Ichigo

Character and Reference

Ichigo is a young school girl whose DNA was mixed with a Iriomote Cat. She now has cat-like reflexes, new friends and a new job of saving extinct animals and the planet. Tokyo Mew Mew was the first manga and anime i experienced. I loved the young magical superhero and how she also experienced everyday life. I've always wanted to cosplay her but I’ve never made something so complicated or something so delicate. Overall I was happy and proud with this experience and costume thought.

Materials

Pink Matte Satin
Foil Dot Velvet Fabric
Faux Rabbit Fur
Heart Beads
Necklace beads
Gold Spray paint
Interfacing

Pink acrylic paint
Craft foam
Zippers
Hook and eyes
Basic sewing supplies
boots

Wig Styling

The wig used was a classic lulu from arda wigs. I curled the back of the wig and then brushed it out for some relaxed waves, and styled the front as in the reference photo with blunt bangs and hairspray. The ears are foam in the middle of fur and satin fabric. Then they were sewn together and to the base of the wig with a whip stitch for support.

Bodice Construction

The bodice is made in 8 sections and shaped to my body. There is sew-in boning between 7 of the seams and the back is closed with a zipper and hook. The bodice is a separate piece from the skirt but I wanted the illusion of a dress. This pattern was difficult to draft and took multiple attempts and muslin mock ups. I've also never worked with boning and such a body fitted piece before and was a great learning experience.

Skirt

The entire dress is made with pink satin fabric and pink cotton fabric for the lining. All the red trim and gloves are made of faux velvet with dots of glitter. All red trim was gathered by hand because I did not want to deal with my crappy machine. I made these choices for a sparkly elegant princess feel. The skirt is known as a 'bubble' skirt and filled with a tulle petite coat to give it the dramatic poof. The petite skirt has multiple layers with short layers underneath to puff up the longer layers on top for a larger effect. The lining and exterior of the skirt was sewn together and then pinned around the pettie skirt and gathered by hand. I then went over the sitch with a machine for added strength. The top is finished with a fitted waistband along with an invisible zipper to match the bodice.I've never made a petite skirt and used so much tulle! It was a difficult experience and probably not one I'd do again, but I love the outcome.

Arm and Leg Garter

The Arm garters were made with a fitted lining and baggy exterior to give more of a puffy illusion. The leg garter had a fitted lining and exterior for a smooth look, and is held up with fashion tape. All the red trim was hand gathered before pinning and sewing the garters.

Accessories

The gloves are made with the red fabric and bows on top. I found some heart beads and painted them gold with a pink accent in the middle for detail. The pointy end of the glove and bow had light weight interfacing to make them stiff and give a cartoony effect.

For the necklace, I found a stone in the shape I wanted and painted it the same gold from the gloves. I painted the design With the same pink paint as well and sewed it to the necklace. I also added some detail for artistic design and to match the dots all over the red fabric

The tail was made with a PVC base that was bent into shape with a heat gun. A tube of fur was put over it and then stuffed with light weight cotton to give it a natural soft shape. The bow was sewn with interfacing Inside so it holds a stiffer shape and was sewn onto the tail. Finally, I bought some silver bells and spray painted them the same gold. I then stuffed it with yellow tissue paper so it would make less noise walking around and such. I wear it with a belt underneath the dress. The last thing purchased were the boots. I wanted to make boot covers with the red fabric to match the entire costume, but Joanna doesn't sell the fabric anymore (sadly). They are knee high and a bit brighter red in person.

Final Costume

Overall this costume making journey was a huge learning experience and something I'm so happy I had the courage to make. I've always made dark or male costumes with large coats or covering items. I have never had the courage to wear or make something so fitted and revealing. It was a huge learning experience for me from: sewing ears to a wig, hand stitching invisible zippers, using boning, drafting a fitted pattern, multiple tryons, and sewing a petticoat. This has been my dream cosplay for about 7 years and I have impressed myself with the outcome. Unfortunately with COVID-19 cancelling the two annual cons near me, I will not be able to show off my hard work over the past few months and enjoy others' costumes. Thank you Arda for having this contest and please message me if you have any questions or concerns.

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