Completed August 2005 – Best in Show, PMX 2005

Inspiration
I decided to redo my first Rydia costume, because having just one version of your favorite character is just never enough. I wanted a decadent, over the top look for the new version -something that reflected the style of Yoshitaka Amano’s artwork – unpredictable and detail oriented. I wanted to do something completely insane. Well, I managed the “insane” part because this costume drove me crazy.

Construction
I went through many designs and revisions before I decided on a final look. I wanted the colors and design to resemble the original artwork as much as possible. The pictures don’t do the beading designs justice; instead of using a set pattern for each design, I did every star different and random. I also dyed the bodysuit material a darker green; it was yellow when I bought it. For the capes, I fused green satin stripes on both sides of a sheer material, and then beaded the top of it. I made the large tassels on the end out of styrofoam balls that I textured and added yarn to. The wig has a life of it’s own. o_O It started out as a long white wig that I dyed with copic marker refills; I also dyed 3 packs of extensions in varying shades of green and sewed them in. To give the wig extra floof, I sewed a “pillow” of green tulle to the back of the wig that I combed the hair over. I added beaded strands, and of course made her trademark giant pink, feathered headdress. I sewed the belt, pouch, and green arm capes. I altered the top and legwarmers to fit, and then I decorated everything by hand.
I know this outfit looks outrageous; but that’s the look I was going for. So anyone that criticizes it by saying it’s obscenely over-detailed and drag-queen-esque is paying me the ultimate compliment. Thanks!

Photos by Deathcom, Eurobeat King