Japanese Cosplay Costumes

Kyosuke Kosaka from There’s No Way My Little Sister is This Cute - This costume hails from a Japanese novel series written by Tsukasa Fushimi with illustrations by Hiro Kanzaki. The series is currently only widely read in Japan but who knows, maybe Kyosuke Kosaka will make her way to the states!

Nurse Costume from Macross Frontier the Movie: The Wings of Goodbye - This new show celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross TV series and introduces Earth’s latest main variable fighter, the VF-25 Messiah and a new ship called Macross Frontier. Although the nurse costume from the movie was the biggest hit, many other cosplay costumes based on the movie’s characters sold well throughout Japan.

Shingo Uryu Costume from Mashiroiro Symphony: Love is pure white – This costume from a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Palette was reportedly a great seller throughout 2011. Love is Pure White was released in late 2009 as Palette’s ninth title and still has a great following.

Interestingly enough, these three popular Japanese cosplay costumes of 2011 might be completely unfamiliar to many Westerners because they take their influence from titles that are only widely distributed in Japan. How many of them did you recognize?

History of the Mummer’s Day Parade

2011-12-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

New Years Day is just around the corner. The day is the most exciting holiday of the year for many, especially for thousands of Philadelphia area Mummer’s and their fans. New Year’s Day is the annual culmination to a Mummer’s entire year of meticulous preparations. Finally, on this day each year, a mummer finally gets to strut his or her stuff in their handmade costume.

For nearly 200 years the city of Philadelphia has looked forward to watching the Mummer’s each year. Now, television viewers around the look forward to watching the Mummer’s parade on New Year’s Day, many having incorporated viewing parties for the event into their own family traditions.

On the surface, the Mummer’s Parade, is simply a festive costume rich celebration, which is of course, candy to the spectator’s eye, but to many, the annual celebration means much more. The parade’s roots can be traced back to mid-17^th century roots. The event is related to the Mummers Play tradition from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, but takes route in many other cultures as well.

Settlers from Sweden brought the custom of visiting neighbors on “Second Day Christmas” with them to Tinicum, near Philadelphia, eventually growing the Celebration into an event which extended into New Year’s Day for which participants wore elaborately festive costumes. Although “masquerades” and “masquerade balls” were declared common nuisances” in 1808, that didn’t stop those who wanted to carry on the Mummer’s tradition.

By 1840, the first documented competitive Mummer’s “club” or “chain gang” was formed, and later, the New Year’s Day parade also become the arena for a large costume competition. Local clubs, now called “New Years Associations” now compete in one of four categories (Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades). Elaborate costumes and scenery are prepared by the clubs by hand for each big day. Fans can now watch the parade along the streets of center city Philadelphia or on WPHL-TV, WGN America, and WGN-TV.