Truth to be told, this is another character that I stumbled upon by chance. As I am subscribed to several gaming-related channels on YouTube, there were a few PVs and gameplay videos that constantly pop up for the game, Hyperdimension Neptunia. Out of curiousity, I started watching those videos and sat through hours of walkthrough/gameplay. I was hooked. I did some research using my Google-fu and discovered that there was to be an anime based on the game. I was very excited about it, even my cosplay partner/best bud Yue (also my Black Heart) knew about it. We watched the anime together and well, we definitely still prefer the game.
I was a little indecisive as to which version I wanted to cosplay, as in different games/stages, Purple Heart's costume and weapon is different. I settled for her Victory game version, minus the waist plates and I wanted to be more mobile at events. After all, the anime did exclude that part too. I had no experience with sewing bodysuits at that time (I could only sew/alter simply), I had to get the costume custom made. But, seeing how I was getting disheartened from being rejected by 20+ tailors, my mother managed to find someone who was willing to make it. 3 weeks later, the costume arrived. And so did a wave of speechlessness. Despite having given my exact measurements, the costume was extremely loose. The white, blue and purple details were poorly made and even stained from the black fabric's colour bleed. Due to time constraints as the event (Comic Fiesta 2013) was just a few days away, we couldn't do much except for a quick alteration.
The following year, I decided to restore the costume's dignity and to re-debut it at the same event. I started ripping away the damaged details, soaked and rinsed costume to remove as much colour bleed as possible, and altered it myself. We (mum and I) went to the craft store to grab a few bottles of fabric paint, and we started painting away. I also replaced the fabric buttons with metal snaps I painted. We also worked on the wings with the help of an artist friend. We scaled the wings to my size, drafted it on manila paper, cut it out from corrugated plastic board and attached L.E.Ds. The wires are concealed by the foam pieces on the wings. After building the harness and taking it for a test run, I am so glad these wings are steady despite being extremely lightweight. Oh, and I can turn myself on too (with a switch at the back for the L.E.Ds). I also repainted the head L.E.D.s as the first version's paint chipped off. After spray painting and cleaning up the edges, I sealed it all with clear nail varnish. The hand and leg leatherettes are made of leather, wrapped on my wrist by the help of elastic band and on my ankles with the help of magnets. The thigh high stockings are sewed onto an old pair of pantyhose for better support/fit. A few minor adjustments and edits here and there, Purple Heart was ready for her re-debut. Of course, only after I was done with painting her sword that was, believe it or not, made of EVA foam. Layers and layers of EVA foam over metal/wooden base.
The weapon is made by first embedding a wooden stick and metal wires into the base of the sword (made of EVA foam), and then gluing the two EVA pieces together, with the 'bones' sandwiched in between. The details were cut on a separate piece of foam, and then glued carefully onto the base. After priming, the sword was spray painted black before sealing it with sealant spray. The purple/white/blue details were painted with acrylic paint. When I was done, I used car polish to give it a smooth finishing as well as making it look 'aged'.
At the event, I partnered up with my Black Heart and just like moths to a flame, I guess our L.E.Ds attracted a lot of people. I was delighted as people were impressed by Purple Heart, and even more so when people recognized her. It was a really great experience and I'm glad to have been able to redeem the cosplay.
Following the event, a month after, I had a night photo shoot for the character. I'm lucky to have been able to work with a photographer who could produce great results, and having assistants running around with the smoke cake. My losing-balance-and-then-falling-down-hard-on-the-ground-because-I-am-hopeless-with-high-heels was definitely worth it.
I'm actually still trying to improve on the costume to this date, seeing now that I have improved my sewing/crafting skills as well as having a better sewing machine. Perhaps I'll bring her out again sometime in the future, but before I do, I ought to find a proper undergarment for her. Because if anything, this is the second character that I don't wear a bra for because of the costume's design. So, to those who think I'm flat, well... there is your answer. Just like Neptune and her shares or citizen 'support', we were both lacking.
I was a little indecisive as to which version I wanted to cosplay, as in different games/stages, Purple Heart's costume and weapon is different. I settled for her Victory game version, minus the waist plates and I wanted to be more mobile at events. After all, the anime did exclude that part too. I had no experience with sewing bodysuits at that time (I could only sew/alter simply), I had to get the costume custom made. But, seeing how I was getting disheartened from being rejected by 20+ tailors, my mother managed to find someone who was willing to make it. 3 weeks later, the costume arrived. And so did a wave of speechlessness. Despite having given my exact measurements, the costume was extremely loose. The white, blue and purple details were poorly made and even stained from the black fabric's colour bleed. Due to time constraints as the event (Comic Fiesta 2013) was just a few days away, we couldn't do much except for a quick alteration.
The following year, I decided to restore the costume's dignity and to re-debut it at the same event. I started ripping away the damaged details, soaked and rinsed costume to remove as much colour bleed as possible, and altered it myself. We (mum and I) went to the craft store to grab a few bottles of fabric paint, and we started painting away. I also replaced the fabric buttons with metal snaps I painted. We also worked on the wings with the help of an artist friend. We scaled the wings to my size, drafted it on manila paper, cut it out from corrugated plastic board and attached L.E.Ds. The wires are concealed by the foam pieces on the wings. After building the harness and taking it for a test run, I am so glad these wings are steady despite being extremely lightweight. Oh, and I can turn myself on too (with a switch at the back for the L.E.Ds). I also repainted the head L.E.D.s as the first version's paint chipped off. After spray painting and cleaning up the edges, I sealed it all with clear nail varnish. The hand and leg leatherettes are made of leather, wrapped on my wrist by the help of elastic band and on my ankles with the help of magnets. The thigh high stockings are sewed onto an old pair of pantyhose for better support/fit. A few minor adjustments and edits here and there, Purple Heart was ready for her re-debut. Of course, only after I was done with painting her sword that was, believe it or not, made of EVA foam. Layers and layers of EVA foam over metal/wooden base.
The weapon is made by first embedding a wooden stick and metal wires into the base of the sword (made of EVA foam), and then gluing the two EVA pieces together, with the 'bones' sandwiched in between. The details were cut on a separate piece of foam, and then glued carefully onto the base. After priming, the sword was spray painted black before sealing it with sealant spray. The purple/white/blue details were painted with acrylic paint. When I was done, I used car polish to give it a smooth finishing as well as making it look 'aged'.
At the event, I partnered up with my Black Heart and just like moths to a flame, I guess our L.E.Ds attracted a lot of people. I was delighted as people were impressed by Purple Heart, and even more so when people recognized her. It was a really great experience and I'm glad to have been able to redeem the cosplay.
Following the event, a month after, I had a night photo shoot for the character. I'm lucky to have been able to work with a photographer who could produce great results, and having assistants running around with the smoke cake. My losing-balance-and-then-falling-down-hard-on-the-ground-because-I-am-hopeless-with-high-heels was definitely worth it.
I'm actually still trying to improve on the costume to this date, seeing now that I have improved my sewing/crafting skills as well as having a better sewing machine. Perhaps I'll bring her out again sometime in the future, but before I do, I ought to find a proper undergarment for her. Because if anything, this is the second character that I don't wear a bra for because of the costume's design. So, to those who think I'm flat, well... there is your answer. Just like Neptune and her shares or citizen 'support', we were both lacking.