Moon Costumes Blog

Brightly Costumed Fans Steal the Show at MegaCon 2012

2012-02-22T10:38:00.002-08:00

Fans packed the Orange County Convention Center last weekend for MegaCon 2012. The event which took place from Friday, February 17^th through Sunday, February 19^thkicked off with an official VIP Party held at the Doubletree Resort Orlando International Oceans Ballroom. The launch festivities included celebrity guests and a DJ dance party.

MegaCon events include several exhibitors, panels, gaming, book signings, tattoo and art displays and more. Headlining guests this year included Stan Lee of Marvel Comics and Tom Felton of the Harry Potter Films. This sunny orange county event was reasonably priced. Fans could check out the show for the day for just $25 or buy a full weekend pass for just $60.

MegaCon, which celebrates science fiction, comic books, anime, movies, as well as pop culture, is one of the most fun annual events during which Cosplay lovers can show off their skills. This year, fans dressed in costumes from across the spectrum. From body paint, to hair gel and spray to costume accessories like wigs and elaborate face makeup, costume wearers pulled out all the stops. In the crowd, which seemingly turned the convention center into an exciting rainbow of colors, one could spot Wonder Woman, Storm Troopers, Thor, Batgirl and many other recognizable characters.

Fans of all ages attended the last weekend’s convention. Even entire families including moms, dads, and kids made their way to convention center together. MegaCon gives cosplay or “costume play” fans a chance to take a break from their everyday activities and to have fun dressing up each year, so if you missed last weekend’s festivities, it’s time to start planning for 2013!

India Comic Con a Hit with Older Fans

2012-02-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

The second annual Comic Con India took place at Dubai’s Dilli Haat building last week. The event, which showcased a large range of India’s comic heroes new and old, hosted several events such as live entertainment, contests, and a cosplay competition. The newer annual event celebrates the use of cartoons and comics in the ancient Indian tradition of storytelling. This year’s convention showcased a variety of titles in several formats from eight-page booklets to big graphic novels.

Fans gathered to indulge in the latest news about Indian superheroes such as Avatars of Visnu, a title that also happens to be the subject within many books as well. While many classic regional titles were highlighted, many popular titles with cosplayers and convention goers included titles that take influences from the West as well as from Japanese style Manga as well.

Over 80 notable participants and several interactive sessions and panels with renowned artist like Robert Crumb made the event a must-see for any comic and cosplay fans in the area. It was noted, however, that one thing was notably missing from the convention – a large amount of younger comic book fans. Although the convention is an all ages event, more adults than adolescents and children were in attendance. India film-maker and creator of Munkeeman Abhisek Sharma told the Calcutta New Net that this may be because “more children (are) now increasingly drawn to interactive media such as the internet.”

This trend may have left traditional comic book inspired cosplay up to fans from an older generation this year. However, cosplay and comics themselves are alive and well nonetheless. With comics becoming darker, edgier, and more complex, many experts say they are consistently gathering fans from a more mature audience.

Embracing modern shifts, many content creators at the convention took the opportunity to showcase their comics as apps for popular smart phones and tablets. New titles available for tablets like the iPad are likely to attract new fans of all ages.

Cosplay – Sometimes it’s all about the Accessories!

2012-02-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

What sets a good costume apart from a great costume? When each are made from the same materials and with the same great craftsmanship the answer is simple. It is quite arguably the accessories. What would Dr. Spock be without his pointy ears and what would the Jedi knights be without their light sabers? What would Batman look like without his signature belt? As far as many costume critics are concerned, probably woefully ill equipped.

Accessories can really make a costume stand out and in fact, they are what many cosplay enthusiasts spend the most time planning. If you’re going to cosplay Queen Elizabeth, your look just won’t be the same without an aristocratic wig and jewelry and if you’re going to play a pirate, you might look pretty boring without a decent sword, bandana, or eye patch.

When putting your costume together to attend your next Comic Con event or masquerade, make sure you look at multiple still shots of your character. It can be easy to overlook the details unless you really examine every body part from head to toe. Does your character wear multiple rings on their pinky finger? Then, if at all possible, of course you should too. Even the subtlest details make a difference.

Accuracy is important when it comes to costume accessories, but it’s also important to remember that, while it’s good for your costume accessories to look like they belong right on a Hollywood set, that you certainly don’t need to spend as much on them as a studio would spend on a professional prop or costume designer. There are so many great costume accessories available right on the web at affordable prices.

