What is Cosplay Flashback? Cosplay Flashback is a blog series where I’ll revisit my older costumes and discuss how I made them and how I would make them differently if I was making them today. I’ve been cosplaying over 10 years and I’ve learned a lot in that time. It’s fun to go back and revisit older costumes with new knowledge. I hope you enjoy!
Stats
Series: Bleach
Version: Arrancar
Debut: A-Kon 2007
Construction
I considered this project to be one of the first where I really had to alter patterns to get the costume right. I started with a bodice type of pattern and extended it down adding flare to create the skirt of the dress and had to add in additional seam lines. The garment was split into two parts to try and create the look of the bust line by making a white leotard that was worn under the dress. The wings were made of XPVC with a lot lot LOT of assistance from a friend. It was my first time ever trying to work with plastics.
I made this costume before any official colors were available for the character. In Bleach the Arrancar all had a palette of white and black so it was easy to assume what most of the costume should look like. Unfortunately I got a few details wrong and went back and corrected them. I also went back and shortened the dress by 2-3 inches.
But Why?
It was the height of Bleach’s popularity and I was really excited about the chance to make a costume from the new Arch of the manga. Cirucci’s design was very different from the other female Arrancar that had been introduced. She was feminine, she wore a cute dress, that was all it took really.
What Would I Do Now?
First thing I would do is replace that circa 2007 wig I bought from a beauty supply with an Arda Chibi and some curly clips. Do you realize how much easier it is to style wigs now?!? I would also revisit how the dress was patterned. While I’m still pretty proud of what the novice me pulled off in 2007 now I am sure I would add a lot more structure to the waist of the dress to create a smoother silhouette. I think I would also experiment with layering fabrics and foams to get a more sculpted and armored look for the top of the dress up around the shoulders. Lastly I would seek out some higher quality trims for all of the black accents. That rachelle lace does this costume no favors.