This costume was based off of the work of a Japanese illustrator, and required a staggering variety of techniques in order to match the reference. This included flame working the beads across the chest, beading custom appliqués for the gloves, hat, neck piece, and stomach panels, drafting or heavily modifying every piece, and matching details across parts of the costume (for example, the gold diamonds on the side of the corset are appliquéd and satin stitched on, the tights were stenciled and painted, and the heel caps were pieced.) I also used woodworking and thermoplastic to fabricate the sword.
Additionally, I developed a rich aesthetic for this costume, using a mix of dupioni silk, taffeta and velvet in burgundy and cream, as well as adding lots of beading to the costume to have the design read as truly encrusted. Great care was taken to translate the proportions of the original illustration to my frame, keeping details and overall shape in mind.
This costume won 2nd place at the Eastern Championships of Cosplay in 2019.
