What got you into cosplay? Tell us about your first convention.

What got me into cosplay was the wish to put myself into my favorite characters' shoes, and that drove me to learn to sew. My first experience was Lucca Comics 1999 (Toscana, Italy). The character that I interpreted, Arslan Senki, wasn't very well-known, and only a few people recognized it. When others asked who I was interpreting, I took advantage to advertise the anime series. It was a nice experience that inspired me to make other costumes.

What is it about dressing in costumes that you like?

I love getting compliments for my work, to be photographed and maybe appear in magazines. That makes me feel a bit like an idol.

If you could design a costume to appear in an anime series, what would it be?

It would definitely be an angelic character, with plumed wings and very long fair hair. The costume would primarily be white with seed-pearls and voiles... hmm... Did I go too far?

What would you do to improve cosplay contests?

In my opinion sometimes the judges aren't impartial, and perhaps they could be more qualified. The contests need more specific categories. Contests should also occur at a convenient time, especially for those of us who live far from the event.

How do you decide which anime characters to portray?

In the beginning I made the costumes of the characters I like, then I started to choose the characters by the costume.

If you could spend only 1 week in Japan, what would you do there?

I would definitely do a lot of shopping (my poor wallet!). Then I would visit some Buddhist temples, the Tokyo Tower, the beautiful avenues of cherry-trees in bloom and after that I would find some places from famous manga. Maybe I could count how many steps there really were in Kimagure Orange Road.

Where does your inspiration in life come from?

I don't really get inspiration from the people around me. I've always found a way to face the difficulties in life by myself. I love fantasy films with extraordinary production teams. I admire the staff who work with a lot of zeal (scriptwriters, costume-designers, special effects artists, stage designers, etc.), whose work is often diminished by the work of the actors.

What will you be when you grow up?

Like Casey in a recent spotlight interview said, I think I've already grown up. Even if having a job that isn't exactly the best, I keep my dreams alive to become a good Mangaka or a costume-designer for a film set.

If money were unlimited, what is the ultimate costume you would make?

This is really a tough question. After thinking a little I can say that I would make Lulu of Final Fantasy X. A costume that I would never make is the Chocolate Misu's one (manga version) of Bakuretsu Hunter. "Maybe" it's a bit too hot for me.

What sewing secrets have you learned?

I've learned that if you want to cosplay you don't only need cloth. For example, when I made the hat of Mimi Tachikawa of Digimon, I first had to make it on paper to get the measurements then I used it like a mold for cutting the cardboard and cloth.

Marika your enthusiasm for getting into character is inspiring people in Italy and around the globe. We're honored to feature you as our first international cosplayer! You have tons of great costumes and a growing list of awards - so we are excited about the costumes you're planning for the future. Good luck in all you do.

See more of Marika's costumes

Garry aka Prof.Tomoe