USA 🇺🇸
Your nickname and age:
Alie: Alie, 24 years old.
SkyPirate and Paragon: we are Wig-Wig Cosplay. SkyPirate is 27 and Paragon is 31.
How did you discover cosplay and what made you start in this hobby? How long ago?
A: I first found out what cosplay was when I went to my first convention in 2012. I started making costumes in 2016 after watching some super talented cosplayers compete in contests. I was inspired!
S: I started cosplaying over 10 years ago back in high school when my friends wanted to attend a con. So I made us costumes and we drove 8 hours to the convention and I’ve been hooked ever since!
P: I learned about cosplay through the anime club at my college, around 12 years ago. I started attending cons with friends and participated in large cosplay groups.
How did you choose your project for the ICL preselection? Is this your first time joining an international cosplay competition?
A: I chose Aloy from Horizon: Zero Dawn as my preselection costume because I am obsessed with her. Ever since I started playing that game, I couldn’t get her out of my head. She’s all I ever think about. I NEEDED to make the costume, it wasn’t a choice. Aloy controls my life. Yes, this is my first time joining an international competition! I have only been making costumes for a few years so I am excited to make some new friends who know more about all this stuff than I do!
S&P: This is our first time participating in an international competition and we are incredibly excited! We chose the Huntsman and Third Fleet Master from Monster Hunter World as it was a game we both enjoyed and had two characters we really connected with. Their outfits allowed us to grow in our skills and show off our individual talents as well as assist each other to bring the costumes together. They were the perfect choice to show how we create and build as team.
What does cosplay mean for you? And what is your favorite part of the hobby?
A: For me, cosplay is a path to self-confidence. Ironically, I feel more like myself when I am dressed up as someone else. My favorite part of cosplay is actually making the costumes; When I finish one, I can’t wait to start the next!
S: Cosplay is a means of expression for me. I have learned so many skills that I would not have otherwise and it has also given us the chance to make friends and travel. I joke with my family that cosplay is my life style, but it really is! I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
P: Cosplay is a social activity for me. We’ve made a huge number of friends while attending and competing at conventions, and those friendships are very dear to me. It’s also fulfilling to learn and improve, making each cosplay better than the last.
What do you expect from your visit to Spain? Is this your first time visiting the country?
A: This is my first time visiting Spain and I expect to be very overwhelmed. I have been told to have high expectations for the food!
S&P: This will be our first time to Spain! We are both avid travelers and love to meet new people so we expect that this will be amazing opportunity to make lasting connections with cosplayers from around the world as well as partake in fantastic food and culture!
Have you decided your project for the finals in Madrid? Can you give us a clue?
A: Well, I still can’t stop thinking about Aloy, so Aloy it is! There are so many things I want to improve on in her costume: all new underclothes, game accurate undershirt, game accurate leather pants, new wig, new moccasin lining, new blue piping necklace, a leg belt… the list goes on. I know a lot of people will be making new costumes, but I feel like my Aloy has so much more room yet to grow! I can’t rest until she’s the best I can make her.
S&P: We will be bringing our Monster Hunter set from the prelims with plenty of updates. We really wanted to present our very best, and we feel these outfits embody that.
Describe the cosplay community in your country using five words.
A: Inclusive, progressive, safe, talented, and fun!
S&P: Blossoming with opportunities for crafters.
Alie ( Lavender Cemetery Cosplay) | SkyPirate & Paragon (Wig-Wig Cosplay)
