I can still remember the time when it all started... We had a costume party at home and I wanted to dress up as Lightning. My friend got me this outfit from ebay and said "Common you're gonna be great Lightning and it's gonna be fun".
What I did not expect was peoples reaction...
That's the day when great cosplay fan became a cosplayer.
My costume was initially bought on eBay but within time cosplaying Lightning became more of a challange for me and I decided to do as much as I can on my own. Below I outline all progress and credits. I'd like to also point out that due to the fact that my costume is only partially done by me I am not taking part in any competitions - I am doing it for fun, mostly because Lightning is one of my favourite characters.
What I wanted to achieve is a very natural look, no wigs no fake eye lashes no contact lenses. My goal was to bring her to life not create a plastic, pink copy.
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1. Hair:
Decided to use no wig because I wanted to achieve natural Lightning look. Colouring hair took me good couple of attempts. One each two months. I was lucky to be under Bożena's wings who is a professional hair stylist and took it as a challange and decided to go through it with me.
2. Body:
This is no mystery that I had to loose weight.
Started with simple jogging, then some sword fighting, gymnastics (including some flips training), trampoline jumping, aerobics etc.
3. Face:
I had to get rid of my glasses. But I am not wearing contact lenses. This is my natural eye colour.
4. Costume:
- Vest: JenniferCosplay
applied changes: shortened up, changed clasps, changed buttons, changed cloak, changed leather part at the back and changed pauldron
- Brown turtleneck: JenniferCosplay
- Skirt: JenniferCosplay
applied changes: zippers
- Belts:
brown waist belt: done by me
beige belt on the skirt: done by me
collar belt: adjusted and replaced
- Gloves:
fully replaced, new pair was done by me from the very beginning
black sleeve: JenniferCosplay
- Armbands:
made fully be me
- Leg bag:
as delivered with costume by JenniferCosplay
- Lightning's pendant:
bought from SquareEnix
- Boots:
made fully by me
- Gunblade:
commisioned and made as special order by May from 0404 Cosplay Plaza (Thank you!)
- Gunblade holster:
commisioned and made as special order by May from 0404 Cosplay Plaza (Thank you!)
- l'Cie mark:
design downloaded from web made as toatoo by me
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If you have any questions regarding the above please PM me. I'll be happy to help/answer.
If anyone has photos of me/with me I'd be happy to see it. Please PM me with link. Thank you.
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For those who are curious how the costume looked like at the beginning and how it looks right now I recommend visiting my DeviantArt profile. Comparison photos are avilable only there due to Cos.Com restrictions.
Awards
Due to the fact that this is only paritally my own work I am not entitled to enter any cosplay competitions. I am enjoying my time as Lightning and trying to focus on delivering the character as good as possible.
My best reward are people's comments and reactions.
Ireland