FaerieCon West – One of the Best Reasons to Dress in Costume during February

2012-02-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great reason to dress in costume this February? If you’re on the West Coast or can make it out to Seattle this weekend, you certainly shouldn’t miss the up and coming FaerieCon West. FaerieCon West is a spin off from its original east coast counterpart FaerieCon and will be taking place for the first time ever this weekend.

The weekend long celebration will take place at the nationally acclaimed Renaissance West hotel in downtown Seattle, just a few city blocks away from the famous Pike Market. Guest will be able to enjoy world class accommodations while fully emerging themselves in a fantasy world all their own.

Many great guests are already lined up to make appearances and to perform at this weekend’s premier event. The roster even includes fantastic bands whom will provide the music for the much-awaited FaerieCon West masquerades.

Like the original FaerieCon, FaerieCon West will feature masquerade dance parties where all attendees will be in costume. Of course, most will be dressed as faeries and other fantasy winged creatures for the evening. Good Faerie and Bad Faerie masquerade balls – you’ll for the evening! This year’s feature masquerades are entitled the Good Faerie and Bad Faerie masquerade balls, so you’ll need to make your choice before you decide which costume to wear!

Aside from all of the masquerade fun, FaerieCon West guest will get to enjoy awesome exhibitors showcasing beautiful apparel, jewelry, masks, and other handmade crafts, fashion shows, performers, storytellers, panels, workshops, and more.

If you don’t make it out to FaerieCon West this year, start planning now for next year now! This event is shaping up to become an annual west coast must see for fantasy, fairy, and costume lovers alike!

Annual Bay Area Edwardian Ball Remains a Favorite among Steampunk Cosplayers

2012-02-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

This year’s 12^th annual Edwardian Ball in California was a huge success. In the San Francisco Bay area, now known as the birthplace of so many modern technologies, the ball has come to be known as a welcomed change of page for Steampunk and cosplay fans.

This year’s the ball was held on January 21^stand was themed the Iron Tonic, after a Gorey poetry collection about a melancholy hotel for ill and elderly guests. The ball was the culmination of a weekend long series of events that began with a burlesque show at the DNA Lounge.

As the ball is a slightly idealized throw-back to the era in which King Edward VII ruled, to stay in theme, the women who attended the ball wore corsets, long skirts, hats with feathers, while men wore waistcoats, cravats, fancy vests, and top hats, a fun period staple piece. The Edwardian era was one where the use of electricity was brand new, as was the automobile. Art Nouveau was all the rage when it came to the art and architectural styling of the times.

Many of the annual ball attendees are high tech professionals by day, some even executives and strategy directors for hot Silicon Valley companies. By night and on special occasions, however, these ball goers are huge fans of cosplay. According to some, the love of steampunk style even goes beyond costume and cosplay as many like to try to incorporate a bit of Edwardian fashion into their everyday lifestyle.

This amazing party dates back to 1999 when Justin Katz, the bass player in Rosin Coven, pulled together a few hundred friends and fans into a nightclub for readings of Gorey’s work. The bay area is actually home to many other fantasy events including Burning Man and has become quite the cosplay destination.

Social Networks Just for Cosplay!

2012-01-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about social networking is that it has allowed members of niche groups with many like interests in common to link up with each other even if they are spread throughout the globe. With a little help from social networking, the cosplay community has become an enormous global one. Many cosplayers who would’ve otherwise never met each other have made life-long friendships.

If you are new to cosplay and looking for places to meet other cosplayers, you can start on some of the larger social networking sites like Facebook, but you’ll definitely want to check out some of the genre specific social networks as well. No matter what particular genre interests you when it comes to cosplay, chances are you’ll be able to find other on-line who share the same passion.

There are so many networks out there. All you need to do is a little exploring and searching. Try networks like Cosspace, AALikeThese2, Cosplay Islant, and the Soul Society-Bleach Social Network. The social network Anime Kasei is for otaku or newbies to cosplaying! It’s a great place to start connecting with other cosplayers and you may also want to try Naruto Buzz which features message boards, forums, chats, a cosplay store for everyone and also gives its members the ability to instant message each other Many cosplayers love this community and best of all, membership is free.

If you’re particularly into manga and anime, you may want to check out the MyAnimeList community. This site is like pinterest for anime lovers, allowing you to organize your collections and discover new things.

As the love for cosplay has grown so has its internet presence. In turn cosplays internet presence has helped the cosplay continue to grow and unite!

Cosplay for Beginners – Getting Stared as a Cosplayer

2012-01-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

Do you want to start cosplaying but aren’t sure where to start? Cosplay message boards and forums are filled with men and women of all ages who want to get into the art form, but simply don’t know the best way to begin. There’s no better way to learn how to cosplay than from cosplayers themselves, so read on to get some how-to-get-started tips from avid players themselves.

