The Secret World of Cosplay

The Secret World of Cosplay
Joseph Chi Lin

Pandemonium
At Katsucon 2010, an anime convention held annually in Washington, D.C., a cosplayer's hotel room is transformed into a makeshift special-effects studio. "For our particular group, traveling to conventions is never light," says Caitlin Beards, whose cosplay alias is Lady Ava. "Between the four of us, we have suitcases, garment bags, plastic tubes for larger costumes, wig stands, props and usually at least one set of wings. And nine times out of 10, there is a separate bag for just shoes." Such preparation allows them to change into several outfits over the course of a single day.

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