Customer Spotlight: RavenStar Cosplay

Raven Star Cosplay

Cosplay: Harley Quinn

Wig style and color: Chibi in Light Blonde

Photos by Charlaine Kreuning and Mark van Hooijdonk

Q: When did you start cosplaying, and what got you started?
A: I first donned a cosplay costume way back in 2009. In 2008 I went to a fantasy festival in the Netherlands with a friend and when I saw all those people dressed up as fairies and magical creatures it inspired me to dress up. I asked myself: “Who or what do I want to be?” The first thing that came to mind was Yuna from FFX-2. I was in love with her design, but the costume seemed impossible to me at the time. A friend’s mum made the costume for me, I tried to straighten my way too long hair into a style that half resembled Yuna’s (it didn’t) and had a blast. The next year I tried to make Lulu’s costume from FFX on my own and after that I decided to start making costumes entirely on my own.

Q: What is your favorite part of the costume-making process?
A: I particularly like the start and the beginning! I love looking at screenshots, concept art and taking a TON of screen caps in game (I mostly cosplay video game characters). I then take a notepad and draw every single element of the outfit, thinking about practical things like fasteners, materials, sewing methods, etc. I love ‘dissecting’ a costume like this and I may or may not get a bit too obsessed at this stage.

The other part I absolutely love is when you first see it come together. Whether that’s with a white blouse and a red towel wrapped around your waist because it’s the only thing you have at hand (Assassin’s Creed) or when you first put on everything for the first time and see yourself in the mirror. Pure bliss!

Q: Which costume are you most proud of?
A: It’s hard to choose! I am very proud of my Yennefer of Vengerberg alternate costume I did, particularly because I sewed my own corset for it and managed to make the entire costume within two months. However, if I look at the complete picture I think so far I’m proudest of my Batman Arkham Knight: Harley Quinn. I went to great pains to ensure that every detail was right, even though the game wasn’t out yet and all I had to go on was one screenshot of concept art and Jessica Nigri’s amazing cosplay. I still love wearing that costume and it’s extremely liberating being Harley! I can just let go and be extra silly

Q: Do you have a favorite Arda Wig style and/or color?
A: It’s so hard to choose! I wear Arda Wigs for all my cosplays nowadays! I love the Chibi that I used for Harley. It’s super convincing and a lot of people were shocked when I told them I was wearing a wig. However, I recently ordered the Matilda in Pumpkin because I’ve started construction on Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn and I am in LOVE. It’s my first lace front wig and it’s so fluffy and thick and soft! The colour is also the perfect orange-y redhead colour in my opinion so I can’t wait to add wefts and braid it in her signature style!

Q: What advice do you have for new cosplayers getting into the hobby?
A: You got this! I firmly believe that anyone can cosplay, regardless of size, gender identity, skin colour or body type. If I can do this, you can do this! Start off simple, have fun and experiment! Cosplay is all about embracing who you are and having fun! Also: If you see another cosplayer, any cosplayer, be sure to compliment them on something or tell them you recognize their costume. I promise you that you will make their day!

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