In 1984 Rainbow Brite inspired and enchanted a generation of little girls, who grew up to become very talented women. One of those women is Akuriko. What does she do? She makes costumes and goes to conventions where she displays her talents for others to see. In 2009 she let us interview her about herself, and her “Rainbow Brite” inspired costume.
Name: Akuriko
Costume: Rainbow Brite
Website: Cosplay Profile
Click here to read her 2009 interview…
Interview with Akuriko, Rainbow Brite Cosplayer
Tell us about yourself?
Akuriko: Well, I was born in Salt Lake City, UT, and am now currently living in Milwaukee, WI. I’m currently going to school for Music Composition. I’ve been a nerd pretty much all of my life, and like mostly nerdy stuff. Video games have always been a huge part of my life, as well as cartoons. I have a bunch of hobbies, including playing multiple musical instruments, drawing, painting, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. I’ve been sewing for seven years now, and even though it’s not a field I want to enter professionally, I enjoy it thoroughly, and wish to better my skill whenever I get the chance. ^ ^
Do you make costumes as a profession?
Akuriko: Not quite professional, as I’m mostly self-taught. It’s more of a hobby for me.
How long have you made costumes?
Akuriko: I first attempted making a costume 8 years ago, before I even learned to sew (haha). I failed miserably that time, but it inspired me to take sewing classes the following year. After a few years of making formal dresses and EGL clothing, I tried my hand at making costumes again, and have been mostly successful since. ^ ^ I’ve given another shot at making the costume I tried to make 8 years ago. I’ll be debuting it at the end of next month. ^ ^
Do you have a favorite?
Akuriko: It’s hard to choose a favorite, as there are aspects of each costume that I love. But if I had to choose, I’d have to say it would be a tie between Rainbow Brite and Vampire Princess Miyu.
Do you have a special place in your heart for “Rainbow Brite?
Akuriko: I do indeed! She was the very first cartoon character I ever looked up to. Me and my sister often watched it together. She had the doll, and I was jealous. XD More girls should be able to watch Rainbow Brite. I’m currently trying to figure out a way to force it onto my boyfriend’s 3 year old sister. XD
Favorite episode or quote you would like to share?
Akuriko: My favorite episode(s) were definitely “Beginning of Rainbowland”. I still get teary at the end. XD “Rainbow Night” is another favorite. It’s hard for me to pick just one favorite quote. ^ ^;
Why did you decide to create a “Rainbow Brite” costume?
Akuriko: I was trying to decide on a Halloween costume for 2007, when I saw the “Starburst Girl” costume sitting on the clearance shelf at the costume shop. I instantly remembered how much I loved RB as a kid, and was actually considering buying it. But then I noticed that it didn’t really look like RB’s costume at all (I raged a little, hehe), and that was when I decided that I needed to make that costume. As true to the original as I could, to do my childhood hero justice. ^ ^
Did you ever do so as a child?
Akuriko: As much as I was into dress-up, my family couldn’t really afford store-bought costumes, so my mom usually made our Halloween costumes from scratch. She never had time to make any really complicated costumes, so I was mostly stuck with “mouse,” “tooth fairy,” and “Indian princess” lol. However, I did once try to make a Princess Jasmine costume out of paper when I was 8. XD
What is your favorite part of the costume?
Akuriko: Probably the wig. It’s so bubbly and happy just like Rainbow. 😀
What was the most difficult?
Akuriko: Definitely the wig. XD I slaved for HOURS trying to get it up in that high ponytail, haha! But it was worth it!
What kind of fabric did you use?
Akuriko: For the majority of the dress, I used a high-quality blue acetate (reminded me of the doll ^ ^ ). For the sleeves and shoes, I used cotton Lycra stuffed with polyfil.
How much of the costume is store bought, and how much is hand made?
Akuriko: I’d say 98% of the costume is hand-made. The other 2% would be the base shoes I used for the boots.
Did you use a pattern? If so, what patterns?
Akuriko: I did use a pattern, however, it was a pattern I drafted myself. ^ ^; I swore off commercial patterns around my second year of sewing.
How much would you say the costume cost in all?
Akuriko: Probably just under $200.
Is it comfortable to wear?
Akuriko: It is really comfortable for the most part. ^ ^ The shoes can be a little heavy at times.
Is it difficult to clean?
Akuriko: Nothing a little dry cleaning can’t handle. I normally just do spot cleaning for it, though. ^ ^
Content © RainbowBrite.Co.Uk/.Co/.Us 2009