France 🇫🇷

AmeKumi (solo): Hey, I’m Rachel, also known as AmeKumi. I just turned 30.

This is my first time participating in an international competition, and I’m really excited! In everyday life, I love to travel and explore new horizons. I’m not alone on a daily basis — I share my life with an adorable little cat named Bretzelle.

Ayun (duo): Hi, I’m Ayun and I’ll be here to represent France. I’m 29 years old and have been doing cosplay for 13 years already! My main job is a web developer, but I also do some professional cosplay gigs for video games. I also really like bunnies (I have two) and plants!

Lanivia (duo): Hello, I’m Lanivia and I’m the other French duo representative ! I’m turning 30 years old this year, and I’m working on communication / marketing, actually for an anime company. I love RPGs and gacha games, anime, and my pets, 2 cats and a fluffy corgi!

How did you discover cosplay and what made you start in this hobby? How long ago?

AmeKumi (solo): I discovered cosplay quite some time ago… it’s been 10 years this year. I remember it clearly — it was at Japan Expo in Paris. I saw cosplayers in the aisles and immediately wanted to wear and embody my favorite characters too.

Ayun (duo): I discovered cosplay in 2012, while browsing Google Images. I thought everyone was so beautiful and I really liked mangas at that time so wanted to try it too. My grandmother helped me sew my first costumes and I never stopped.

Lanivia (duo): I started going to cons at 16 years old but waited a few years before doing my own cosplays, in 2014. I’ve done musical recitals, theater classes and modeling for some years, and mixing my love for the stage with my favorite characters became natural at some point!

What does cosplay mean for you? And what is your favorite part of the hobby?

AmeKumi (solo): For me, cosplay is above all about sharing and meeting people. Beyond that, it’s a lot of creativity and daily learning. My favorite part is probably the research phase for materials.

Ayun (duo): It means a lot. It’s been in my life for almost half of it and made me experience many things, along with meeting some of my closest friends. What I prefer is sewing! It can be frustrating but making a full garment alone is sooo rewarding!

Lanivia (duo): Being part of the cosplay community has changed a lot of things for me ! I’ve met my closest friends thanks to this hobby, and gained confidence in my handmade skills. I love writing cosplay skits and perform them with friends on stage, it’s always such cool moments, and very rewarding after hours of craft

What changes do you see in the cosplay community in your country compared to when you started?

AmeKumi (solo): It’s easier now to find raw materials, and the internet is full of tutorials that didn’t exist 10 years ago. Social media as well — it’s much easier to stay in touch or discover talents from all over the world.

Ayun & Lanivia (duo): It changed a lot! We guess it’s the same in every country but with the arrival of cosplay stores and covid-19, We feel like there’s many more people doing cosplay than before, but in various ways.

Why did you choose that project for the ICL national selection? Have you already decided on your finals project for Madrid? Can you give us a hint?

AmeKumi (solo): For my selection, I chose an illustration by Sakizo. I absolutely love Sakizo. The story behind this cosplay is that I had just finished a major French cosplay competition, and I wanted to create a costume just for fun, while using up as much of my fabric and haberdashery stash as possible. And this design checked all the boxes. It’s my “comfort costume” after a competition to avoid the post-event blues.For my final costume, I stayed true to what I love doing… Spoiler: fabric and embroidery are key elements. Plus, the character I chose means a lot to me personally. I wanted my final costume to reflect what I love to create.

Ayun & Lanivia (duo): We’ve been Vocaloid fans for years, and started playing Project Sekai, a rhythm mobile game with Vocaloid characters 2 years ago. We fell in love with the circus themed unit, and all the possibilities they offer with their outfits, so we decided to challenge ourselves with the cosplays and our idea, to do a magic trick on stage ! 

For our finals project, we already revealed them on our socials and are sharing Work In Progress regularly. We will cosplay Nikki & Giovanni from the game Infinity Nikki!

Is this your first time competing in an international cosplay competition? What advice would you give to someone who wants to start cosplaying or join competitions?

AmeKumi (solo): This is my first international competition, but not my first major one. My advice: don’t forget why we do this. Cosplay is a passion — and even if stress is part of it, it should always be about enjoyment.

Ayun & Lanivia (duo): Yes, it’s our first time! We’ve been on stage a lot before and even tried ICL selections three years ago but only placed second so we’re really excited to be here this time! Our advice would be to choose a costume you love since you’re going to spend hours and even days making it~ and of course have fun!

What has been your most memorable cosplay experience so far?

AmeKumi (solo): My best cosplay experience so far has been the French Cosplay Cup! 27 participants from all over France, each selected to represent their region. It was a human experience I’ll never forget. It felt like a summer camp with friends, all sharing the same passion.

Ayun (duo): I had the chance to work with Genshin Impact a few times and I was once asked to make Charlotte’s costume for an official exhibition about Fontaine. It was super strange to see my baby along with other beautiful pieces of art! But I think the ICL finals are going to be super memorable too, can’t wait!!

Lanivia (duo): I went on stage twice during Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival at Paris and London, and had the opportunity to showcase my love for one of my favorite characters, and met the director of the game, Naoki Yoshida. Meeting him and so many Final Fantasy cosplayers and fans was a dream come true!

What inspires your work the most—series, characters, craftsmanship, other artists…?

AmeKumi (solo): I love the fantasy/imaginary/fairytale universe. I enjoy mixing it with historical and medieval influences whenever I can. That includes Sakizo, Game of Thrones, Disney villains, fairies, and Zelda. I have a huge passion for elves.

Ayun (duo): I have two ways of choosing my cosplans : groups with friends or specific techniques on them. Seeing what others do, following cosmakers, professional seamstresses, etc, makes me want to try them.

Lanivia (duo): I’m mostly inspired to work when I’m hyperfixating on something, like a game or show! Also, I’m the best at convincing my friends to follow me 😉

What do you expect from your visit to Spain? Is this your first time visiting the country? 

AmeKumi (solo): It will be my first time in Madrid, but not in Spain. What I’m hoping for this weekend are new encounters — being able to connect with the other participants and discover their worlds. I want to see how they perceive and practice cosplay. I’m very curious.

Ayun (duo): Despite living near Spain, I only went to the border (Lloret De Mar). Other cities have been in my to-visit list but I didn’t get the time yet! I already said it but I’m super excited to come here and see Madrid!

Lanivia (duo): I’ve been living near Spain for years, and I had the chance to visit various places and areas, my favorite memory being Andalucía. But I never visited Madrid, and I can’t wait to see it!

Describe the cosplay community in your country using five words.

AmeKumi (solo): Sharing, friendship, rush, fun, laughter.

Ayun & Lanivia (duo): “We say Chocolatine not painauchocolat”

Link to your Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter (add other social media if relevant):

AmeKumi (solo):

Fb: https://www.facebook.com/AmeKumi/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/amekumi_cosplay/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amekumi_cosplay

Ayun (duo): https://www.instagram.com/ayun.cos/

Lanivia (duo): https://www.instagram.com/lanivia.cos/

AmeKuni, Ayun and Lanivia were selected at TGS.