Anime Chicago » Cosplay

SoyCon 3

Jamie Sanchez — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:17:49 +0000

Pull your cosplay out of storage this summer and attend SoyCon! The two-day cosplay gathering is scheduled for the weekend of July 10th and 11th, with an unofficial kick off on Friday at North Avenue Beach. Day One’s voyage around popular landmarks in downtown Chicago will offer plenty of photo opportunities and staged scenarios. Day Two is dedicated to an all-day picnic in Schaumburg where the masquerade, talent show and closing ceremonies are scheduled. It’s a PG-13 crowd with some mature overtones here and there; parental supervision is required for attendees under the age of 13. Learn more and print out your registration form for free registration at SoyCon.com.

The Cosplay Subculture

Jamie Sanchez — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:33:21 +0000

Join Asian American Studies and the Japanese Media Appreciation Club of DePaul on Thursday, January 21st for The Cosplay Subculture, a discussion on the world of cosplay and how it relates to anime fans and artists. This free panel is hosted by Ann Marie Chua Lee, award-winning cosplayer and co-owner of RedStar Costumes and Clothing. It starts at 6pm, ending at 8pm at the DePaul University Student Center (2250 N. Sheffield, Chicago), Room 325.

Wigs Plus

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:52:34 +0000

Looking for the right wig for your cosplay? Wigs & Plus (1221 N Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park) has a variety of colors and styles to choose from, and the staff is very knowledgeable about what’s in stock. The average shoulder-length piece is around $40, but it beats buying a product of unknown quality online. This store is among others in what I dub as the Wig Store Triangle located right off the Milwaukee Blue Line stop. Chances are if you can’t find what you need here, the two others up the street can provide more insight into the right wig for you.

Ginza Festival 2009

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:45:04 +0000

For the last 54 years, the Midwest Buddhist Temple hosts a fundraiser festival to share a bit of Japanese culture with Old Town residents. Ginza Fest is packed with stage performances such as Taiko and traditional dance, vendors, information on cultural hobbies and the best Chicken Teriyaki in town. This year’s guests of honor include the Waza (four master craftspeople from Japan) and Saturday’s performers, Yoko Noge and the Jazz Me Blues Band. They’re encouraging cosplay this year and there’s a nice atmosphere to the place, so you may want to arrange a group. Ginza Fest will be celebrated the weekend of August 7th through the 9th at 435 W. Menomonee Street. Visit GinzaChicago.com for the full schedule.

Ping Tom Park

Jamie Sanchez — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:57:01 +0000

Ping Tom Park, situated on the river at the north end of Chinatown at 300 W. 19th St., is a great place to unwind and enjoy a secluded area, but is still easily accessible from downtown Chicago. This also makes it a great place for a group photoshoot! After the five minute hike from the Red Line stop, you’ll find train tracks, a playground, a couple of baseball fields, great views of the river and downtown, as well as the amazing gazebo pictured above. And if you’re looking for a traditional Japanese setting for your photoshoot, check out Osaka Gardens.

Osaka Gardens

Jamie Sanchez — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:25:00 +0000

If you happen to have an awesome cosplay and some awesome friends and an awesome camera, take all three on an outing to Osaka Gardens. Built in Hyde Park shortly after the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, this Japanese-style park offers a rock waterfall, small pavilion, moon bridge (pictured above), colorful spring blossoms and year-round access. With the location just south of the Museum of Science and Industry at 6401 S. Stony Island Avenue, it’s a bit isolated from shopping and eateries, but for you bento lovers, it’s a great place for an awesome picnic!

Learn more about Osaka Gardens at the Chicago Park District’s website or at HydePark.org.

Fantasy Costumes

Jamie Sanchez — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:44:21 +0000

This amazingly large store in Portage Park is open year around for any kind of costume need. The props and bagged costumes are a bit janky, but the makeup, fake appendage, mask and wig selections are worth the trip. Knowledgeable staff members are ready to answer any question. Be prepared to spend some time wondering (4065 N. Milwaukee, Chicago), or save some time and peruse their online inventory: fantasycostumes.com

Beadnik’s

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:10:35 +0000

If you’re searching for the perfect beads to finish off a detailed cosplay accessory, stop by Beadnik’s at 1937 W. Division. This shop, inspired by Eastern culture and the love of crafting, has hundreds of options with every kind of bead, string, and clasp you can imagine. The staff is very knowledgeble and they offer frequent classes to teach with hands on experience. And to those cosplaying monks and priestesses, they have an excellent selection of prayer beads!

Soutache

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:33:26 +0000

Soutache, a quaint notion store teeming with creative ideas, is the place to go in the Bucktown area for all of your button, ribbon and feather embelishments to polish off your top-notch cosplay. Owner Maili Powell personally greeted my friend and I, chatted about the hand-embroidery commission she was working on, and invited us to dig through drawers and inspect the quality of her products. The location is pretty far North from the Blue Line on Damen, but if you’re into accuracy and a personal shopping experience, it’s worth the bus ride.

ChuChuChu Super Dance

Jamie Sanchez — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:19:04 +0000

Chicago Suicide Club, an underground community that promotes a love of life, is hosting CHU*CHU*CHU on November 28th at 9pm-2am at Darkroom: 2210 W. Chicago. This second Super Dance Party celebrates the J-Pop genre and anyone attending in cosplay or arriving before 11pm will avoid the $5 cover charge. DJ Jappie Geoff, Le Sprite will be spinning until 2am. RSVP at chicagosuicideclub.com/jpop. 21+