HYPERION GUNSLINGER
Aion
Photographer
Why I chose to make this costume:
This game has SO MANY gorgeous costumes and designs that it was quite difficult to choose one to make. Ultimately, I fell in love with the intricate details of the Hyperion Gunner, the color scheme of black/red/gold/silver, and the aesthetic of the bodysuit + cropped jacket with long tails look.
Additionally, the fact that I travel often and need transportable costumes made this design so attractive as a crafting project—despite the creative, hands on challenges and high level of detailing, the finished outfit is fairly condensed, with small, lightweight props. Perfect for international jetsetting!
How I made this costume:
I made this costume in about two weeks, which was way not enough time for this project O_O! I used my Ultimate Bodysuit pattern to make the bodysuit out of matte spandex and pleather, then pinned/sewed lace appliques all over it. The bodysuit alone took a whole weekend. The jacket was another monster, made out of leather and a thick upholstery corduroy, with a silk taffeta lining. Absolutely everything was embroidered, and I sewed scattered rhinestones over the jacket. Broke a bunch of needles as well.
The third pain-in-the-butt part of the costume was the gun holsters and boot covers. I shudder just thinking back on them. Everything had to be custom patterned out, all the edges finished and embellished like mad.
Thankfully, when it came to making the twin guns, I had a crafting weekend with my friend Kamui Cosplay and traded her sewing work for prop work, so she very quickly made my guns. What took her a day would have taken me probably a week!!!
Thoughts on this costume:
I love the silhouette of this costume, and feel like a badass while wearing it! Absolutely LOVE how transportable it is!!!! But the leather and corduroy definitely makes it a bit warm in the summer. It was so great to wear this costume with my friends in matching Aion regalia at LSCC!!!!
