A Brief History of Cosplay

A Brief History of Cosplay : 

Courtesy of: Chavon-chan-san A Brief History of Cosplay

What is Cosplay? : 

What is Cosplay? Cosplay is a blending of the English words “Costume” and Role Play

Cosplay cont’d : 

Cosplay cont’d Cosplaying includes dressing up as characters from various animes, mangas, and videogames As well as characters from television, movies, novels Basically any thing that’s fictional.

However : 

However Cosplay doesn’t have to be something of Japanese origin in order to be Cosplay. Popular Cosplays include: The Matrix, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of The Rings

History of Cosplay : 

History of Cosplay While I was unable to find a precise and… legitimate history for cosplay (since Wikipedia is the bane of my existence), not to mention there are so many different interpretations that it’s hard to come up with one that’s viable.

Cont’d : 

Cont’d So, a basic interpretation is that, hey it’s been around as long as anime. Or as long as fiction I’d imagine. It became more popular as anime became more popular, and was probably spread by conventions, but there’s no definite date when Cosplay originated. I mean, think about it when you were a kid, how many of you would dress up like Superman with a sheet as a cape and run around?

Here’s a few sweet action cosplays I’ve found : 

Here’s a few sweet action cosplays I’ve found

Which Brings me to a whole new genre : 

Which Brings me to a whole new genre Gothic Lolita

Gothic Lolita : 

Gothic Lolita Contrary to modern belief, being a lolita doesn’t have to be something sexual. The negative stereotype for lolita’s comes from the book Lolita by Humbert Humbert … which…well…

Lolita Style : 

Lolita Style The gothic lolita style draws most of it’s influence from Victorian-style and Edwardian fashion and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls

Cont’d : 

Cont’d Gothic Lolita style is usually a combination of black and white, often black with white lace and typically decorated with ribbons and lace trims. Skirts are knee length and may have a petticoat to add volume. As in mainstream Japanese fashion, over-knee socks or stockings are popular. White or black tights are also common. Child-like shoes or boots such as Mary Janes complete the look. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular with Gothic Lolitas and designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves and/or high-necked blouses.

Lolita Subtypes : 

Lolita Subtypes Gothic Lolita: Gothic lolita is the most common and most popular in the gothic subcategory of lolita fashion. Clothes are often black and white in color but the term may encompass black and dark blue or black and red. Dark green is also used, but is uncommon. Generally speaking, gothic lolita is a darker style of lolita with typically gothic elements added to it. Sweet Lolita or amaloli - (あまロリ) is a subcategory of Lolita fashion that takes its main inspiration from Victorian girls' fashion. It focuses on the child-like aspect of the fashion and features pastels, gingham, lace and ribbons emphasizing cuteness. Colors are light pastels, black paired with white, also colorful prints with cute themes are widely used Classical Lolita (or Classic Lolita) is a subcategory of Lolita fashion that is inspired by Victorian girls' fashion, Baroque. The style tends to be more mature and features floral, deep and muted colors, slimmer styling and empire waists.

Cont’d : 

Cont’d Punk Lolita (or Lolita Punk) combines punk fashion elements to the Lolita fashion. Pieces that are usually found in punk clothing, such as tattered fabric, plaids, safety pins and chains, screen-printed fabrics and short hair are incorporated into lolita

Slide 14: 

Gothic Lolita Sweet Lolita Punk Lolita Doesn’t this kind of remind you of the Asian version of Kara?

There are ton’s more lolita sub categories out there, but for the sake of time, I decided to cut it short : 

There are ton’s more lolita sub categories out there, but for the sake of time, I decided to cut it short There’s even a Pirate Lolita… it’s pretty sweet…

Fin : 

Fin