Carbon Costume

Mei Lee (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) is the main character in the Disney-Pixar film Turning Red.  Prior to her initial transformation into a red panda, Mei is outspoken and outgoing.  After her power activates, she has to learn to control her emotions in order to avoid transforming.  Mei’s dark hair turns red after she transforms into a red panda.  She wears a blue skirt over burgundy leggings with a pink collared shirt and red-orange sweater.  Mei is a big fan of all things late-90s/early-2000s including choker necklaces, boy bands, and her Tamagotchi virtual pet.

Kneemoi may look sweet but don’t take your eyes off her. She’s a shapeshifting grifter who has no issue stealing whatever she wants. Once she even stole all knowledge of Tai Chi! As one of Carmen Sandiego’s henchwomen, she is comfortable in a life of crime, something you probably shouldn’t bring to your Kneemoi cosplay.

Along with setting aside her criminal tendencies, Kneemoi cosplayers have a unique challenge. Kneemoi, in her normal state, is a pink floating ball with arms and, sometimes, a hose-like nose. A pink bodysuit is a good start, as are false lashes and pink face paint. You can add a pink skirt and pink flats if you would like a few more layers. And if you want to copy the nose she has in some variations, you can use skin-safe glue to attach a plastic hose over your nose.

She may look sweet but don’t let looks fool you. She’s a tough opponent that knows how to use her giant needle in a fight. Hornet from Hollow Knight isn’t always an enemy, though. She just has her duties and she’s not about to let anyone get past without a fight.

There are three major parts to a Hornet costume. The first is a mask similar to the shape of her head. For that, you’ll want to go to Etsy. Underneath it you’ll want a hair cap to keep your hair and place and black face paint to use around your eyes and then white face paint anywhere that shows around the mask.

The second important part is her purple cloak. It flares more than most cloaks so you’ll want to wear a purple top and a purple skirt underneath with a crinoline beneath the skirt for added flare. Black gloves, black tights, and black boots round out her outfit,

Finally you’ll want to go back to Etsy for Hornet’s needle. The product linked here is a little over three feet long and is perfect for cosplays of all ages.

Vi (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) is the older sister of Jinx in the Arcane TV series.  Vi is a Zaunite vigilante who wields a pair of powerful gauntlets.  Vi’s costuming includes sturdy boots, striped trousers, and a red cropped jacket.  You can use an eyeliner pencil to add the “VI” tattoo on her left cheek.  Options exist for you to either purchase a cosplay costume set or create your own by mixing and matching different pieces, depending on your preference.  Finding a pair of replica gauntlets can get costly.  While there are also plans available for purchase if have access to a 3D printer, you can also achieve a similar (and more functional) look with a pair of metal gauntlets meant for medieval cosplay.  A little patience and rust-oleum paint can even add their distinctive blue color.

American McGee’s Alice first debuted in 2000 and quickly gained a cult following. In 2011, the second installment Madness Returns […]

Lavender Brown is a character in the Harry Potter series. Silly and sentimental, she is a pureblood witch who gets sorted into Gryffindor. Her favorite class is Divination. In her fifth year, she joined Dumbledore’s Army, initiated by fellow student Harry Potter. A year later, she started a relationship with Ron Weasley. However, she was rather clingy and annoying, which resulted in their breakup, and he eventually ended up with Hermione Granger instead. Lavender fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, but she died from the injuries of a werewolf attack. In the movies, she is mainly portrayed by Jessie Cave.

Ziggy Berman (played by Sadie Sink) just wanted to get through summer at camp. Being from Shadyside and targeted by the kids from Sunnyvale, that’s a tall order all on its own. Then someone starts killing campers. Shadyside campers. He goes after Ziggy’s sister, dragging Ziggy right into the line of fire. And the danger doesn’t end when she ends up as the camp’s final girl.

A Ziggy cosplay is a great closet cosplay option. Brown corduroy shorts pair up with a striped tank top or a Camp Nightwing t-shirt, tall socks, and classic sneakers for a ’70s summer camp look. A red wig is the only special piece. That and the fake blood you’ll need if you want her mid-terror look.

Hester Shaw (played by Hera Hilmar in the movie) is a remarkable heroine. She is strong-willed, smart, and determined. She is also easily identified by her scar, received at the hands of a man she now wants revenge on. The scar is less obvious in the movie but still an important part of Hester’s story. And that’s where any good Hester cosplay is going to start.

Scar wax is key for  Hester cosplay, as is a long auburn wig. With those elements in place, Hester’s outfit becomes a snap. A long dark green coat, a long sleeved grey shirt, black fingerless gloves, black pants, black boots, and a long red scarf wrap up the rest of her look.