Interview with ParnsAngel, Rainbow Brite “Lolita” Cosplayer

1: Tell us about yourself?

ParnsAngel: I’m a Midwestern girl, but I’ve been living in the south for the past 3 years due to various job opportunities (the most recent being a Wardrobe Assistant for the newest Miley Cyrus film, “The Last Song”). The warm weather is great, but I miss the snow! I’ve been into cosplay since high school and I absolutely LOVE sewing! When I’m not sewing things I like to dabble in jewelry-making or something else equally creative. My dream is to sew costumes for movies, but if I could buy all the fabric I want and stay home and sew pretty things all day, I’d do it! I’m also a bit of a crazy cat-lady. I only have 2 now, but that number is sure to grow…..

2: Where are you from?

ParnsAngel: Originally Bettendorf, IA, but I’ve lived in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia since!

3: Did you grow up watching Rainbow Brite, the TV show, or were you impressed by the movie?

ParnsAngel: I grew up watching both Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake! Oh, 80s!

4: You created a “Lolita” style dress for Rainbow Brite. How would you describe the “Lolita” style?

ParnsAngel: “Lolita” can be described in many ways with many subcategories, generally involving a sort of Victorian style with lace, short skirts and petticoats, but the style I made mine in is more of a “Sweet Lolita,” categorized by floofy skirts, sweet colors and lots of ruffles! I had a feeling if Rainbow Brite were to enter this world, she would be totally happy and sweet, and I tried to capture that in this costume! (and seeing as the first 4 hours I wore this costume I couldn’t stop jumping and skipping around, I think it worked!)

5: Do you dress in this fashion often?

ParnsAngel: I wish! I eye certain Lolita-fashion websites from time to time, but I’m just not gutsy enough to wear it around in everyday life!

6: What is your favorite costume you have created?

ParnsAngel: It’s so hard to decide! I love all of mine for different reasons. But I have worn Rainbow Brite for about…4 or 5 Halloweens in a row, so that gives you a good idea of how much I love it! Its great when people recognize what it is, too. Everyone loves the Brite!

7: For the Rainbow Brite Costume: Is it handmade? Or did you use store bought items, boots, etc?

ParnsAngel: I made everything on this costume except for the shoes. And even those I painted red! The only store-bought part is the Sprites I got from eBay. All from the 80s! 3 big sprites and about 5 little ones from Taco Bell that squeak when you shake them. They’re so cute!!!!

8: What materials did you use to create your costume?

ParnsAngel: Mostly cotton! Bright colors and easy to work with. A little problem when storing, though…ironing this costume is a beast! The rainbow on her belt is made from felt, and I have rubbery rainbow bracelets on each wrist….put on in order of the rainbow!

9: Where did you wear this costume?

ParnsAngel: Wizard World Chicago 2004, a few fashion shows, and then many many many Halloweens since 🙂

10: Were you recognized?

ParnsAngel: Yes! A parent even pointed me out to their toddler. I dont think they understood what I was, but they loved the colors! It was then that I wished I had one of the smaller sprites with me, I wanted to give it to the kid and help jump-start their Brite love!

11: What is your favorite part of the costume?

ParnsAngel: The bright colors, but most of all the full skirt and the FLOOF! I love bouncing around in it!

12: What was the most difficult?

ParnsAngel: You cant see in any of the pictures, but the back is lace-up, with TONS of eyelets in it! Those were difficult to put in, because there are so many! It looks neat though, and it means this costume will fit me no matter how many marshmallows and gummie bears I eat!

13: Is it comfortable to wear?

ParnsAngel: This costume is SO comfy to wear! Sometimes whoever is lacing me up cinches the belt a bit too tight, but other than that I could wear this all day and not have a problem. The cotton is soft and the floof is so fun!

14: Is it difficult to clean?

ParnsAngel: Yes, this is a bit of a trick to clean! I handwash it gently then hang it up to dry, and then comes the tedious ironing part!

15: Do you have this costume still?

ParnsAngel: Sure do! Almost wore it for Halloween this year again, but decided to dig out another oldie 🙂

16: If you could make the costume again, what changes would you make?

ParnsAngel: I’d probably just put in a zipper up the back, for ease in getting in to (I need my own personal helper to tie me into all the lace-up details!). Id probably still leave the eyelets in the belt for cinching, though. Other than that….MORE FLOOF!!!

17: Have you seen the “new” Rainbow Brite Designs?

ParnsAngel: Yes, unfortunately…..

18: Would you consider attempting this style?

ParnsAngel: No, they seems a bit too generic! Rainbow Brite is happy and colorful and fun! Those designs have like…2 colors and rainbow boots. I think they need to try harder 🙂

19: What is another character from Rainbow Brite you would consider dressing as?

ParnsAngel: I love LaLa Orange’s design! I already started some sketches, but we’ll see if I can get the time to do it someday 🙂

I thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, and have a Happy Halloween.

Content © RainbowBrite.Co/Co.Uk/.Us 2009

ParnsAngel’s Images used with permission