New York Comic-Con Style Report

New York Comic-Con was once called "Geek Prom" by a local news anchor.  I can't say I disagree.  The effort that enthusiastic fans have put into their looks is enough to rival any eager high school senior I can think of...

Here are your Lolitas:

 Your Goths:

 Your cosplay characters, anime, superheros and "undetermined"...

Photos by Adam Weinstein

The Anachronism Steampunk: Visit to Edo in NYC

Legendary NYC nightclub, Webster Hall (it used to host the original Surrealist balls with Salvador Dali) hosted the Anachronism’s Steampunk: Visit to Edo event. 

The event had a fashion show, several music acts, dance, art demonstrations and even a cosplay burlesque showcase.   Vendors offered handcrafted Steampunk jewelry and fashion. 

Thirsty?  The cocktail menu was appropriately themed, ranging from the "Tesla Coil" and "Clockwork Lotus" and an entire section devoted to Absinthe.

Of course, the ensembles were the real stars of the venue.  Outfits of guests ranged from courtly Renaissance, to studious spectacled gentlemen.  Corseted kimonos were popular, with many ensembles made by hand by artists and crafters themselves.  My favorite of the day had to belong to Genevieve of the Goth/Steampunk band, Psyche Corporation, who co-sponsored the event.  She had a fantastic outfit crafted from vintage spindles and spools. 

The cosplay burlesque show was truly original, though the performances were definitely uneven.  Acts were inspired by everything from Cowboy Bebop, Bioshock’s Little Sister, Dr. Van Helsing, and disturbingly (on many counts) Freddy Krueger and Hannibal Lecter.  The definite favorite was the woman who based her act on the famous Japanese painting, “Fisherman’s Daughter” and ended the show with a provocative entanglement with a giant octopus…(Hentai fans anyone?)

Comic-Con Cosplay - Raise Your Glass

If you're on the West Coast, San Diego Comic-Con has all the fanboys and girls all giddy with anticipation.  However, London's Comic-Con has set the bar really high...A fantastic viral music video of cosplay characters is making the rounds set to Pink's Raise Your Glass. 

I love the energy, the fun and above all costumes! Shadowcat is hot, and Jack Sparrow is almost too authentic...

Japan Fashion Now Exhibit at the Museum at FIT

Inspiration from the East?  Avant-garde or Super-sweet?  Gothic? Anime?  What do you think of when you think of Japanese fashion?  The current exhibit at the Museum of FIT investigates the tipping point of Japan as a fashion heavyweight in the 1980's to current streetwear influences.  Edgy designers like Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto bridged philosophy and art with functional clothing.  

There is a gallery of a futuristic Tokyo and a range of styles representing subcultures of Forest Girl, Kawaii, Gothic Lolitas and Cosplay.

The exhibit runs until January 8, 2011 and is located at 27th street and 7th avenue in NYC.

Yoshitomo Nara Nobody's Fool + Cosplay Contest

The Asia Society in New York is hosting a landmark exhibition of Yoshitomo Nara's work and its ties to rebellion, rock and punk music.  The neo-pop artist is known for his hipster creepy-cute images of children and animals.  

On Friday, October 15, the museum will host a Cosplay competition in the artist's honor.  Prizes from Forbidden Planet, Midtown Comics and the museum itself will be awarded.  Participants need to be in costume inspired by either anime, comics, video games or your own original concept.

NYC: Cosplay and GothLoli Tea Party at Animinicon Soho

Does the world look better through an animated lens?  Need a good excuse to dress up and party?

The Animinicon festival in New York's Soho neighborhood is your weekend destination.  Start with tonight's Cosplay reception.  Dance to J-rock and win prizes for your outfit.

Saturday will have concerts, meet & greets with famous Manga artists as well as screenings.

Dress your best for Sunday's Victorian Tea Pary.  Gothic or Lolitas can sip lovely Harney & Tea drinks.  Shop from the large range of dealers on-site.

See the site for more info.

Comic-Con Style: Cosplay, Superheroes and Celebs

San Diego Comic-Con! Unless you live under a rock, you know that this annual fest is the mecca for all comic book fans, sci-fi fans, horror movie fans and fans of all cool pop culture in general. What started as a geekfest has now turned into the destination for the most anticipated previews of your favorite entertainment.

Outside of the official schedule though, the most entertaining thing (at least for a style blogger like myself) is the fashion and costumes of attendees.
Fans create the best outfits for themselves, with attention to detail that only comes from true passion.

Female celebrities often sway between super-sexy for the male fans (Angelina Jolie for Salt) or down-to-earth Geek Love, showing solidarity with their own favorite characters, (Michelle Rodriguez in attendance for Battle: Los Angeles).

Photos courtesy from Superhero Hype, Rotten Tomatoes,Comingsoon.net

Cosplay 2.0 Party at the Japan Society NYC

Get dressed and come in your best. In collaboration with their Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters exhibit, the Japan Society is hosting their annual Cosplay party on the afternoon of Saturday, May 15th. The party will be held in the big screen theater for a screening of Evangelion and will feature a costume competition.

Guests include Uncle Yo, Mario Bueno, World Cosplay Summit 2009 Team USA, and manga Artist Hiroki Otsuka. Nibble on onegiri rice balls, snap yourself in the photobooth.

The contest is a test of creativity, so no rentals or store bought outfits please! More info here.

Photo by George Hirose