When I first found out around December 2011 that Code Geass was going to have a spin-off, I immediately started Google-ing information about it. While I was doing so, I came across Leila's picture. Little was known about her then, all she had was her character art. I was drawn to her for some reason, and I knew that I have to cosplay her.
For the ensemble, I managed to contact a costume shop via a Taobao agent and tailor make the costume. I bought the boots and wig there too. When the items arrived, due to my body proportion being different from a typical Asian, I had to get the costume altered at a local tailor. For her hair accessory, I initially used black and yellow ribbons, tied into a bow. Later for the photoshoot, I used black and yellow EVA craft foam. The badge is made out of double-sided foam tape and blue cotton fabric, and the design hand drawn by an artist friend (because I am bad at free-handing).
During the event (Animax Carnival 2012), I joined my very first cosplay competition. I was surprised that I even made it into the Top 10. The experience was fun and I was spurred into joining more cosplay competitions later that year. The highlight for me from the event is when I was thought to be Ashley (Alodia's sister) by a few people and Alodia herself praising my cosplay.
I actually had a photoshoot for this character twice. I wasn't satisfied with the first time as my wig wasn't quite right and Leila's essence wasn't captured the way I wanted it. Thus, I waited until I had the time to shoot her again and I was very happy with the set. In a way, this is one of my cosplays where you can see improvements over time. Cosplay Evolution, in a sense, haha.
Leila still remains one of my favourite cosplays to date. With every OVA of Gaiden I watch, the more I am glad to have been able to portray a cool, mature, and strong lady.
For the ensemble, I managed to contact a costume shop via a Taobao agent and tailor make the costume. I bought the boots and wig there too. When the items arrived, due to my body proportion being different from a typical Asian, I had to get the costume altered at a local tailor. For her hair accessory, I initially used black and yellow ribbons, tied into a bow. Later for the photoshoot, I used black and yellow EVA craft foam. The badge is made out of double-sided foam tape and blue cotton fabric, and the design hand drawn by an artist friend (because I am bad at free-handing).
During the event (Animax Carnival 2012), I joined my very first cosplay competition. I was surprised that I even made it into the Top 10. The experience was fun and I was spurred into joining more cosplay competitions later that year. The highlight for me from the event is when I was thought to be Ashley (Alodia's sister) by a few people and Alodia herself praising my cosplay.
I actually had a photoshoot for this character twice. I wasn't satisfied with the first time as my wig wasn't quite right and Leila's essence wasn't captured the way I wanted it. Thus, I waited until I had the time to shoot her again and I was very happy with the set. In a way, this is one of my cosplays where you can see improvements over time. Cosplay Evolution, in a sense, haha.
Leila still remains one of my favourite cosplays to date. With every OVA of Gaiden I watch, the more I am glad to have been able to portray a cool, mature, and strong lady.