Ok,
ok. I'm sure you guys were expecting my first Speak Out post on
gaming, writing, or something of that ilk, because I talk about it
CONSTANTLY. However. There are a few things with which I frequently
geek out over. One of them is costuming.
If
you're one of my close friends, this is no surprise to you. I've done
a few costumes in the past for friends, not in the least bit
excluding my work on a Final Fantasy costume extravaganza. My
interests in costuming have deep roots in my love of theater and the
ability of clothing to transform a person. Sometimes all it takes is
a new hat to make an outfit a thousand times better. Ok, maybe not a
thousand times, but pretty darn close. Beyond a simple outfit change
is the mental change that's taken on by the person to sort of become
that figure that they're representing.
My
personal experience in the world of costuming has been short but
entirely fulfilling. A few years back I created the aforementioned
final fantasy costumes for myself and two of my friends for
Halloween. My costume alone took about 72 hours of almost non-stop
work, and countless hours on the other two. By the end, Cloud, Tifa,
and Lulu emerged to a Halloween party, with rounds of compliments and
a ton of congratulating. I even got mentioned in Cloud's Best Costume
acceptance speech. It was all a lot of fun and to be honest something
I wouldn't mind repeating. I work on costumes for Ren Faires on the
side, mostly for myself. Occasionally I'll work on something for
someone else, with no pay, but entirely for the love of working with
the fabric and seeing the 'customer's' thrilled face at the end of
it. Watching them go through fittings and adjustments, so it fits
them perfectly is great.
I've
always be fascinated by this sort of change. Just watching shy
individuals go from their day to day to these amazing characters all
because of some make-up, hair, and wardrobe. This sort of change is
expected of actors and stage-folk, however the change is most
remarkable from those that you have friends of, most likely. Or at
the very least, you've heard them whispered about in the shadowy
corners of the gaming and convention worlds. Cosplayers and LARPers.
No? Oh ok, just no idea of what they are. Time for a brief
explanation.
Cosplayers
are “short
for 'costume play',is a type of performance art in which participants
don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or
idea.” This sort of performance (and yes, it
is a performance) can range from Halloween to any particular
convention you attend. Often times at these conventions there are
prizes for best cosplay for the weekend, with many contests and
events for the costumed to parade around and show off their handy
work.
LARPers
are “Live action role players”. These individuals dress up in
costume, must like the cosplayers , but take it a step further acting
out their characters and recording their hits, misses, successes and
failures within the game environment. More often than not these
people can be found in groups over the weekends in the woods with
their friends, practicing their craft. I should say right off the
bat, that while most people have some degree of disdain in the gaming
world for these people, I don't share in that opinion. Hell, I think
it's great! Have I done it? No. Will I ever? Probably not. Why, you
ask? Why don't you?
Regardless
on your feelings on either of these categories, the idea of dressing
up and acting is not a new one nor a terribly novel concept. It's
trans-formative powers are amazing and quite well known throughout
the world. Another wonderful example of the costuming art? Drag
Queens. Love them! No really. I think it's amazing. I really do.
I've watched a few on tv and then so many tutorials online about how
to cover and fix and conceal things that, if I were a man, I'd have
tried it by now. Helps that I have a ton of makeup. Another one of
those; if you know me, you wouldn't be shocked moments.
Costuming
and makeup offer the world a chance to see yourself in a different
light, potentially a more positive one that will drive you to bring
these sort of behavior that you may want to make slight changes in in
your day to day. So think about it the next time you start your day
on a sour note. Maybe throw on your favorite shirt, or spend a minute
or two extra fluffing your hair. Something little that can help
transform your attitude and the attitude of those around you.
Namaste,
Jessi
 |
| I am only responsible for three of these costumes, but the party was amazing. Great memories. |
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