Awards
Otakon 2010 2nd Place Master Craftsman Division
In the spring of 2010 I wanted to do something more anime/video game cosplay than the fantasy costuming I’d been working on and decided to go with the Exile Coat from the opening cut scene of FFXIII. It’s made from a modified Simplicity 5386, the Matrix duster pattern. I added a hood, closed the front opening and neckline, and modified the hemline. With the front closed, it just slips on over my head. It was my first time playing with lights and there’s EL tape, sheets, and wiring throughout. And cannibalized glowsticks. Unfortunately I underestimated how quickly it would eat through batteries and bought out the entire stock of 9volts at the 7/11 near Otakon. It wasn’t enough to leave the lights on for long but I’m still impressed that the glow from the headpiece and chest lights showed up on stage. The EL sheets were much more visible than the tape on the sleeves and body of the coat. Also, the color- blocked black and white pants are ridiculously comfortable and still get worn even with the rest of the costume retired.
