Cosplay designer Vicky Lau lives to create epic fantasy. Her edgy costume designs deliver such a kick she’s been invited a second time to show a collection at Western Canada Fashion Week (WCFW).
As one of six designers to reveal their collection at Fantasy Night this coming Monday, Lau salutes Cosplay characters from Japanese anime and video games.
“Cosplay is not quite as recognized as mainstream fashion. So I was thrilled when Sandra (Fernandes Sing) asked me to show again,” said Lau. “This time I want to bring more awareness to the subculture of cosplay.”
Titled Female Warriors, the seven-piece collection fits neatly into the three-decade old pop culture push to develop heroic female characters that exude independence, edginess, strength and confidence.
The skimpy costumes and intricate armour plate paired with oversize swords or axes are typical of animation’s female warriors. They suggest “kickass” fighters with their own identity, agenda and story purpose.
“I like their independence, strength and courage – something I want to strive towards. Yet I want to have compassion as well, “ said Lau, a St. Albert dietitian.
Veteran anime and game players will recognize the tropes, more or less, as the warriors appear quite ready to go on life and death quests to defeat monsters.
Lau was inspired by various genres including Evangelion, an apocalyptic anime, League of Legends, a multi-player online battle arena and Fate/Extra, a dungeon-crawler-style Japanese role-playing game.
Stepping away from traditional anime and video games, Lau even embroidered upon Disney’s Frozen creating an original design of Battle Princess Anna in the mould of Viking royalty.
The sexualized outfits are made from various fabrics and materials such as cotton and satin, which are skillfully blended with latex and worbla – a thermal plastic used to create breastplates, armours, swords and axes.
Costumes – outfits, wig and makeup – can take anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours to put on.
“All our models are involved in cosplay and they know how to put on a costume and wig and how to move in the costume.”
Although Lau is generally photographed in costumes for promotional purposes, she looks forward to seeing models strut down the runway wearing her designs.
“It’s exhilarating to see them come to life outside the mirror. I can actually see what they look like from the second person point of view. It helps me understand the functionality. Sometimes what works on paper doesn’t always work in real life.”
It was the second person point of view that nabbed Lau her first spot at WCFW. Ernest Augustus, head photographer for WCFW, was the lighting director for Lau’s first collection titled The Seven Deadly Sins. Impressed with the elegant, yet dark and edgy artistry, he referred her to the fashion show powers.
The Bellerose High alumna debuted The Seven Deadly Sins in April 2014 and her vision has only gotten stronger since then.
“If you have creativity and drive, go for it. It’s a whole different experience. To see something come to life is a very rewarding experience.”
Fantasy Night is held at the TransAlta Arts Barns on Sept. 21. Doors at 7 p.m. Show runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call 780-420-1757 or purchase online at tixonthesquare.ca.