Tip 1 – You Don’t have to Break the Bank!

Chances are you may not have the thousands of dollars some sponsored cosplayers spend on their costumes to invest in your first costume. Check out what you already have in your closet. Remember that old t-shirts can be cut up and made into headbands, and that basic clothing items can be used as the base of many character costumes. Don’t be afraid to check out local thrift stores and, if you’re looking for the perfect accessory for your character, check out the Moon Costumes accessories page which features accessories at affordable prices.

Tip 2 – Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help!

One experienced cosplayer who goes by the name “Shania Nowhere” reminds beginner cosplayers that there’s nothing wrong with [asking for help], and encourages them to find a “sensei” or teacher or someone who can create with them. You can ask even ask one of the experts at Moon Costumes to help you to create a custom costume! While the design is all yours, you won’t have to get caught up in all the details that can put so many first time cosplayers off. This way, you’ll have more time to make the perfect travel plans for your first big convention instead of worrying about whether or not your costume will fit comfortably!

Remember, if you want to start cosplaying, there’s no better time than the present! Jump right in and you won’t regret it! Don’t miss out on any more fun.

It’s Time to Get on the Road to Ohayocon

2012-01-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

Just a short decade ago in 2001, a couple of young staffers from Intrepid set out to create a convention for Japanese Animation fans near the Columbus Ohio area. Little did they know that ten years later the Ohio event would become the go-to destination for one of the most fun, original, and unique cosplay events of the year.

A weekend long event, Ohayocon, as the event has come to be called, is dedicated towards celebrating Japanese animation and all of the art, culture, and community that surrounds it. Ohayocon takes its brilliant name from the pronunciation of the namesake of its location and from the spelling of the Japanese word that means “good morning!”

The event, which uniquely focuses on Japanese animation or anime, whereas other conventions focus on a wider variety of genres, features a full helping of cosplay contests, panels, video programming, workshops, gaming and more. The highlight on Japanese visual media makes the event a very exciting one for Japanese animation lovers and cosplayers from not just only Ohio but from around the country, and even from around the world.

At Ohayocon 2012, which will take place in just a few short days, fans will be treated to five separate cosplay competitions. Competitors will vie for titles in the areas of masquerade craftsmanship, masquerade performance, Steampunk, and Hallway. The fifth competition will be The Lindsay Mascot challenge.

Truly unique features like the Lolita Tea Party which will take place on Saturday morning during the convention, and the Pajama Jam, which will feature games and other shenanigans as well as a "Sleepy Time Cosplay Contest" make Ohayocon one cosplay event you won’t want to miss.

Victoria Secret goes Cosplay Crazy!

2012-01-14T15:48:00.000-08:00

Last year, Victoria’s Secret, the lingerie retail giant who is perhaps best known for sending the top models in the industry down the runway each year, decided to change things up a bit. The company spent over $12 million turning their supermodels into “superheroes” using sci-fi and comic book inspired costumes that were adjusted to create an extra feminine flair.

Capes, wings, and tights filled Victoria’s Secrets Lexington Amory housed runway during the first week of November 2011, during what one could call “one giant leap” into the mainstream for the art of cosplay. Model’s costumes were even completed with props such as glow sticks, heels, wings, heroic white gloves and more.

Some of the costumes in the show took direct inspiration from popular and specific characters while others went a bit more out on a limb. The world famous Adriana Lima’s costume which mimicked the color palette of Deathstroke from Terminator, was one of the biggest hits of the show which was eventually was aired for public enjoyment by CBS at 10 p.m. on November 29^th. While other looks throughout the show disappointed some cosplay bloggers who thought Victoria’s Secret could’ve made the get-ups a bit more “field-worthy,” many seemed to appreciate the effort and the homage to the every growing cosplay community.

Last year’s Victoria’s Secret’s fashion show may have been one of many recent signs that cosplay is making its way into the mainstream, and of course the Victoria Secret’s looked great in their Superhero inspired garb. However, the members of the devoted cosplay community that can be seen at Comic Cons and expos all around the globe still seem to rock their costumes and know their characters the best!

Famous Cosplayer Crystal Graziano goes Pro!

2012-01-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

If you love cosplay chances are you’ve become acquainted with famous cosplayer Crystal Graziano. From Metal Gear to Valkyria Chronical, Crystal Graziano is said to be one of the most recognizable video game cosplayers on the internet and in person. Crystal is a self taught cosplayer who started cosplaying in 2005 at San Diego Comic Con and has enjoyed the hobby ever since. She has been featured along with her awesome costumes in many mainstream publications like The San Diego Tribune, OC Weekly, and more. Gracing the pages of many gaming publications like Xbox World Magazine and Official Playstation Magazine UK as well, she is the winner of gamer hearts everywhere! Crystal can also boast about two first place awards for cosplay costumes in 2010 and an impressive “Best Construction” award at Anime Conji 2011.

