Ningin’s NYAF 2nd Place Winner Mimo Moore

Ningin’s own NYAF cosplay contest had participants that came from anime, manga, video-games and original concepts. Our 2nd runner up Mimo Moore represents a part of this subculture facet takes it origins from Music. J-rock, Goth Rock, and Visual Kei inspire  cosplay participants like Mimo to embrace the genres style and create amazing looks. Mimo Moore’s own creativity for the unique utilizes talent and imagination to form dramatic androgynous beauty.

Q: Was this your first time cosplaying?
A: No, but this was my first anime con and I loved it!

Q: What are some of the things that first inspired you to cosplay?
A: I’m actually very new to the world of cosplaying and didn’t know it even existed until I stumbled upon it a few months ago while surfing the net.  Obviously anime was a huge inspiration, but what really convinced me to give it a try were some great photos I had seen on the net of “professional cosplayers.”  They pretty much looked like models with a themed shoot, and I’m not new to the world of modeling.  I’ve been a professional model for about 5 years now, and versatility has always been my strong point.  Cosplaying seemed like a fun, creative way of combining all of my talents, skill, and experience without making it seem like a “job”, I truly enjoy it.

Q: How does cosplay relate to your career as a model?
A: The two are amazingly intertwined.  I’ve made some drastic changes when it comes to modeling in the past few months. I modeled almost exclusively within the American hip hop industry and now I’ve been doing mostly Visual Kei.  It’s two completely different worlds and lifestyles, but I can relate to both of them.

Q: Are there any specific Jrock/Visual Kei musicians that influence you more than others?
A: Miyavi, Gazette, and Versailles.  Though I often reference to many different artists of various VK styles.

Q: Can you tell us a bit on your winning costume… what was your costume for that day?
A: My costume for that day was a Visual Kei inspired outfit I made using various fabrics I wasn’t really aiming for anyone in particular, but most people seem to associate me with Ruki from Gazette, which is great! I’m a hardcore Visual and I think it represents a relatively small but strong subset of Japanese alternative fashion.  I’m a bit surprised there weren’t more Visuals there – Visual Kei is such a powerful representation of freedom and choice.  What better place to represent than right here in New York City’s New York Anime Festival?  All you local Visuals or potential Visuals out there have to contact me!  *

Q: Do you have any favorite material or accessories that help you being your cosplay to life?
A: It’s all about accessories and most importantly – the hair!!  A cybergoth, steampunk, and Visual can all wear the same outfit but will be categorized differently based almost exclusively on hair alone.  Miyavi and Ruki are truly amazing, they can wear something from Old Navy and still make it look VK.  My favorite accessories are my hair extensions that I can easily clip on and off.  I can change the color and length of my hair at any time, and it makes a huge difference!

Q: Were you in different costumes each day?
A: Friday I cosplayed as L from Death Note, chained to my cosplay partner who played Light.  Saturday morning I was a Visual, and in the afternoon I went back to being L.  Sunday I was a Visual all day, and that’s when the 2nd winning picture was taken.

Q: Do you have any favorite costumes you’ve seen during conventions past?
A: I do, and they are the ones where the person resembles the character they are cosplaying, the costume is on point with all its accessories and details, and just as importantly, the person is in-character when it’s time for photos!  At NYAF 2008, there was an amazing Ryuk (Death Note) and a little Naruto that really caught my eye.  Ryuk made it to the top 50 finalists (congrats!)

Q: How do you decide which costumes to design and wear next?
A: I stick to things that I think I have a physical resemblance to and that I can relate to in respect to character personality.

Q: Do you think about your characters personality before hand, or is there anything else you consider?
A: I do, very much so.  In fact I’ll watch an episode or two, or random clips online to “get the mood right.”

Q: What skills does a Cosplayer need?
A: The biggest responsibility a cosplayer has is to pose for pictures, so being willing to do so, having the confidence to do so, and having the poses and expressions down make a great cosplayer!

Q: What type of planning goes into your Costume?
A: It’s usually something very spontaneous.  I’m working on my first Visual Kei-inspired clothing collection and I’ll get a random idea in the middle of work and sketch it on index cards that I keep in my pocket.  I’m hoping to have the first clothing collection done sometime next year.

Q: How many conventions do you attend a year?
A: NYAF 2008 was my first anime con and 2nd time cosplaying if you don’t include Visual Kei.  So you’ll have to get back to me a year from now for a real answer.  * I already have my plane ticket and pass for Fanime 2009 in San Jose, Ca.  I’m considering AX and Otakon as well.  It’s difficult for me to travel though, I’m a mother.

Q: What are the best things about being involved in Cosplay?
A: It’s like living out a fantasy!  For the same reason, I love Visual Kei.  Cosplayers bring anime characters to life, what could be better than that?

Q: What advice do you have for anyone looking to get involved with cosplay?
A: Be excited about it, be willing to take lots of pictures for people and pose even while you’re on your way to the bathroom (or maybe even IN the bathroom LOL), pay attention to detail, and practice your poses and expressions in the mirror!  Have a friend take some pictures of you to see how it turns out and stick with what you know looks good.

Q: Are you looking forward to Cosplay at NY Comic Con? Who will you be?
A: I am!  I think I’m addicted!  I’m not sure who I’ll be yet though.  Any suggestions?  *
I’ll be launching a new website soon so stay tuned to my myspace blog on  (under construction as well.)