The Appeal of Cosplay

We can’t wait to see the cosplay at Star Wars Celebration Chicago!

For any fan convention, seeing the cosplay is always the main attraction. In fact, at a New Orleans anime convention, I have friends that bring their daughter and stay to see the creativity in the costumes.

Of course, a convention as large as Star Wars Celebration will have some fantastic cosplay. We have seen a Darth Vader from the Return of the Jedi, complete with the cosplayers face in full makeup for when the mask comes off. We have seen a Jar Jar Binks that was Disney Park worthy.

Those cosplays were fantastic enough to be in the cosplay contest. Do you have what it takes?

The Star Wars Celebration Cosplay Competition

The cosplay competition application deadline is March 1st. There are some rules you have to follow:

• It must be a character or “element” that exists in the Star Wars universe.
• You have to be a paid attendee of the convention. The contest itself is free.
• You have to fill out the application, which does not secure an entry into the stage competition. SWCC’s cosplay contest will have a large number of people that apply. They have to narrow down the list. You are also only allowed to enter in one costume idea.
• If you are selected, someone from the Star Wars Celebration organizers will contact you. This means you have made it to the stage portion!
• 60% of your outfit has to made by the wearer. The judges are looking at much work went into the costumes as well as how great the cosplay looks.
• At the time of your submitting of the application, your costume must be three-quarters complete.

So if you have been on the fence, there is still time! To the sewing machines!

Not All Cosplay Needs to Be Competition Ready!

Of course, you don’t need to be that intricate. Any cosplay that is put together with love of the saga is a great cosplay.

We have done very low-fi costumes ourselves. I have gone as a hipster Vader, complete with glasses, blazer and a Vader Graphic-T. Mrs. Nola Nerd Couple, and her sisters, ItsGeekella and Good Morning Fabulous, used dance outfits, fabric, and makeup to make some convincing Night Sisters. For another celebration, ItsGeekella did a mashup of Princesses Zelda and Leia

Cosplay Resources

If you are looking to do a costume and need help, there are plenty of resources out there. The official cosplay groups like the 501st and Rebel Legion have tons of helpful information on their website. And if you follow theirs 100%, why not join!

There are plenty of places to purchase cosplay. Cosplay Sky comes very highly recommended. Wretched Hive Creations does some great masks and headpieces. (However, be careful of the timing of shipping…Celebration is around the corner.). And of course, for those that want to spend a little less and have my level of craft skill, there is always Amazon.

It’s All About Having Fun!

And if you don’t want to cosplay, that’s fine too.

But you have to admit, watching the cosplay of others is both entertaining and inspiring!

Are you going to cosplay at Star Wars Celebration Chicago? What are you going to go as? What is your favorite cosplay that you have seen that is Star Wars related?

About The Author

Kurt Hargis

administrator

I’m a husband to a woman who is nerdier than I am, and a father to a near perfect child. I am one of the main authors for this website, plus I handle most of the technical aspects (web design, editing podcasts, and videos, etc.) During the day, I’m a Computer Science and African American Studies Teacher. Most of my free time I’m listening to music or podcasts and watching soccer. I love Star Wars and Star Trek equally. I’m a horrible gamer yet I game.
You can reach me at nolanerdcouple@gmail.com

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