Now, cosplay artist Crystal is going pro! Last week the Fancy Pants cosplay feature from Kotaku reported that Crystal has just signed a one year sponsorship deal with developer Firefall developers Red 5 Studios. In fact, a great deal of Crystal’s work is now sponsored. When it comes to the Red 5 deal, the developer will be paying for each of Crystal’s cosplay costumes throughout 2012 no matter what she wants to wear. Talk about living the dream! The developer will be paying for all tools, costumes, and even photography in exchange for Crystal’s appearance as Firefall Mourningstar at all 2012 press and community events.

For a cosplayer whose mission is “to make sure [her] costumes as real looking as accurate as possible,” the sponsorship certainly doesn’t sound like a bad deal! Crystal’s own Firefall Mourningstar costume is being created by Hollywood effects living Steve Wang, the man who built the original predator. As “Fancy Pants” points out, sponsorships like these are proof that cosplay is certainly not just a hobby for “nerds” anymore. It is now respected as a serious (and lucrative) form of art!

What were Cosplayers Wearing in 2011?

2012-01-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last year was yet another great year for Cosplayers with conventions and ComicCon events taking place around the world. With attendance steadily rising at many costume and cosplay events, cosplay veterans and newcomers alike could see that they certainly have many kindred spirits and fellow enthusiasts… but just what were those fellow enthusiasts dressed like in 2011? Read on to learn more about a few of Japan’s best selling cosplay costumes last year.

Three of the Top Selling Japanese Cosplay Costumes

Kyosuke Kosaka from There’s No Way My Little Sister is This Cute - This costume hails from a Japanese novel series written by Tsukasa Fushimi with illustrations by Hiro Kanzaki. The series is currently only widely read in Japan but who knows, maybe Kyosuke Kosaka will make her way to the states!

Nurse Costume from Macross Frontier the Movie: The Wings of Goodbye - This new show celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross TV series and introduces Earth’s latest main variable fighter, the VF-25 Messiah and a new ship called Macross Frontier. Although the nurse costume from the movie was the biggest hit, many other cosplay costumes based on the movie’s characters sold well throughout Japan.

Shingo Uryu Costume from Mashiroiro Symphony: Love is pure white – This costume from a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Palette was reportedly a great seller throughout 2011. Love is Pure White was released in late 2009 as Palette’s ninth title and still has a great following.

Interestingly enough, these three popular Japanese cosplay costumes of 2011 might be completely unfamiliar to many Westerners because they take their influence from titles that are only widely distributed in Japan. How many of them did you recognize?

History of the Mummer’s Day Parade

2011-12-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

New Years Day is just around the corner. The day is the most exciting holiday of the year for many, especially for thousands of Philadelphia area Mummer’s and their fans. New Year’s Day is the annual culmination to a Mummer’s entire year of meticulous preparations. Finally, on this day each year, a mummer finally gets to strut his or her stuff in their handmade costume.

For nearly 200 years the city of Philadelphia has looked forward to watching the Mummer’s each year. Now, television viewers around the look forward to watching the Mummer’s parade on New Year’s Day, many having incorporated viewing parties for the event into their own family traditions.

On the surface, the Mummer’s Parade, is simply a festive costume rich celebration, which is of course, candy to the spectator’s eye, but to many, the annual celebration means much more. The parade’s roots can be traced back to mid-17^th century roots. The event is related to the Mummers Play tradition from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, but takes route in many other cultures as well.

Settlers from Sweden brought the custom of visiting neighbors on “Second Day Christmas” with them to Tinicum, near Philadelphia, eventually growing the Celebration into an event which extended into New Year’s Day for which participants wore elaborately festive costumes. Although “masquerades” and “masquerade balls” were declared common nuisances” in 1808, that didn’t stop those who wanted to carry on the Mummer’s tradition.

By 1840, the first documented competitive Mummer’s “club” or “chain gang” was formed, and later, the New Year’s Day parade also become the arena for a large costume competition. Local clubs, now called “New Years Associations” now compete in one of four categories (Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades). Elaborate costumes and scenery are prepared by the clubs by hand for each big day. Fans can now watch the parade along the streets of center city Philadelphia or on WPHL-TV, WGN America, and WGN-TV.

