Kokoro – Dead or Alive 5 – idol variant
Idols are now a thing. Add plaid to make your idol variant 20% cooler.
So, I’ve been a long time fan of the Dead or Alive series. Say what you want to say about boobs, but I enjoy this fight game’s aesthetics and attention to detail – especially with all the martial arts moves. I did cosplay as Kokoro years ago just as a challenge to get something done before Anime Central. I also have cosplayed as Lei Fang on two separate occasions (swimsuit and waitress).
While Lei Fang is my favorite, why Kokoro? I just thought her idol design is cuter (and I do enjoy playing as Kokoro) and I found the perfect pink / purple plaid mix at Sewfisticated. This was a lucky find. I was originally going to shop for Lei Fang’s idol variant (red plaid is easy to come by), but when I saw the pink plaid fabric, I knew I had to get it done. 45 inches and 2.5 yards was cutting it real close. I just had about enough for the skirt, collar, and wrist cuff things.
I took fabric that was originally meant for St. Tail and turned it into a jacket. I used Simplicity 4015 to custom make a jacket with puff sleeves. I had to pattern draft the collar and shorten up the jacket. Gold bias trim was bought and added in. I found the perfect gold buttons also at Sewfisticated.
The skirt is the same method I used for eternal senshi skirts – I just made two circle skirts – one shorter by 2.5 inches for the above skirt. The skirts have horesehair braid. As you can see, the skirt needs to be ironed. I started Kokoro in August and I had to move between August and September. It’s only recently I started working on Kokoro again.
The only things I need are more lace for the skirt, the sleeveless button up shirt, and the tiny tie (I think I have one at my parent’s house?). Otherwise, Kokoro is almost done and ready for the first con of 2014…hopefully.
