10:39am Tuesday 25th November 2008
By Kate Finburg
Thought Halloween was the highlight of the fancy dress calendar? Not anymore, as the weird and wonderful world of Cosplay comes to the Clapham Grand this Sunday. What’s Cosplay I hear you cry? Let one of the premier purveyors of the art Yaya Han be your guide...
Kate Finburg: Welcome to Clapham! Do you think the Cosplay Ball at the Clapham Grand means that the phenomenon is about to take off in the UK? Yaya Han: Thank you! I can't wait for the Ball. I think this event will help make cosplay more mainstream for the UK. Cosplay itself can be a bit weird to people who don't understand it, but the concept behind the Cosplay Ball is fantastic and fresh!
KF: Can you enlighten us as to what Cosplay entails? YH: Cosplay is a fan-based hobby, where you pick a character from a Japanese or Asian origin (manga, anime, video game, or even artwork) and re-create their costume, then wear it.
What started years ago as a casual way to pass time has become a true art form and a booming economy. It has such a huge following because it is the most visual form of sharing your fandom with others, and maybe the most passionate. Cosplayers don't just wear a shirt with their favorite character on it, they will dress up as them.
KF: It has many devotees in Japan, why is it taking time to reach Britain, is it because we are too inhibited?! YH:I don't think it has that much to do with inhibitions. It's natural that Japan has the most followers, since Anime originated there. Britain may be behind because anime shows aren't available to the public on TV yet.
KF:There have been reports in the press recently about 'World of Warcraft Widows' with the computer game citied in divorce cases as the players become so obsessed with it. Is there a danger of Cosplay taking over people's 'normal' lives? YH:Absolutely not. There is too much effort involved in cosplay to make it take over someones life. Playing a game only requires you to sit in a chair and have computer access. Cosplay means wearing an uncomfortable costume, with a wig and make up, shoes, and even a heavy prop or weapon.
KF: The costumes are beautiful and bizarre, how do you come up with concepts, how long do they take to make and any tips for people wanting to design and make their own? YH:I draw the outfit to figure out its logistics, then I go shopping for materials, in local stores and on the Internet. The most time goes into its making, depending on the design, it could take anywhere from 1 day to 1 or 2 months.
If you are inspired to make your own costumes - be patient and thorough in your craftsmanship. Don't skip important accessories like wigs and the right shoes, and most importantly, have fun with it!
KF:Some people associate Cosplay with the fetish scene, are there elements of that? YH:I don't see much association between cosplay and the western fetish scene actually. If there are, they might be more coincidental, since anime and manga cover all types of themes and characters wear all sorts of outfits, including fetish themed ones.
KF:Do you have any over-zelous fans? YH: Sure, but overall I have been pretty lucky so far. I have amazingly kind and wonderful fans and am very grateful for their support.
KF: What are your big ambitions? Do you want more mainstream fame, your own TV show? YH: I would like to keep working on my crafting skills and be involved in more mainstream projects as a costume designer. I am actually a part of a TV Show being filmed in Las Vegas called "Desert Foxes". I have plans to move to Los Angeles to be closer to opportunities in the movie industry.
KF: Is there any ever rivalry amongst players and do people feel the need to out do each other with ever more bizarre and decadent costumes? YH: Sure, as with any community, there are rivalries and jealousies.The Internet means there are countless chances for some people to criticize you and put you down. Most of us just want to have fun, and it is a great way to make friends.
KF: What do your friends and family make of your lifestyle? YH: They are very supportive and motivating! My father especially is really proud I think, he always shows people my photos and the magazines and books I've appeared in. My friends like to ask me what my travel plans are and really enjoy my stories and photo reports.
KF: Have you ever had any funny costume mishaps/malfunctions? YH: I have had close calls, but never a true wardrobe malfunction, thank goodness. There are cameras everywhere always when I'm cosplaying at an event, so any malfunctions would surely be recorded.
Clapham Grand, St. John's Hill. November 30, 7pm ~ 1am. £16-£18. www.grandcosplayball.com
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