Nov 18 2008
Thoughts on altering costume designs
I was asked a question the other day that’s pretty interesting and I wanted to address it here. If you’re familiar with “cosplay” or the costuming community, especially when it comes to pre-designed costumes, there is always a question of whether or not it is “okay” or “acceptable” to alter the design or concept or parts of the costume to modify it for one reason or another. Whether it’s a question of Padme Amidala’s insane hair or the question of how pracitcal it would be to have Edea’s back arch when you’re trying to walk around and through doors.
This is a topic that really does deal with personal preferences. No single person has the “answer” to sucha situation as this. I think that if your character is still recognizeable, you’re good to
go. I don’t like when people take some random clothes, a wig, and call themselves “Bedtime -insert character here”, but that’s just my opinion. I think a character was designed to be a certain way for a reason, so keeping to that is part of the fun of making costumes.
Another good example I can think of is Moogles, from the Final Fantasy. There are m
oogles, and then there are MOOGLES. There is nothing really wrong with this example,on the right, it’s quite cute and funny. But I personally, would prefer to see more of the example here on the left. That’s just me. I like cannon versions 
Then again, there are some AWESOME costumes that were creative endeavors, still recognizeably resemble the character or are just FUNNY. Sailor Bubba for one, amuses me to no end. I mean, it really is a personal preference.
However, do keep in mind–if you choose to go with a personalized version, please BE PREPARED to have people make comments about how your costume isn’t “quite right” or “needs x, y, and z to be perfect”. It’s just the way some people are. I like to see creativity, but some people prefer perfection ^^
Happy sewing!
(The Save Point moogle picture was by Eurobeat King, and I picked it up off Google. The phait Moogle is Saber on Cosplay.com)
