Seriously, I’m getting set up for Halloween. Short story is that I basically stopped being interested in Halloween years upon years ago and therefore don’t get any candy. I don’t like candy. But I thought, why not? I can wear a costume!
So, I want a costume. How can I make one? I do not have any notable sewing ability, sorry.
How could I go about making a “Lucius Malfoy” costume or “Kagato/Illpalazzo” costume? (Harry Potter 2 and Tenchi Muyo/Excel Saga respectively)
I’ve heard of “Christmas in April,” but I think this is taking the whole move-holidays-around-for-the-less-fortunate thing to an extreme.
And what does “cosplay” mean?
Try the forum at http://www.cosplay.com/
Plenty of experience cosplayers there.
“Cosplay” ??
Stick to the costumes that are just a swimsuit and a wig/hairstyle.
Unless you’re male.
Well, the costume for Malfoy is a black suit, long (cheap) cape that you should be able to get at any costume shop, and slicked-back white hair, so that shouldn’t be too spendy. Assuming you have a black suit and have blonde hair or are willing to bleach it.
And a cane. Don’t forget the cane. Ya gotta have something to slap your inferiors around and gesticulate with.
Cosplay is when people dress up as characters from TV shows and Movies; normally when going to a fan convention or similar event.
It comes from ‘Costume Play(ing)’. In Japan, the term frequently implies a sexual aspect.
Ah – just like a Science Fiction/Fantasy convention here in the U.S. implies a sexual aspect. 
Er … so I’ve heard. :o
If I were you, I’d go ask this question at the forums here or here.
If you make an Illpalazzo costume, I want to see pictures. But make sure you’ve got yourself a Gameboy with a dating sim cartridge loaded.
Ok. The first time I ever heard the term was in Japan, so I didn’t know it still carried the full implications after crossing the pond.
Btw, the usage here isn’t usually wrt SF cons, but to the various cosplay ‘salons’ and ‘lounges’ that specialize in having female staff dressed in nurse, schoolgirl, stewardess, etc. costumes, who then, umm… ‘play’ with the customers.
If you don’t sew, hunt thrift stores for things you need. I once found a great shirt that looks just like Ranma Saotome’s, except it’s black instead of red! There are other treasures just waiting out there, I’m sure.
I made my daughter a Lina Inverse (from The Slayers) costume for Halloween. The most difficult part was the shoulder armor, which I created by gluing craft foam together with a hot glue gun. (This trick would probably work for creating a lot of anime costume pieces.) Oh, and for whatever reason, no one was selling orange wigs last Halloween. I took an old white one that I had and used the orange hair spray paint on it. It looked great! The rest of the stuff, we bought or used what we already had–pink sweatsuit, yellow tank top, gloves, boots, cape, etc. The finishing touch was the plastic sword with a red jewel on the pommel. It looked great!
Hardly anyone knew who she was supposed to be, of course, but that was no fault of the costume :).
I want to get an early start. I’m not sure how long it will take me.
No way and yes, in that order.
Thank you all very much!