By Amanda Moses
KaBlam! Pow! Zing!
New York Comic Con (NYCC) burst through Midtown’s streets like a scene out of a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film from October 6th to October 9th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
It’s been estimated that over 200,000 fans attended the four-day spectacle, including hundreds of artists, exhibitors, panelists, and more. While the panels along with photo-ops and autographs from entertainers and artists are the highlight of the event—not to mention excusive collectables—NYCC is known for its flamboyant cosplay. For some it’s a hobby, but for others it’s a professional lifestyle.
Ayoka glided through the main entrance of NYCC, just outside of the autographic hall, dressed as Princess Tiana from the film The Princess and the Frog. It took her about six weeks to create her satin gown, adorned with flowers from scratch.
“I just love making items. I love making costumes. I’ve been sewing since I was 10 years old and this is the perfect venue for that kind of thing. I try to make something I enjoy watching on TV,” Ayoka said.
“I love Princess Tiana. I made this dress about two Comic Cons ago, but I didn’t like the way it came out, so I made it again. I like this version a little better, so I’m probably going to make it again. I love Princess Tiana and the whole Disney Princess vibe,” Ayoka added, sharing that she plans to mend her dress for next year’s NYCC.
Isadora was also deeply inspired by a Disney film, Moana, but rather than dress as the main protagonist she decided to embody Te Fiti, a goddess who has her heart stolen transforming her from beautiful green creator to a destructive fire antagonist, Te Kā.
“I just love her transformation, how she got her heart stolen from her. That’s what this represents,” Isadora said, pointing at her dress, “Kind of being in the middle of that rage and calm beauty and whatnot. It was really important to me to incorporate both aspects of that character and not one.”
It took Isadora about two weeks to create her Te Fiti costume using curtains, a corset, and ingenuity.
“There are not a lot of spaces where artists can come together with creators. I think this is a really great space to see fashion, art, comics, and different subcultures of alternative interests coming together,” Isadora said.
Photos by Amanda Moses
