Masquerade With Us From WonderCon@Home!
In addition to panels, the exhibit hall, and Artist’s Alley, another component making up the magic of conventions is the costumes worn by attendees. A masquerade event is the celebration of love fans put into recreating their favorite characters. As a rule, none of the costumes can be store-bought, and must be made by the contestants themselves.
WonderCon was once again held online this year as WonderCon@Home. While we were not able to see contestants saunter, swirl, and showcase their dazzling costumes, organizers did a good job in recreating the experience on WonderCon Tumblr page. Normally, access to the Masquerade is very limited, requiring attendees to spend hours camping out for the event. The virtual format allows a larger audience to experience this unique aspect of conventions.
The spirit of the Master of Ceremonies opening the event was captured in this short video clip.
https://wonderconathome.tumblr.com/post/646817939465617408/masquerade-at-home-start-here-the-fogilo
Out of the many entries, these creme de la creme rose to the top.
Most Humorous
In the beginning of her convention experience, this author looked for the most realistic, true-to-original cosplays. Now, I enjoyed the cosplays that made me laugh, for the creator’s true creativity shines in their unique take on the costume. The Infinity Gauntlet definitely deserves the Most Humorous Award as it truly makes this author laugh. The jumbo size infinity gauntlet fits an entire human being, and has the personality of a giant version of Thing from Addams Family. Our silly contestant also shows how an infinity gauntlet would act at home when it is not out and about with Thanos.
Best Recreation
The Best Re-Creation award goes to Ugly Stepsisters (from Disney’s Cinderella). These handmade dresses jumped right out of Germany in the late 1880s. Even the undergarments like the bloomers, petticoat, corset, and lobster tail bustle are true to their historical roots (as stated by the contestants). Additionally, contestants capture the sassiness of the ugly stepsisters in their portrayal of the characters.
Best Original Design
The re-imagining of Cheshire Cat is the winner of Best Original Design. Voluminous tail made of quilt batting and fur, and claws made of poly foam caulk saver covered in brocade and rhinestones add the feline elements to the costume. The mask recreated the character’s iconic grin, rounding out the look.
Best Presentation
“This is Quarantine,” the recreation of Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, shows us that Masquerade is not just about the costume pieces. Presentation is also important. In addition to their flawless Jack and Sally cosplays, the winners of Best Presentation “walk on stage,” accompanied by a poem written in the same sing-songy tone of the movie.
“What’s this? What’s this?
I can’t believe my eyes
I must be dreaming
This looks like fun!
It’s something new!
Oh, could it be I got my wish?
What’s this?…Wondercon at Home Masquerade???”
Best Workmanship
Details, details, details. Ur-Dragon from Magic the Gathering truly deserves the Best Workmanship award. Numerous small and large dragon heads adorn the armor. Seamless horns grew out of the headpiece and pauldrons as if they are natural parts of the pieces. Only 6 to 8 months of hard work could result in this fine work.
Judges' Choice
Elphaba from the acclaimed Broadway musical based on the novel Wicked wins Judges’ Choice. The Wicked Witch of the West costume was created out of completely recycled materials. Over a hundred yards of 5-inch Strips of fabric were sewn into ruffles on the skirt. The patches making up the details of the bodice were hand stitched on during our contestant’s bus ride to work, breaks, and lunches. To recreate the look of Elphaba, the contestant did extensive research on the character’s makeup in the actual show. (It is more than just green paint!)
Best In Show
Our Best in Show goes to Astra, Queen of the Frostborn. Inspired by the heavy fog that accompanied one cold morning at dawn, this contestant created an original character of Astra, the strong and beautiful queen of the frostborn. Her plate armor of enchanted ice was created out of 307 individual pieces of leather sewn together. The Queen’s trusted sword Ice Breaker was constructed from Plexiglass, with translucent hand-cut scales making up the dragon on the hilt. LED lights along with countless snowflakes, and rhinestones complete the look.
Which of these cosplays were your favorites? Will you try to attend a live Masquerade in the future?
Source(s): Tumblr