The Mummer’s Museum - A Great Place to see Great Costumes

2011-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

Taking a trip to the city of Brotherly Love? There are surely many interesting sites to see, but don’t forget to visit the Mummer’s Museum, especially if you have an appreciation for the art of the costume. The Mummer’s Museum is the only place you can see the best collection of mummer paraphernalia and memorabilia, including the spectacular costumes the annual parade of its namesake is known for.

The museum houses a rich collection of costumes, many dating back as far as the turn of the 20^th Century. You can view some of the costumes from parades of past on the Museum’s website, such as the wildly lavish 1985 “King of the Jungle” costume creating by Ferko Silly Symfunny, but to truly appreciate a mummer costume, it is best to see it in person. Mummer costumes traditionally take months or even years to create. The men and women who create them painstakingly apply all of the details by hand. Then, they finally show them off at the Mummer’s Day Parade which is held annually on New Year’s Day in the historic and diverse urban center that is Philadelphia.

Thanks to the Mummer’s Museum, visitors can get see a real Mummer’s Day costume any day of the year and even bring home a little piece of the Mummer’s spirit from the Mummer’s Museum gift shop. The museum is located at 1100 South 2^nd Street in Philadelphia at the intersection of 2^nd Street at Washington Avenue. Visitors of all ages can enjoy low cost admission to the museum since tickets cost just $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12, students, and seniors.

Costume Con 30 is Just around the Corner

2011-12-19T06:48:00.000-08:00

Although New Year’s Eve isn’t even quite here yet, history has it that spring is just around the corner. The end of short days a just a bit more warmth should certainly give you something to look forward to if you’re currently experiencing the Holiday or winter blues. Fortunately, a rise in temperature and some brighter sunshine aren’t the only things cosplay fans will have to look forward to this coming Spring – they can also delight in the coming of CostumeCon30, which will be held at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe Arizona from May 11^th 2012 through May 14^th 2012.

Best put by Costume Con 30’s official website, “Costume Con 30 is a celebration of costuming where amateur, hobbyists, and professional costumers come together for a weekend to share knowledge, appreciation, and love of all types of costuming.” This year’s event slogan is “The Sands of Time,” and appropriately enough, costume and cosplay artisans will be exhibiting and selling costumes based in many historical time periods during the May event.

Love a good sparring match of sorts? Costume Con 30 will allow costume connoisseurs to compete in multiple arenas throughout the event. The historical masquerade, which is a series of short presentations showing off historical costumes, will feature a competition convention goers can sign up to enter for now.

Competitions will also be held during the science fiction/fantasy masquerade, giving science fiction fans the chance to really show off their stuff. If days of old are not quite you’re style, you can even compete in the future fashion folio and show off your post modern costume flair, and of course all cosplay lovers are invited to enter the single pattern art/wearable art contest.

SantaCon Gains Popularity Among Costume Lovers Everywhere

2011-12-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia defines SantaCon as a “mass gathering of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes parading publicly on the streets and in bars in cities around the world.” The New York City Santa Con official Website reminds us that the celebration is completely non-denominational, non-commercial, non-political and “non-sensical”. The phenomenon that has come to be known as SantaCon happens each year around Christmas time and takes its roots in an event stemming all the way back to 1994.

Before the 1994 holiday season, The Suicide Club of San Francisco, California staged its first “Santarchy” in an effort to celebrate the holidays in a completely non-commercial manner and to incorporate guerrilla street theatre and pranksterism into the season. The term “SantaCon” was eventually coined by the Cacophony Society.

Although some special interest groups have interpreted the event as a reason to violently protest capitalism, commercialism, and consumerism, the great majority of people who dress up in full Santa costume for a SantaCon event are jolly, benevolent folk, just looking to have a great time while in costume.

SantaCon conventions/meet-ups have been taking place in major cities all around the world for many years now, but now smaller towns even hold events. If you’re interested in joining the Santa Con nearest you, the first thing you should do is an internet search for SantaCon in conjunction to your nearest ‘happening’ town or city. Chances are you’ll find one within driving distance! New York City SantaCon which is held near Central Park expects to see hundreds if not thousands of Santas at this year’s December 10^th event. Remember, all you need to participate is your Santa costume and a smile.

Ezio Auditore Costume to be Offered in Up and Coming RPG

2011-12-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

Are you a Final Fantasy, RPG, cosplay (either in real life or on behalf of your gaming characters!) or Assasin’s Creed Fan? Then you’ll be excited to hear the most recent news released by Ubisoft.

Although Ezio Auditore’s, the stealth action hero originally dreamed up by Ubisoft story came to a conclusion in November 2011 release of Assasin’s Creed: Revelations, he won’t be dropping out of the gaming scene just yet.

