If You Know About the Harajuku Girls, You Know About Cosplay.

Oh man, why didn't I find this before Halloween? Cosplay uk is short for costume play. Basically a movement that started in Japan where people dress up as their favorite comic book/anime/fantasty movie character. Started in the mid 1980s, it's turned into an underground subculture movement where people are expected to meticulously imitate one's character. Recently, with the rise of science fiction/fantasy movies, non-Japanese characters from movies like the Matrix or Lord of the Rings are included under this term, cosplay.

Top 10 Hottest Final Fantasy Cosplays

10. Final Fantasy IX – Princess Garnet

It’s cute, it’s simple, and it works really well.

9. Final Fantasy VII – Aerith Gainsborough

Possibly the best known western Final Fantasy cosplayer, cute definitely, hot.. iffy.

8. Final Fantasy X – Yuna

The photo appears to be photoshoped beyond belief, but it still makes for a super fine snap.

7. Final Fantasy XII – Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca

Hot because of the huge amount of effort put into the costume, it’s great seeing what gamer girls can achieve.

6. Final Fantasy X – Rikku

Hawt, again a simple outfit but it works really well on her body.

5. Final Fantasy VIII – Selphie Tilmitt

Extremely simple outfit, but her body easily makes up for anything the costume uk is lacking.

4. Final Fantasy VIII – Quistis Trepe

Awesome pose, fantastic hair-do, and a body to die for.

3. Final Fantasy VIII – Rinoa Heartilly

The classic Rinoa, this image has been circulating for a few years now and it is definitely still one of the best.

2 & 1. Final Fantasy 7 – Tifa Lockhart

Okay I apologize for counting 1&2 together, but I seriously love Tifa cosplaying, and these two girls both do a fantastic job of delivering the ‘Tifa package’.
Do you have a favourite cosplay? If you do, link to the photos below.

Couples’ Cosplay Ideas

Cosplay on Valentine’s Day?  Why not? Costuming with a loved one means you’ll always have someone to brainstorm, panic, and work all night with – and someone nearby to kiss it better when that pin inevitably catches your finger.  Plus, coordinating cosplay uk pairs and groups are always fan favourites at conventions.  In honour of Valentimes, I’ve compiled just a few truly amazing couples cosplay ideas for you and your best friend, significant other, or whomever you want.

Jessie and James, Pokemon
Team Rocket: denouncing the evils of truth and love! A bright choice for the vibrant couple that enjoys kidnapping small animals.  If you’re making Jessie, be prepared to stuff that wig with an internal armature and laquer it down with wig sculpting glue and hairspray.  It’s tricky work, but do it right and you and your James will be a hit at cons.

Elphaba and Glinda, Wicked
Looking for something a little (a lot) more challenging?  Well Broadway buffs, taking on the incredible creations worn by the Witches of Oz in the Wicked musical will provide hours of pleating, hemming, and beading.  The details here are key: take a good look at Glinda’s gorgeous crown and matching necklace.  Elphaba’s dress is a patchwork masterpiece, layered with bits of mismatched fabrics to evoke her desperate times spent on the run.

Sarah Walker and Chuck, Chuck
In case Wicked scared you off, lets try something simpler, but no less fun.  Chuck and Sarah can be recreated with regular, off-the-rack clothing and a few iron-on appliques or fabric paint.  Your biggest challenge may be finding sneakers ( ahem – Chucks) in that brilliant shade of orange.

Joker and Harley Quinn, Batman
Bright colours, kickass weapons, and a whole lot of spandex.  A fantastic costume idea for the couple that loves to wreck havoc together.  Sewing that diamond pattern out of spandex may look like a nightmare, but check out this amazing tutorial on stretch applique for step-by-step tips.
Fun Fact: In one of my first years attending FanExpo, I saw a Joker cosplayer propose to his Harley Quinn right in the middle of their Masquerade performance.  I can’t recall if they won any prizes, but darned if he didn’t get his girl.

Brittany and Santana, Glee
Best-friends-turned-finally-girlfriends, Brittana – and just Cheerios in general – make for fun, easy-to-wear costumes that are great for bouncing around cons.  They are not, however, easy to make.  Speaking from experience, if you haven’t bled or burned at least five times by the time your Cheerios uniform is complete, you haven’t done it correctly.  (HINT: Use iron-on tape to hold the logo pattern while you sew to make everything much more stable.)  But if you’ve got tough enough skin and decent geometric skills, grab your best girl and get your McKinley High pride on.