TEKKOSHOCON ANIME CONVENTION IN PITTSBURGH. JASMINE YOU COSPLAY, VERSAILLES & MANA, LOLITA FASHION SHOW.
Ever been to an American anime convention? It was the first time for Regi, in my all-girl Visual Kei band.” Here’s Part 1 of her guest post on Tekkoshocon. (All photos by Shiori Saito.)
Pittsburgh was, and still is, considered the “steel city,” and as such the anime convention took the name “Tekkoshocon.” “Tekkosho” means steel mill, and if you can’t figure out what the “con” means…boo on you. The event is considered medium-sized (about 3,500 people attended this year), but seemed endless: the special ops and main event stage were located at opposite ends of a rather long hallway, with dance floors, ninja training and the game room in between.
Shiori and I first saw the Gothic and Lolita fashion show headed by my friend Kara. (Her friend, Erin, makes her own Loli clothes, and Kara purchases hers.) Think you can tell which of these outfits are off-brand and which ones are not? It got very tricky sometimes! The show was accompanied by a lesson on Lolita. Apparently, I am more of an ero-loli. Since I always wear whatever I feel like, I honestly had no idea of my classification!
After, Shiori and I went to explore the various retailers in the Artist Alley, filled with interesting objects from Stuffed Sushi to gorgeous hair pieces (click the pictures above to visit the artists’ websites). In the main retail hall, I was pleased to find a Bodyline booth. For those who don’t know, Bodyline is an affordable Lolita and Cosplay fashion (by Japanese standards). I bought some of their headbands at the giant Osaka store, and have been quite pleased with them. Other vendors had Gundam models, J-rock CDs and posters, and even an elaborate neon sword display.
On day two of the con, Shiori opted for a more professional look, whereas I opted for a punk-Loli-ish style. We heard that Kara would be cosplaying as the late Jasmine You (Versalles bassist), and arrived to find her completely surrounded by people taking photos and wanting to hug her (for actually going through with the cosplay). She was incredibly exhausted — she had gotten home around 2am the night before, and the cosplay took three hours to put on!
I’m sure you recognize this cosplay…
During our wanderings, we encountered some excellent cosplay. My favorite was Lee from Card Captor Sakura (it was so cute!). There was also a Final Fantasy team, complete with Cactuar (or, in Japanese, Sabotender). Also joining the fun was a Hard Gay and, I think, a version of Kamen Rider (I’m not an anime expert, so please excuse any lack of knowledge). It also appeared as though the Joker and Harley Quinn got lost on their way to the Comicon, and the Ghostbusters roared up in an Ecto-5, lights and sirens wailing. We also encountered a few fantastic Lolita and Cyber styles.
One of the highlights was meeting up with my friend DJ Reich — if you attended the convention, or happen to know who he is, good for you! For those who don’t know, I’m going to take a moment and say that I have never had so much fun at a Gothic/industrial event in America when he DJs. Everything from the Cartman version of Poker Face to Combichrist comes spilling out of his turntable, and I highly recommend going to see him. Who knows? Maybe he’ll even do a little Baby One More Time, metal karaoke version, for you!
Since the band interviews were scheduled somewhat strangely, Shiori and I missed several events, such as a Visual Kei Make-up and Hair How-To session and DJ Reich hogging the mic during the karaoke contest. We did, however, make it to the skit and cosplay fashion show. It had some inspired moments, my personal favorite being the Full Metal Alchemist skit where the souls and the bodies got swapped around.
Thank you, Regi and Shiori, for the report! Stay tuned for Part 2, where they interview Suicide Ali… yes siree…
PS: My article about plus-sized shopping in Asia is finally out on CNNGo. I loved hearing your advice and stories. It gives a shout-out to FanPlusFriend, where you can order Gothic Lolita Cosplay outfits for any body size. Also check out my article about the Harvards of Asia and what it takes to get in.
Japanese word of the day: Kira-kira = Sparkle, glitter
Song of the Day: Shinkou Shuukyou Gakudan NoGod – Kakusei (Fab, fun new PV!)
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LA CARMINA
28 Comments
I’d so love to be there ! OwO But I think it’s better that I wasn’t, otherwise those three in Fullmetal Alchemist costumes would have to suffer my need for an autograph. xD
It looked like so much fun. Seems like a friendly crowd too.
Great entry! ACEN was my first convention last month, my first Bodyline order should be in tomorrow, and my first FanPlusFriend piece in another week. Too fricken ironic…
Great timing! I’d love to hear what you think of the Bodyline and FPF orders. :)
Will do. I’m doing a blog write-up this weekend on the Bodyline purchases.
lamo hard gay XD love it
I'd so love to be there ! OwO But I think it's better that I wasn't, otherwise those three in Fullmetal Alchemist costumes would have to suffer my need for an autograph. xD
<3the jasmine you cosplayer is Totally Adorable <3<3
<3 <3
Great entry! ACEN was my first convention last month, my first Bodyline order should be in tomorrow, and my first FanPlusFriend piece in another week. Too fricken ironic…
lamo hard gay XD love it
<3the jasmine you cosplayer is Totally Adorable <3<3
Oh my gosh, LOVE the +size Asia article. I’m moving to Korea next year and have been a bit nervous – I’m not giant, but I’m not a size 2, either. THANK YOU for the hot tips! Colored Pencil is my new favorite site :)
Ooh, will you be in Seoul? My friend visited recently and said it’s full of electricity and young people… you’ll have a an amazing time.
I like what you write! :) its always very interesting!
Oh my gosh, LOVE the +size Asia article. I'm moving to Korea next year and have been a bit nervous – I'm not giant, but I'm not a size 2, either. THANK YOU for the hot tips! Colored Pencil is my new favorite site :)
It looked like so much fun. Seems like a friendly crowd too.
Great timing! I'd love to hear what you think of the Bodyline and FPF orders. :)
<3 <3
Ooh, will you be in Seoul? My friend visited recently and said it's full of electricity and young people… you'll have a an amazing time.
I like what you write! :) its always very interesting!
Hello I am the Girl Naruto in the picture from the Naruto skit. Our group is called FriedRiceWhieRice.
http://f-r-w-r.deviantart.com/
http://friedricewhiterice.deviantart.com/
Thanks for the links! Seems like a fun show!
Will do. I'm doing a blog write-up this weekend on the Bodyline purchases.
Hello I am the Girl Naruto in the picture from the Naruto skit. Our group is called FriedRiceWhieRice.
http://f-r-w-r.deviantart.com/
http://friedricewhiterice.deviantart.com/
Thanks for the links! Seems like a fun show!
La Carmina, I’ve recently become a fan of yours, and I’m actually kind of surprised to see that I’m featured on your blog! XD In the first photo, from the Final Fantasy cosplay shoot, I’m the Reno on the left! :> The Tseng to my left is my friend, Fabio.
It’s just really cool to have only recently discovered you and finding out that I’m on your website. XD Thanks, I guess! 8D
If you’re interested, I have some more cosplays featured here.
http://www.cosplay.com/member/80520/
Ah, no kidding! That’s very cool – and love the cosplays that you do. More Jpop coverage coming right up! <3