Ubisoft has announced that Ezio will soon be featured in SoulCalibur V, a new fighting game which is scheduled to be released on January 31^st. Additionally, Final Fantasy XIII-2 an up and coming RPG with a great deal of downloadable content is set to offer an Ezio Auditore costume for download so that you can deck out your Noel Kreiss character from the new game.

According to reports, the costume that will be available for download will be Ezio’s darker look from Assassin’s Creed: Revelations rather than softer his Assassin’s Creed II or Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood outfits.

Cosplay and gaming fans can look forward to playing Final Fantasy XIII-2 after its release date in late January on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. The RPG will be a direct sequel to 2010’s Final Fantasy XIII directed by Motomu Toriyama. Toriyama told GameSpot the update will be “perhaps even darker and more mysterious” than its predecessor.

Remember, Noel Krieiss won’t be the only one who can dress up like Ezio. If you’re a cosplay enthusiast keeping Ezio Auditore in mind for your next Comic Con or Fantasy Masquerade, you can find costumes and great accessories to complete your look at Moon Costumes.

The talented staff at Moon Costumes can also help you to get a custom Ezio Auditore look. Just contact them in advance to inquire about a custom Ezio Auditore costume or about a custom costume for any other character you have in mind.

Original Cowardly Lion Costume to be Sold at Auction this Month

2011-12-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

One of the most famous costumes of all time, the Cowardly Lion’s costume from the world renowned classic Hollywood motion picture “The Wizard of Oz” is scheduled to be put up for auction later this month. The very coveted costume is expected to fetch a record breaking sale price that costume and memorabilia experts say may be upwards of $3 million.

The sale of the Cowardly Lion Costume will offer private collectors the rare chance to own a costume that is world famous. Such classic wardrobe pieces are often locked away behind glass in museums open to the public. If fact, the Cowardly Lion costume has been in the possession of The Los Angeles County Museum of Art during the last several decades.

The costume itself is quite the couture art piece. The body of the costume is actually made of real lion hide and the mask was perfectly custom molded to actor Bert Lahr’s face, the actor who played in the film alongside Judy Garland. The costume was worn at some of the most memorable moments in the film, including when the Cowardly Lion first meets Dorothy.

James Comisar, a specialist in preserving cultural materials at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art told reporters “We can all relate to not having enough courage, and I believe that’s why the Cowardly Lion continues to resonate year after year and generation after generation.” The way the character still resonates with so many today should make for a large bidding pool for the costume that represents it, securing the likelihood of a high sale price.

The costume is scheduled to be auctioned during the December 15^th and 16^th auction that has been organized by “Profiles in History.” The auction will take place at the The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills.

Columnist Xazmin Garza Urges Women to Rethink Halloween Costumes

2011-11-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

In recent years, many women have adopted Halloween as their favorite day of the year to show off their sex appeal. This year was no exception, but now that Halloween 2011 is behind us, Xazmin Garza, columnist for the Las Vegas Review Journal, wants women to ditch their sexy costumes next year.

The columnist called out the sexy Halloween trend in a recent article in an effort to remind women that Halloween was once about more than just good looks. The columnist believes that the many women who use the holiday as an excuse to show off and pick up men have become misguided.

To be fair, Xazmin does state that while she knows many men are naturally fans of sexy Halloween costumes, they aren’t the only ones perpetuating the trend. She recalls being personally told by another woman to show off more skin after being seen dressed as a true to life (not-so-sexy) gangster during a Halloween party last year.

The main issue that columnist Xazmin Garza and many other writers have with the sexy costume trend is that it takes away from the more creative side of Halloween and costume creation. “You’re better than a costume that requires zero imagination, no wit and makes you look like your SAT scores are a well-kept family secret,” Garza exclaims.

The truth is that dressing up is often about having fun. No matter how you like to celebrate Halloween or to have fun, whether it is with a thought provoking costume or one that is simply provocative, Moon Costumes is here to help. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in Moon’s selection of ready-made costumes and desire, like Xazmin, to get even more creative, you can inquire about having a custom costume made to meet your needs! The sooner you start planning for next year, the more detailed and creative your costume can be.

The Art of Cosplay Invades the UK

2011-11-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

David Axbey of Movie Con Media (MCM) Expo group, who is responsible for organizing London Comic Con, explains “Cosplay’s popularity across the United Kingdom is skyrocketing.” With tens of thousands of devoted cosplayers residing in the U.S. and throughout Asia, the art of honoring characters through costume is now very celebrated throughout Europe and the UK as well. Cosplay’s increasing popularity in the UK is made evident by the ever growing numbers of fans who have made it out to London Comic Con over the past few years as well as the number of new cosplay events popping up around the country.

