Completed For: Anime Expo 2002
Worn At: Anime Expo 2002

Why I Chose This Character:
Baiko, an imperial guard from Saber Marionette J, was a minor character in an (relatively) older series. However, not only were the characters and designs very dynamic, but it allowed us to do characters that were not really seen at conventions. (We chose who would do who by flipping a coin). <

How I Made This Costume:
The dress, while kimono like, presented many difficulties. I orignally planned it as two layers, but due to a rather moronic mistake, I was forced to create it as a single layer. Because of the weight of the sleeves and the open neck, I attached the sleeves to a seperate, form fitting interlining. One of the biggest problems was Baiko's energy sabers, as they were four feet long, and required to fit into a one foot backpack. After much thought, I purchased toy telescoping lightsabers, and covered them with iradescent wrapping paper. Each saber had a flashlight taped inside so they could "glow" from within. To create the wig, I took a short bob wig and reversed the wefts to get an even upsweep. I created wefts (and attached them) out of a lighter, lime green artificial hair. The bun was a styrofoam sphere, cut to shape, covered in a knit fabric, and then the hair covering it was attached by spray adhesive.

My Thoughts on This Costume:
To be honest, this costume was finished at the last minute, and I am not entirely happy with it. Even though it is meant to be a hall costume, I don't really like the shortcuts I had to make. In addition to repairing the costume, I also have to solve the saber issues, because why the fit into the backpack, the paper catches inside the tubes and rips off. And then they get stuck and won't telescope open again!