Cosplay Lab Meets the Judges at Fanime 2007

Cosplay Lab met up with two of the judges from Fanime's Sunday night masquerade - Sionna Neidengard (aka Hoshikage) and Elena Montalto (aka Anele). We had fun interviewing them, and hope you enjoy meeting them, too.

So how did you two get into cosplay?

Sionna got her start at Anime Expo 1995. She and her friend were admiring all the costumes going by, and Sionna commented on all the beautiful outfits. Her friend said, “Well, let’s make them!” Armor and props were Sionna’s first labors of love, then she branched out into sewing, then jewelry. She hasn’t looked back since!
 
Elena’s cosplay road is shorter at the moment – she got into it at Anime Expo 2003. She’s always been a gamer and tomboy, so she chose to cosplay Irvine from Final Fantasy VIII as her first costume. Since then, it’s been fun and more fun!

How did you get into judging?

Sionna received a Best in Show award at Anime Expo New York 2002, which stimulated her interest even more in construction and techniques. 2004 was her first judging!

For Elena, Fanime07  was her first, and she enjoyed every moment of it! She had contacted the masquerade coordinator and offered her services as judge, in case they needed more. The coordinator accepted Elena’s offer, and off she went.

Overall, what do you look for in craftsmanship judging?

Sionna says that every judge is different. Some specialize in tailoring, so they look for that; some are into the mechanical and/or technical sides of things. Sionna herself goes for attention to detail in wigs, hems, etc, and also looks for consistent construction. For example, someone has built an exquisite gown, but neglected to hem properly. That’ll get a ding.

Elena looked more at armor and props for her first judging, as that’s what she’s more comfortable studying. She also looks at construction techniques, overall fit, and finds her focus to be similar to Sionna’s. Durability and (if necessary) consistency with references are important, too.  For both women, they also examine if the costume fits the body type, and did they adapt it well.

And they both had a great time!