Last month, the MCM group partnered with serious cosplayers to organize and hold the 2011 EuroCosplay Championships which took place on October 29^th at EXCEL, London’s larger expo center. The championship was designed to further strengthen and raise the profile of the cosplay community throughout Europe and of course ended up receiving a great turnout.

While London Comic Con focuses on merch, memorabilia, and panels surrounding anime, sci-fi, comic, and fantasy works along with a little cosplay in the mix, the EuroCosplay Championships put their main focus on the art of costume. This year’s EuroCosplay Championships were judged by three experienced cosplayers from Brazil, Japan, and the United States.

Judges do score cosplayers based on creativity during the championship, arriving at a few ultimate “winners,” for the day. However, it can be said that every cosplayer who makes it out to compete is a winner in their own right simply for having the courage to pursue their creative passions. The open enthusiasm that seasoned cosplayers show for the art at such events seems to be attracting more and more UK residents to a flourishing cosplay community!

First Annual Comikaze Expo Proves to be a Great Success

2011-11-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

The first ever Comikaze Expo took place in Los Angeles California this month. The expo, which was held at the well known Los Angeles Convention Center throughout the weekend of November 5^th and November 6th, was a fun filled two day celebration of comics, anime, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror appreciation.

Over 30,000 self -proclaimed and proudly “nerdy” fans made their way out for the premiere event, along with several familiar celebrity faces. The event attracted the likes of Stan Lee, Elvira, Mark Hamill (from the Star Wars and Batman animated series), Ernest Borgnine, and even Brad Kesten, the voice of Charlie Brown himself – not too shabby at all for its first run!

Several Comikaze attendees dressed in brilliant cosplay costumes for the occasion. In fact, the costumes that surfaced at the convention even caught the eye of the Los Angeles Times who reported last week on the “heroic lengths” many attendees went to in order to put together their fabulous cosplay costumes for the event. Fans dressed as Indiana Jones, Super Man, Ghost Rider, and many other characters were spotted having a ball on the convention center floor. What fan could resist dressing up in costume to really delve into the convention’s fantasy action? It’s clear that Comikaze is shaping up to be a favorite of cosplay lovers everywhere.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Comikaze Expo. Unlike many costume and cosplay conventions, the organizers of the event plan to hold it annually. This news is a real treat for devoted fans, who can now look forward to a new frequent event at which they can show off their cosplay masterpieces. Next year Comikaze is expected to include even more features and programs including proper panel rooms. Keep an eye out for the 2012 dates which will be announced soon!

What does Cosplay mean to You?

2011-11-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

What exactly is Cosplay? Well, one blogger (and avid cosplayer) recently explained to her readers exactly what she believes the ever popular hobby shouldn’t be – simply an excuse to go out and get hit on. Sure, going to cosplay conventions is a great way to meet people, and the conventions even end up being the place where many costume enthusiasts end up finding love, but Yaya Han of the CNN blog “Geek Out” wants readers to remember that cosplaying is so much more than a form of a costume enthusiast mating ritual.

Instead, Yaya defines cosplay as “an unlimited creative outlet.” The blogger explains she was simply a fan artist sketching characters and selling her art pieces at auctions before she got into cosplay. “Once I discovered cosplay, it was like, ‘I don’t have to draw my favorite characters, I can become my favorite characters,” she explained.

Yaya explains that the cosplay community is an amazing one and whose members often has custom costumes created for particular events. These custom costumes are often phenomenal works of art like no other. Both meticulous hand sewing and attention to every detail go into creating an amazing character get up.

Han, who recently attended New York Comic Con in New York City, recalled being interviewed by A New York Post photographer who asked to take her photo. Although she spoke to him about making costumes, the passion behind it, the calendar that must be strictly followed to stay on deadline and why cosplayers create, when the article came out, it focused on quotes about girls looking hot in cosplay costumes and getting hit on. Instead of seeing women in beautiful, and yes, often attractive, cosplay costumes, Yaya wants everyone to remember to instead appreciate the amazing works of art that their costumes are.

Costume Industry says Goodbye to Legendary Hollywood Costume Designer

2011-11-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

The costume industry is now saying its final farewell to Hollywood costume designer Theadora Van Runkle who passed away last week at the age of 83. Theadora enjoyed a four decade career in the Hollywood costuming industry and worked in the wardrobe departments of several award winning films across a wide variety of genres.

