time completed: End of June 2006
hours spent: 15+
worn at: Anime Expo 2006

Why I chose to make this costume:
Since the video game "Jade Empire" came out a couple of years ago, various friends have sent me pictures and suggested that I cosplay one of the female characters because I looked so similar to the design (very oddly O_o;). After finally sitting down and playing the game and realizing how awesome it is, I decided to cosplay Wu, the most recognizable character from this very under-appreciated great game..

How I made this costume:
I needed a magenta brocade in a specific shade and pattern for the majority of the costume, and thankfully after a long search found it! I created patterns for the top and wrap skirt, all the leather straps and trim, and the thigh high leg covers. Sewing all the pieces together was easy except for the leg covers. Because the brocade is not stretchy, I had to add a panel of spandex down the back and also make the quilted top pieces separately, then stitch them on.
The top, leather straps with buckles and rings, as well as skirt have a number of creative closures to ensure the right fit and look. I already owned black booty shorts to wear underneath.
I sculpted the three belt buckles/medallions out of clay, then cast them in plastic that was already dyed and dusted gold. The medallions were aged and attached to the wrap skit, along with the cream colored sash that I made. I decided that for accuracy's sake, I would wrap my arms in strips of spandex fabric (as opposed to making arm warmers out of strips), which were time consuming to serge and very constricting to wear ^^;. The shoes were leather straps that I patterned and made, then attached to the soles of a pair of sandals (they said size 6 but ended up way too big >_<).

My thoughts on this costume:
I am very glad that I didn't have to wear a wig with this outfit because it is rather hot already. But aside from that it's very comfortable and I like the way it turned out.
I only had time to run around in this costume for an hour or so and hope to do a photoshoot with it in the future. That would give me reason to maybe make/find a prop, too! Hopefully my friends are happy that I finally did this costume haha!

Reference pictures

Photos by Eurobeat King and Paul Tien