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Cosplay Girl Costume Presentation
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Cosplay at fan events likely originated in Japan in 1978. Cosplay nevertheless gets a mixed reception in Japan even today. Events in districts such as Akihabara draw many cosplayers, yet there is no shortage of people in Japan who regard cosplay as a frivolous endeavor.
• Costumes
Cosplay differs from Halloween and Mardi Gras costume wear not only in existing independent of any particular holiday, but in its goal. The object of cosplay is interpretation: one attempts to become one's character much as a stage actor inhabits a role. Costumes are expected to adhere meticulously to the attire known to be worn by the character represented. Even more generic costumes get an elaborately artistic treatment. Cosplayers may purchase or create costumes through fan labor. Cosplayers often educate themselves in crafting specialities such as sculpture, face paint, fibreglasswork, fashion design and the like in the effort to render the look and texture of a costume accurately.
Once in costume, cosplayers often adopt the affect, mannerisms and body language of the characters they portray (with OOC or, "Out Of Character" breaks). The cosplayers do this because once they have that certain costume on, they feel and act like the character that they are dressed up as. Some Cosplayers prefer to snap into character for photos with poses and stunts, but otherwise remain fairly out of character. Cosplayers often gather to view the costumes of others, show off their own creations, take pictures, share tips, and participate in contests. This activity is maintained between major events through participation in online forums. Major events include but are not limited to anime and comic book conventions as well as costume balls such as Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade.
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