It's expensive, time-consuming, and has somewhat of an “uncool” reputation. So, why is it that so many people cosplay?
Cosplay, for those unfamiliar with the term, is exactly what it sounds like: people dressing up as a character from a film, book, comic, or video game. But, as well as dressing the part, cosplayers also play the character — be it Darth Vader, Princess Leia or Spider-Man.
Some cosplayers, especially in Japan, can make a living from cosplay through photo shoots and appearances. Many hobbyists, though, do it for love.
One such cosplayer is Aleena Khalid.
When Seven Sharp met Khalid, she was busy hand-sewing an intricate lilac gown as part of her Megara costume from Disney’s Hercules. The level of detail in the gown was impressive: A gold fringe, beaded applique and luxurious draping.
Khalid said she wasn’t always such a talented dressmaker.
“I started a while ago, just over a decade ago," she said. "I had no sewing skills when I started.”
Khalid fell down the cosplay rabbit hole after watching videos on YouTube. She was immediately hooked. Since then, she has been racking up views on social media and a sense of community with other cosplayers at conventions.
“I was just amazed by this new world I was seeing,” she gushed.
For Khalid, cosplay is a labour of love. By day, she is a digital designer, and by night, she spends hours sewing her costumes, styling her wigs, and practising her makeup skills.
Cosplaying provides an escape from Khalid's “real world”. She said that she becomes someone else and more herself through her costumes.
“I can express myself through my costumes. Being a Muslim, I have to make my costumes more modest.”
Khalid explained her creative choices with her Megara look, including adding sleeves in keeping with her faith and sari elements — a nod to her Indian heritage.
“It’s not about being accurate anymore," she said. "A lot of people are being more creatively free with their costumes.”
Khalid debuted her Megara costume at the recently-held Auckland Winter Armageddon Expo — one of the biggest events on the cosplay calendar.
Seven Sharp's camera caught sight of four cosplayers dressed up as characters from The Mandalorian, and the level of detail in their costumes was impressive.
“It’s all 3D printed," remarked one of the cosplayers. "My mum does all the sewing. She’s 78.”
Khalid said the cosplay community is nurturing and supportive of one another.
“I’ve made so many friends through cosplay. Some of them have helped me with my costumes because, again, I’m still learning.”
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