Gaming and Anime Conventions have existed for quite some time now creating a medium for people with common interests to gather in large forums and events. Upon stepping on the showroom floor a flash of badges, pop-culture references and insane DDR floor mashing instantly remind one that the topic at hand isn’t merely a hobby but a way of living. Cons have become displays of this modern age culture in its variety, though as every lifestyle the most apparent way of expressing one’s personality is through appearance.

On a first glance one can spot the one or the other industry branded shirt or feline eared beanie, but it is those who are truly dedicated to their idols who stand out, the cosplayers. Dressing up as favourite characters from a series or simply inspired by the stories themselves these attendees make a statement with their fashion which is only rivalled by few. When asked how their experiences differ to when they are not costumed, they claimed that it was not comparable. Although this sets them apart from the average visitors, their motivations are exactly the opposite. Either introduced to by friends or intrigued by the idea of slipping into character, the community aspect seems to be the most engaging. There are groups said to meet regularly purely for cosplay, with members racking up to 25 years of experience.

The efforts put into each ensemble ranges from everything to store-bought to handmade, though the proper know-how definitely plays a factor. Seasoned veterans might have an easier time putting together their outfits though the individual style of every person ensures not one Yuna will look like the last. It becomes less about the look and more about the character you slip into, this makes it no surprise that some cosplayers even have connections to theatre through costume making or even acting. Some go so far as preparing for the events ahead of time, learning voices and memorising quotes, “The moment when I started listening to the news and remembering video game quotes is when I realised it had affected me.” (James Davies, Dante – DmC) It is this connection to the idea itself one becomes, which gave birth to crossplaying, cosplaying as a different gender.

Apart from the efforts put into the costumes, the common interests or messages they openly convey make it easy to spot likeminded enthusiasts, making it easier to approach others and simply be “louder”. It cannot go unsaid that some “open messages” sometimes are connected to how flattering the cut of the outfit is and how much it shows off. Cosplayers claim to notice different behaviour from the opposite sex while in their get-ups and they do take advantage of this. It allows them to make a fashion statement more daring than their everyday clothes, while many female cosplayers claim to consciously take advantage of this. When asked how social interactions between both genders were different the occasional hover hand or sneaky photo seemed to be common. On the other hand, male cosplayers become more confident, “I can just point my gun at women and say ‘Hey! Give me your number!’” (Neil Hines, John Marston RdR)

While numerous events allow cosplay to flourish, the interest in Japanese culture at many anime cons has brought a new fashion to the West, the lolita look. Their main styles being Classic, Sweet, Goth and Punk, lolitas concentrate exclusively on the look and its expression instead of the representation of a character or storyline. Because of this it has become easier to adapt these garments outside of events and gatherings while making use of prominent western styles such as goth or punk. While there isn’t a particular role to slip into, some claimed that there is a certain properness which goes with the look, furthermore making their dresses less revealing in comparison to cosplayers. “I’d say I become less vulgar, it just wouldn’t fit for a sweet little girl in a cake dress to swear like a sailor!” (Daniel Lyon, Lolita)

The fascination for these diverse subcultures may be the initial spark, but con-fashion has become an entire subculture of its own, bringing gamers, manga and anime fans even closer. “It is the passion for both which go hand in hand, creating something completely else. You can’t have one without the other.” (Danielle Starley, Dark Magician Girl, Y!)