This is the costume I planned ever since I decided to cosplay as Naeo Tanaka from Otaku No Video.
The Char costume appears twice in both videos (In 1982 during the May Festival, when Tanaka and his otaku group are running their own fanzine booth - called "White Base," oddly enough -- And in More Otaku No Video 1985, towards the end, around 1997, when Tokyo Otakuland opens - Tanaka is 15 years older and sporting short hair, a toothbrush moustache and the proper Char helmet.)
Currently, I've been re-watching my Otaku No Video disc, as well as watching the Mobile Suit Gundam movies to get details on the design of the costume (cape, collar details, insignia on front of cape., etc.) - I think the character of Char Aznable has grown on me somewhat.
The costume is currently being built, hoping to debut at Ani-Magic 2003, or shortly thereafter. Poplin is the primary material for the jacket and pants, which are being modified off of the Simplicity 7274 Civil War uniform patterns, with broadcloth being used for Char's cape, and gold tricot for the design on the front of the cape.
Upgrades since September 2004 include more accurate boot covers and a new mask, constructed out of plastic rather than cardboard, so it'll stand up to humidity a bit better than the first version.)
Version 2.0 upgrades: Cape will be completely redone, and geared toward upgraded presentation for the stage. Dream project: Constructing new belt, incorporating holster, as well as the face mask and the actual helmet - Added to the 2007 list.
United States