EVERYONE LOVED IT! It was such a new experience being complimented so much and feeling so appreciated. We didn’t travel far in our costumes because we were stopped everywhere! It was both awesome and harrowing at the same time. At one point I kept telling people to stop complimenting because I was going to cry, which of course lead my friends to scream out for me to get complimented more. I feel bad for my mascara.
I was speaking to a friend after the Black Panther movie came out and realized how good Sailor Pluto would be (since she’s originally black in in the manga) as a dora milaje. I then thought of dressing my friends and I kind of exploded from there.
Each costume consists of a body suit, an asymmetrical skirt made from authentic kente prints, a sailor fuku style neck cover with matching kente prints and and Bows for the front and back made from complimentary kente fabrics. I did not sleep for 36 hours making all four costumes but, to be fair I made my friends help out nearing the end with last minute gluing. Each scout was also given a tabard that I hand glued the beads to. I made buckles from foam and the staffs are a combination of insulation foam, rope, gemstones, and time. I completed the outfits with pleather belts and lots of bracelets.
Cosplay has become a therapeutic outlet for myself. I work in a social services field that can be very difficult on the heart and mind, so my ability to disappear in creating a new costume has saved my life more times than I care to admit. I create because it makes me happy, If one person recognizes my work, I consider it a job well sewed. I am not a model, I am not a designer, I am a cosplayer.
My best friends are beautiful and awesome creatures. They were there for me when I thought I couldn’t make it, they were there to help me calm down when I was panicking, they were there when I couldn’t be there. I honestly don’t know what I would do, who I would be, without them supporting me 100%. I am truly grateful to Kittrell, Lauren & Lizzette. They really are my Sailor Milaje.
—- https://www.instagram.com/leafayecosplay/
https://www.instagram.com/leafayecosplay/
https://www.instagram.com/queen__kaybee/
https://www.instagram.com/darlinglauren33/
https://www.instagram.com/sailorxtasy/
https://www.instagram.com/sfdesign21/
https://www.instagram.com/legendofmicah/