Character: Adiane the Elegant
Version: Anime
Series: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
When Completed: July 2008
Reason: Upon watching Gurren Lagann I knew I had to cosplay someone from it. It's such an awesome anime! Adiane is one of those characters that's bad ass and doesn't really take crap from anyone. Plus her outfit is kick ass! I was also asked to be apart of American Cosplay Paradise and Bandai's promotion of Gurren Lagann at AX, hence why I made this sooner then planed.
Worn to:
Anime Expo 2008
Nan Desu Kan 2008
Anime LA 2009
Awards:
1st Place in American Cosplay Paradise Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Look-a-Like Contest, Best Group Craftsmanship (Teen Gurren-dan; ALA 2009), Best Stage Presence (Teen Gurren-dan; ALA 2009)

Pictures
Click on the image for large view

Photos courtesy of Asianschoolboy, Darkain, and Lionel.

Construction notes: The fitting on this costume was a nightmare. The words "close fitting" and "kimono" should not be used to describe the same garment. That being said, I wanted to make sure that my "kimono" wasn't just a normal kimono that was pushed off my shoulders and made shorter. I noticed that it doesn't really look that hot when done that way so I wanted to make sure I fixed that issue. Plus bunching that much fabric around your waist isn't a good idea for your shape. ;) I spent a while doing the patterning for the main part of the dress I'm pretty happy with the result. For the dress I used a fuchsia wool suiting that is not only HOT but very heavy. Being fully lined makes this dress over 7lbs!! The dark purple trim at top is a casa satin and was the ONLY fabric I could find within 200 miles of me that was the right color. The white trim was made by myself and is I-don't-know-how-many-yards of white bridal satin gathered. Never again will I make my own trim! The designs on the sleeves were done with cotton fabrics and heat-n-bond. (Thanks Ellome for the idea!!). It is so thick in the center it is hard. 0.0 The waist cincher is made like a corset so it helps support the chest and define the waist. Double bonus. It is fully lined and boned as well with pleather details. The tail is one of my fav parts and since it is made of plastic it is very durable. I have it on string so I could position it in different poses for pictures. The tattoo is painted on with alcohol based make-ups. Wig from Cosplay_wigs and shoes were painted to match. I think that is everything. ^^;;;