Construction Details:

This costume was relatively easy to construct, however I was very concerned I wouldn't be able to procure all the notions and little odds and ends I'd need to complete it in time for Katsucon. I swear for several weeks I was receiving 2-3 small packages in the mail every other day. eBay was my best friend. 4 yards of a $40 a yard red wool gabardine went into this costume. The pattern was partially drafted using a men's costume pattern as a starting guide, a straight edge and chalk -- I loathe pinning patterns to fabric and have found that drawing the pattern out onto the fabric is a lovely alternative. The coat is lined with a black medium weight rayon. Black accents & cuffs are a wool remnant. Wanting to achieve a very militaristic look, I used French braided trim in white and black. The straps are black leatherette which I trimmed with a razor. Buckles are a brushed steel. The small belt pouch was a Coach bag I snagged off eBay for the grand total of $2.95 and is attached to the wide belt via straps and button studs. Rank boards were made from a canary yellow canvas remnant with diamond shaped black wool cut-outs glued on with a fabric glue, the edges are finished with a 1/4 inch white French braid, silver star studs & Sergeant metal rank pins. Arm band was sewn from white gabardine. The Sevel Seals insignia was rendered in Photoshop, printed on transfer paper and ironed on. Gloves were unworn vintage British doeskin purchased off ebay and the boots were left over from a Star Trek Original Series Command uniform I never wore at Dragon*Con. Wig was my Lelouch wig trimmed a bit in the back with razor scissors. Little black raven wings were gifted to me by the lovely Etaru.

Personal Thoughts:

I've been wanting to recreate this particular costume since I first started cosplaying. When my friend Camille suggested getting an X/1999 group together for Katsucon 2011 I could't pass this up. Over all, it was a labour of love. The wool was fabulous to work with, but in general the costume was time consuming. It didn't help that once I finished this one I had to turn around and make a near identical one a few sizes larger in blue for my fiance' who I volunteered as my Twin Star. Derp. Next time we need more blood covered sakura petals and feathers and maybe a few severed heads. Oh CLAMP. Also, once I put everything on I felt I looked like Hugo Boss designed this circa 1936. Again, CLAMP.

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