Throughout the course of her career Van Runkle won several awards of her own including an Emmy award and a Lifetime achievement award from the Costume Designer Guild which was recently given, according to a Los Angeles Times report. The talented designer also received three Oscar nominations.

Theadora was born on March 27^th 1928 and made her way to Hollywood at a very young age with the determination to make a life and a career for herself there. She attended the Chouinard Institute in Los Angeles and then worked for seven years in the late 50s and 60s for May Co. as an illustrator, primarily creating fashion ads for the company. It wasn’t until after she met costume designer Dorothy Jeakins at a party that she started on her path to becoming a costume [] designer. Theadora began sketching for Dorothy Jeakins, working on the movie Hawaii with her.

Eventually Jeakins recommended Theadora for a film that she choose not to take on herself. The film turned out to be the classic that put Theadora in the spotlight. Although she had never designed a costume from beginning to end before, she went on to design the Bonnie and Clyde costumes that are still famous today.

Other features Theadora Van Runkle worked on throughout her career include Troop Beverly Hills, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Godfather III, Peggy Sue got Married, and The Jerk among many others. She passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles last Friday and is survived by her son Max, her daughter Felicity, and her grandson Teo.

What to do if you’re Invited to a Costume Party

2011-11-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Costume Parties are fun for people of all ages and regaining popularity with adults from all walks of life. In today’s high-speed world, where friends, coworkers, and neighbors often do most of their socializing online, people are craving new ways to have fun and catch up in person. Costume parties or masquerades are a great excuse to get together with some friends, drink some punch, and just enjoy.

Here we’ll talk about what to do if you’ve been invited to a costume party and want to attend, but are a bit apprehensive about getting ready!

First of all, don’t be shy! Take advantage of this fun opportunity. It’s not every day you have the license to be a superhero or an old time southern belle. However, if you’re invited to a costume party, the first thing you’ll want to do is check to see if there is a theme. Once you know if you’ll be shopping within a theme or if options are completely open, get ready to go shopping.

Come up with a budget for what you want to spend on the occasion. You can get a great and convincing costume under the hundred dollar range or choose to go elaborate by adding more detail and high quality fabrics. Online retailers like Moon Costumes make shopping for your costumes and accessories all in one place easy. Take some time to browse the site and get ideas if you don’t already know what you want to dress up as.

Once you make your final decision, make a checklist of everything you’ll need to make the look convincing, even down to the hairspray if you plan to be an 80’s Rocker for instance. Try shopping for the main body of the costume and costume accessories right online. For those small drugstore items like bobby pins to clip your hair up under a wig for instance, be sure to bring your checklist.

November 2011 Cosplay Events

2011-11-06T08:45:00.001-08:00

Check out these cosplay events happening this November 2011!

Youmacon 2011 Detroit, M Nov 3-6

Sugoi Con Kentucky Nov 4-6

Chibi-Pa 2011 Florida Nov 4-6

Anime Nebraskon Omaha, NE Nov 4-6

Nerdacon V6 Georgia Nov 11-12

Izumicon Oklahoma Nov 11-13

ShadoCon Florida Nov 11-13

Hal-Con Nova Scotia Nov 12-13

Gobble-Con Connecticut Nov 18-20

Kollision Con Illinois Nov 18-20

Wear your favorite costume and have fun!

Popular Pet Costumes

2011-10-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

Last week popular pet website The Daily Beast released a not-so-spooky Halloween report. The site shared with readers some images of pets dressed in some of the most popular pet Halloween costumes this year.

Staff at the site based popularity on recent data from major national retailers. As it turns out, costumes on the cute side are certainly in for canines this year! Several Americans plan to dress their dogs up in costumes this year, and with a study from the National Retail Federation showing that seven in 10 Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year, we’re sure we might see some of these prettied up pooches on a street near us.

According to the Daily Beast, millions of families will be dressing up their pets this year. One of the most popular costumes for dogs this year will be the bumblebee costume. This costume is somewhat of a classic, but be on the lookout for updated versions with adorable little wings. Another favorite look this year is the “peasant pirate.” Other adorable looks include the French maid, the flapper, the doggie bride, and the doggie dinosaur.

Pop culture icons will also be popularly for pets this Halloween. Wouldn’t it be something to dress Toto up like Dorothy? It looks like it’s going to happen in more than a few households this year. Batman costumes are also quite popular.

Halloween classics like pumpkins, ghosts, and witches are still a popular choice for man’s best friend in 2011 as well. New spins on old versions are certainly adorable, but some new concepts seem to be popular this year as well. Items like mini cowboys to light weight jockeys on pet saddles seem to be the newcomer idea this year.