October 19, 2008 02:00 PM | by 
A popular way to partake in cosplay has nothing to do with dressing up as a favorite fictional character. Those who are in the know have the knowledge that there are many sides to cosplaying and that all facets of this fun performance sport are filled with imagination, theater and creativity. These original concept outfits become characters of the avant garde and stem from original styles, designs and just homemade heart. Diverse expression is found within these fashioned charactetures and our winning finalist May Madarang represents the artful beauty that is in this costuming experience. She was voted out of hundreds of wonderful entries and we can see why May is number one.
Q: What are some of the things that first inspired you to cosplay?
A: For most of the conventions I’ve attended I accompanied friends that would dress up. I used to be there as a spectator not really fully participating because I spent a lot of time in the video game room and roaming around. Though now I’ve been out of the con scene for awhile so when I attended AnimeNext in NJ, I was eager to wear a costume this time. My outfit was well received and I thought I’d try it out again at a bigger convention.
Q: Can you tell us a bit on your winning costume… what was your costume for that day?
A: My friend Iris Chen a talented artist who travels to many conventions around the US bought my the top in Japan. It was a graduation gift from her and my friend Obi. I wore a top designed by Takuya Sawada. His clothing line is a brand called Takuya Angel. At the New York Anime Festival I met many people interested the group that organizes the Tokyo Decadence parties (a night of mixed genres) and as well as Japanese modern street fashion (Lolita, Kogal, Ganguro, Bosozoku, or EGA Victorian-like). There were many people into those types of Japanese style and clothing.
Q: Were you in different costumes each day?
A: No, I only attended Saturday.
Q: Do you have any favorite costumes you’ve seen during conventions past?
A: I really like seeing highly accessorized outfits, bright colors, and hard to make/carry props.
Q: How do you decide which costumes to design and wear next?
A: It’s a spur of the moment. Whatever inspires me. This was the second time wearing this Takuya Angel top.
Q: Do you think about your characters personality before hand, or is there anything else you consider?
A: I did not think about a character personality, by wearing the proper wardrobe I hope to present the character through style and the Japanese club culture.
Q: What skills does a Cosplayer need?
A: Wear it, and wear it confidently! Don’t be alarmed by hard stares, photo taking, and random glomps. Be interactive and engaging.
Q: What type of planning goes into your Costume?
A: I was quick to come up with the idea. It took some time to gather the right color material, synthetic hair, and cut and hem-iron it together. ( to compliment my Takuya Angel top)
Q: How many conventions do you attend a year?
A: It used to attend Animazement in Durham, North Carolina every summer. This was the first year I attended a convention in New Jersey and New York.
Q: Did you always attend in costume?
A: No this has been my debut!
Q: What are the best things about being involved in Cosplay?
A: Wearing the costume (hair, make-up, clothing) is a form of expression and captures a certain appearance by standing out. I felt like I was showcasing a brighter side of myself! It was fun, a little vain, but it was cute!
Q: What advice do you have for anyone looking to get involved with cosplay?
A: Since this was basically the first costume I wore, I would encourage people to dress up if they haven’t done so in the past. It really adds to the convention experience! I wish I had the confidence before, it’s never too late! Get involved! =)
Q: Are you looking forward to Cosplay at NY Comic Con? Who will you be?
A: I look forward to the artwork, meeting people, and seeing how anime contrasts to the other forms of comics.
May is also featured on the Tokyo Decadence website and was in a photoshoot by photographer Devvon Simpson. So check out these Cool Links from May!
Iris Chen: Deadly Claris
Mosaic Globe
Devvon Simpson: Weebly
Myspace
