March 2018 Costume Writeup: Lotus (Hazuki Kashiwabara)

What they're from 9 Hours 9 Persons 9 Doors/The Nonary Games (Video Game)
Variation Default
Created March 2016
Debuted March 2016
Also worn Shumatsucon 2016
MAGFest 2019
Accolades 2016 Shumatsucon Novice Craftsmanship Award
2016 "Otakon Loves This Cosplay!" Ribbon
Groups Benjamin Wright-Heuman as Ace; still looking to rewear with more groups.
Wig Arda Wig: Jeannie in Black (CL-078)
Two long clips, one wavy and one straight, in the same color. Long wefts, braided and sewn in, in the same color.
Special Makeup Took me a while to get the eyebrows down, but I use a combination of purple-to-clear dry Elmer's glue stick plus neutral set powder, plus concealer, plus regular powder.
Patterns Went off my personal bodysuit pattern and stretched it over a base bra; made bell bottom pants from the same pattern, inspired by a pair of yoga pants I own.

What went wrong:
I think the stretch applique looks shoddy now. The hair pieces are also pretty rough, as I didn't have a dremel.

What went right:
God, the coins. I love these coins. They're absolutely the perfect size! About an inch diameter. The shoes were such a lucky find; they're very close to the snakes without being snakes. (One day I might actually turn them into snakes.) Despite the fact that they caused my toes to bleed once, they're wonderful for the outfit! I also used sheets of Tattify gold "jewelry" fake tattoos for the adornments on her lower abdomen. It's my favorite detail, possibly of any of my Zero Escape cosplays!

What I'd do differently:
Stretch vinyl all the way for the details on the top. Also, I'd consider restructuring the bra so it could accommodate a more comically large silhouette. Never felt like it was the way I wanted it to be. I've also perfected my eyebrow concealment for the next time around.

Would I wear it again?
Absolutely. But it doesn't fit right now, so it'll have to wait a bit.

Why I chose this character
Ben had actually suggested her right when the game came out, but I wasn't cosplaying then, much less even showing my stomach. It took me a long time to come around to the idea. I think seeing her from a survivor's perspective helped me to come around to the concept!

Any other anecdotes?:
I learned a lot about competing with this costume because it was my first time and I hadn't actually planned to compete until I showed up at the con. I planned my poses while sitting during the event, rather than being able to practice in a mirror. And I still won novice! It was a lovely experience.
Woefully, this costume also has some very, very negative associations and memories. I'm looking forward to being able to wear it again under different circumstances. I'd like to speak about my experiences with Aksys in regards to the negative association soon, as it's unfortunately relevant to my advocacy work.

Photos by me.

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